Biography
“Jason Tom is from another planet! He is the Michael Jordan of beatboxing! The Human Beatbox Machine!” - Allan Silva
On November 21, 1982, Jason Tom, Hawai’i's freelance Human Beatbox and TEDx presenter, was born at Kapi’olani Medical Center. It's not every guy who gets mistaken for a boombox. He's collaborated with artists Tom Thum, John Cruz, Jake Shimabukuro, and Imua Garza, and opened shows for Michael Winslow, Blue Scholars, Quest Crew, the Jabbawockeez, Reeps One, and Mike Love. He quickly has become an artist to watch with his high-energy performances.
In 1989, Jason Tom was a Liholiho Warrior who began beatboxing behind closed doors after he'd watched "Moonwalker" in class, and at family gatherings. He failed first grade, and was transfered as a Kauluwela Tiger Cub where he got nicknamed Superman in P.E. class for his speed. He cultivated his comic book publishing skills, and musically his beatboxing with Michael Jackson's Dangerous album. He attended then dropped out of Sun Yat-sen Chinese School due to multiple failures at first grade.
As a Kawananakoa Ali’i Warrior, he got suspended for winning against a Goliath who provoked him, but it was Charlie and Lucy Wedemeyer's story in Charlie's Victory that helped him later to flip the script.
Jason Tom was a two-year McKinley Tiger letterman in soccer and judo. He was known as Spider-Man on McKinley's judo team. Tom furthered his beatboxing music skills with Michael Jackson's Hisory, and Blood on the Dance Floor albums. This beatboxer of the decade is McDonald's top 3 NextNext music artist, Beatbox Battle TV's top 150 men, Hawai’i Scene Choice Awards' Best Solo Performer, Honolulu Weekly's Best Local Musician Deserving of a Wider Audience, and McKinley Soccer's Mr. Hustle Award winner.
After being struck by a SUV at the age of 21, Jason Tom was hit with the realization of what he was doing with his life. The female driver rendered help and she prayed for him. ER doctor informed his family that it's a miracle he survived, and that it was a close call. Though not fatal, it was a wakeup call for Tom to pursue a career he is passionate about, beatboxing. He now perpetuates the art of vocal percussion to 5.6 million households.
We could be witnessing the Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly of beatboxing. Jason Tom's rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" is a spectacle of showmanship. From the first drum and snare beats, the song is recognizable, and you wonder how so many sounds could be coming from one person's mouth. Add to this Jason Tom's signature Michael Jackson moves, from the hip thrust to the hand jive. He glides across the floor in a smooth moonwalk, a move that gets enthusiastic approval from audiences.
Jason Tom's unusual talent won a perfect score from all the judges during Pipeline Hawai’i's Got Talent competition and secured him a place in the final. (He ultimately placed fourth overall.) He's a four-time HawaiiSlam top 12 performance poet, Word of Life Emerge Talent Show grand finalist, and four-time top 6 student winner of the Kapi’olani Community College Talent Show.
Jason Tom is a walking, talking instrument; an energetic combination of drums, snare, vocals and synthesizer, all replicated using his voice. His urban sound comes from years lived in Downtown Honolulu and San Francisco. He also pulls from his New York and Beijing experiences.
Jason Tom is a Phi Theta Kappa alum of University of Hawai’i at Kapi’olani, and Freeman Foundation Scholar of Beijing Foreign Studies University. He's completed courses at Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, and Honolulu Community College. Tom discontinued due to asthma attacks. He then pursued his music business and entertainment career further. An undeniable math geek, Tom's prospecting the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa's College of Education, and Department of Mathematics. He coaches math students and beatboxes while he works.
CHINESE NAME
Jason Tom's Chinese name 譚志豪 is translated as "will," "many aspirations," and "man of outstanding talent." And he exudes that as a Nā Hōkū Hanohano hip hop award nominated beatboxer, Best of Honolulu Weekly's local musician, voice actor, moonwalker, blogger, and math coach.
TURNING POINT COLLISION
In 2004, Jason Tom returned to the University of Hawaiʻi at Kapiʻolani, and pursued his beatboxing career when he came back to consciousness after he collided with a SUV. As a pedestrian on a marked crosswalk, he judo sprawled, shouted upon SUV impact, and judo broke his fall on wet asphalt. Driver rendered help, and she prayed for him. Ambulance took Tom to Queen's Medical Center. Grateful for a second chance, but more like a seventh opportunity at life.
EARLY YEARS
1989, Jason Tom, as a Liholiho Elementary Warrior, began beatboxing behind closed doors after he'd watched "Moonwalker" in class, and at family gatherings. He failed first grade, and was then raised as a Kauluwela Elementary Tiger Cub where he got nicknamed "Superman" by a classmate. He further cultivated his beatboxing, and comic book publishing skills. He attended then dropped out of Sun Yat-sen Chinese School as he could not get beyond the first grade there.
Jason Tom pushed through teenage angst as a Kawananakoa Middle Warrior. He shifted gradually away from his artistic endeavors as a comic book artist, and lettered two years in athletics on the McKinley High School Tigers' varsity soccer and judo. He was nicknamed "Spider-Man" for his uncanny grip-fighting style by judo coach Clinton "Tubby" Sunada.
Chaminade Silversword Newspaper named Jason Tom as Hawai’i's King of Beatbox, Jody Kamisato refer him as Hawai’i's Human Beatbox, and basketball coach Allan Silva call him the Human Beatbox Machine! He's presented at the Chevron Speech Festival, Hawai’i Children and Youth Day, and has performed for middle- and high school students on the American Lung Association in Hawaiʻi's Music With A Message tour.
With Prisma Dance, Jason Tom is the beatbox specialty artist for the Creation production, and together they've presented showcases at Ala Moana Centerstage, U.S.VETS, Shriners Hospital, Celebrate Kalihi, and Harvest Celebration at Kalihi Union Church!
“Jason Tom is an incredible talent. If you can make it to his gigs, please do so. He will blow you away. ” — Traci Toguchi
Jason's completed a Now We Collide music project in Sydney, Australia with a to be announced release date. He's now preparing for the Hawaii Children And Youth Day and Prisma Dance's Creation production this 2020.
Special Features
by Kamehameha Schools
https://youtu.be/xbX8Ab4lWnU
TEDx Honolulu It's About Time Conference Jason Tom "Vocal Groove"
by TEDx Talks
https://youtu.be/oIwt_1u7pmw
Jason Tom King of Pop Jam: Michael Jackson Medley
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/iACtBch0cjw
Jason Tom Child of the 80s
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/go-_95S1SC0
Jason Tom Tic Tac Toe Song
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/2JN48jMebc4
Jason Tom Pink Panther
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/3-jT_6MeZVg
Jason Tom from Hawaii
by Beatbox Battle TV
https://youtu.be/_dUX70HAEUo
Do What You Love Series: Jason Tom Human Beatbox
by Art And Flea TV
https://youtu.be/nOhmoCc6B5o
Jason Tom Human Beatbox
by Metromix Honolulu Video Cover Story
https://youtu.be/Zphs-ERAl74
Jason Tom RAW
by RAWartists Media
https://youtu.be/i_rMgnyiIGk
Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox
by University of Hawaiʻi Alumni
https://uhalumni.org/kapiolani/story/hawaiis-human-beatbox
The Freeman Foundation Scholarship - Jason Tom
by University of Hawaiʻi Foundation
https://www.uhfoundation.org/news/video/freeman-foundation-scholarship-jason-tom
Kapiʻolani CC alum stays on beat spreading message of perseverance
by Kapiʻolani Ching, University of Hawaiʻi News
https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2018/12/13/kapiolani-cc-human-beatbox/
KCC Alumnus Inspires Community Through Beatboxing, Motivational Speaking
by Lexus Yamashiro, Kapiʻo News
https://www.kapionews.com/index.php/2017/07/19/kcc-alumnus-inspires-community-through-beatboxing-motivational-speaking/
Unbeatable
by Christina O'Connor, Metro HNL Cover Story
http://metrohnl.com/unbeatable
Jason Tom: The Human BeatBox
by Julia Hulme, Millennial Magazine
https://millennialmagazine.com/2016/01/25/jason-tom-the-human-beatbox/
Timeline, Awards, Competitions, and Honors
Jason Tom's Offline Era (1982-1998)
1981
- Ronald Reagan is elected the 40th President of the United States, started first term.
1982
- Jason Tom is born Sunday, November 21, 1982, at Kapiolani Medical Center
1983
- Jason Tom lives in Northern California
1984
- Jason Tom lives in Northern California
1985
- Jason Tom lives in Downtown Honolulu
- Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States, completed first term.
- Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States, reelected for second term.
1986
1987
1988
- Jason Tom started the first grade at King Liholiho Elementary School
1989
- Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States, completed second term.
- George H.W. Bush is the 41st President of the United States, started first term.
- Jason Tom failed the first grade at King Liholiho Elementary School
- Earliest music cassette recording of Jason Tom beatboxing Michael Jackson's song "Bad" from Moonwalker VHS
- Jason Tom started the first grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom earliest published comic book
1990
- Jason Tom completed the first grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom started the second grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
1991
- Jason Tom completed the second grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom started the third grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom purchased Michael Jackson's music cassette single "Black or White"
- Jason Tom purchased Michael Jackson's music cassette album "Dangerous"
1992
- Jason Tom completed the third grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom started the fourth grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
1993
- George H.W. Bush as the 41st President of the United States, completed first term.
- Bill Clinton is elected the 42nd President of the United States, started first term.
- Jason Tom completed the fourth grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom started the fifth grade at Kauluwela Elementary School
1994
- Jason Tom completed the fifth grade at Prince David Kauluwela Elementary School
- Jason Tom started the sixth grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
1995
- Jason Tom completed the sixth grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
- Jason Tom started the seventh grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
1996
- Jason Tom completed the seventh grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
- Jason Tom started the eighth grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
1997
- Bill Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States, completed first term.
- Bill Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States, reelected for second term.
- Jason Tom started the eighth grade at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School
- Jason Tom started the ninth grade at President William McKinley High School
1998
- Jason Tom completed the ninth grade at President William McKinley High School
- Jason Tom started the tenth grade at President William McKinley High School
1999
- Jason Tom completed the tenth grade at President William McKinley High School
- Jason Tom played on the McKinley Tigers basketball summer league
- Jason Tom joined the McKinley Tigers varsity soccer team. coach Adolf Samuels nicknamed him, "Jake."
- Dial up era, Jason Tom began web publishing his pre-Jason Tom dot com website, an AOL Hometown website he named "Mustructor." His website featured his soccer, judo, and original comic book art.
- Jason Tom started the eleventh grade at President William McKinley High School
2000
- Jason Tom joined the McKinley Tigers judo team, coach Clinton Sunada nicknamed him, "Spider-Man."
- Judo Novice/Open Individual Tournament at Moanalua High School | Result: 2nd Place, Silver Medal, Jason Tom - McKinley Tiger Judo
- Jason Tom completed the eleventh grade at President William McKinley High School
- Jason Tom joined Asian Avenue dot com as "Spidermon."
- Jason Tom started the twelfth grade at President William McKinley High School
2001
- Bill Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States, completed second term.
- George W. Bush is elected the 43rd President of the United States, started first term.
- Oʻahu Interscholastic Association East Boys Varsity Soccer President William McKinley High School Tigers vs. Kaimuki High School Bulldogs | Result: Kaimuki score 2: Jared Shirai, Troy Uemera. McKinley score 1: Jason Tom.
- Judo Novice/Open Individual Tournament at Kaiser High School | Result: 3rd Place Ribbon, Jason Tom - McKinley Judo
- Oʻahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division Judo at Moanalua High School: McKinley 85, Kailua 3. 10 point winners: Jason Tom (McK); R. Suehiro (McK).
- Oʻahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division Judo at Roosevelt High School: McKinley 60, Kaimuki 40. Ten point winners: 105- Brian Secetaria (Kaim). 114- Colin Yamaguchi (Kaim). 123- Jason Tom (McK). 132- Scott Sakaguchi (McK). 141- Leo Goshi (McK). 150- Aaron Kim (McK). 180- Ricky Tang (Kaim). 200- Chi Chen (Kaim). 275- Justin Kaapa (McK).
- Graduated from President William McKinley High School | High School Diploma
- Jason Tom enrolled in fall semester at University of Hawaiʻi at Kapiʻolani Community College
2002
- Jason Tom enrolled in spring semester at University of Hawaiʻi at Kapiʻolani Community College
- Jason Tom lives in Northern California
- Jason Tom Dot Com pre-launch
- San Jose State University Judo Tournament | Result: 1st Place, Gold Medal, Jason Tom - Albany Judo Club
- City College of San Francisco Judo Tournament | Result: 1st Place, Gold Medal, Jason Tom - Albany Judo Club
- Jason Tom lives in Downtown Honolulu
2003
- Jason Tom Dot Com pre-launch
2004
- JUDO State Tournament at Salt Lake District Park | Result: 3rd Place Trophy. Jason Tom - Shobukan Judo Club
- SUV collided with Jason Tom on pedestrian crosswalk and intersection near Shobukan Judo Club, Pizza Hut and Liliha Bakery
- Fall 2004 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: did not place, solo
2005
- George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States, completed first term.
- George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States, reelected for second term.
- Spring 2005 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: did not place ( performed with dancer)
- Jason Tom as "spidermon" is Asian Avenue dot com's Member of the Week June 29 to July 5, 2005. His MOTW quote, "my inspiration to perform is a passion for creative expression."
- Fall 2005 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: did not place (solo)
2006
- Spring 2006 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: 3rd Place - $300
- Jason Tom enrolled summer 2006 at Beijing Foreign Studies University
- Fall 2006 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: 5th Place - $150, solo, 2006 KCC Talent Show Combined Amount: $450
- Linda Lingle as the 6th Governor of Hawaii, completed first term.
- Linda Lingle as the 6th Governor of Hawaii, reelected for second term.
2007
- Spring 2007 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: Top 6, 4th Place - $250, solo
- Fall 2007 Kapiʻolani Community College Student Talent Show | Result: 4th Place - $250, solo, 2007 KCC Talent Show Combined Amount: $500
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays "No Rules" Poetry Slam | Result: 1st Place, $100
2008
- Jason Tom Dot Com Officially Launched
- Word of Life Emerge Talent Show Semifinals | Result: 1st Place, advanced for grand final
2009
- George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States, completed second term.
- Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States, first term.
- Word of Life Emerge Talent Show Grand Finals | Result: 1st Place Runner-Up (2nd Place), $100
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 1!
- Pipeline's Got Talent Semifinals | Result: 1st Place, Perfect Score, advanced to grand final
- Pipeline's Got Talent Grand Finals | Result: 4th Place
2010
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 2!
- Featured on the "Im Movin On" track of Na Hoku Hanohano Hip Hop and RnB Award Nominated Album "Nobody Owns Me" by artist Faioso
- Jason Tom showcased at 6th International Human Beatbox Convention
- Jason Tom showcased at 1st Annual American Beatbox Championship
- Linda Lingle as the 6th Governor of Hawaii, completed second term.
- Neil Abercrombie is elected as the 7th Governor of Hawaii, first term.
2011
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Qualification Poetry Slam | Result: 1st Place, $100, advanced to 2012 HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam Finals
- Road to South By Semifinals | Result: Advanced to Grand Final
- Hawaii Scene Choice Awards | Best Solo Performer Winner
- Road to South By Battle of the Bands Grand Final
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays "No Rules" Poetry Slam | Result: 1st Place, $100
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 3!
2012
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam FInals | Result: Top 9 poet
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 4!
2013
- Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, completed first term.
- Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, reelected for second term.
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 5!
2014
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 6!
- Jason Tom hosted and judged the Hawaii Beatbox Battle, Art and Flea Boom Bap
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays "No Rules" Poetry Slam | Result: 1st Place, $100
- Jason Tom showcased at the 5th Annual American Beatbox Championship
- Jason Tom hosted Hawaii Beatbox Jam
- Neil Abercrombie as the 7th Governor of Hawaii, completed first term.
- David Ige is elected as the 8th Governor of Hawaii, first term.
2015
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 7!
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam Finals | Result: Top 12 Poet
- Beatbox Battle World Championship | Result: Qualified as top 150 professional vocal percussion artist to represent USA. Not able to attend due to health.
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Qualification Poetry Slam | Result: 1st Place (1st round), 2nd Place (2nd round), advanced to HawaiiSlam Grand Slam Final
2016
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 8!
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam Finals | Result: Top 12 Poet
- August to October 2016 | McDonald's of Hawaii's NextNext Music Competition and Charity Event | Result: Top 3 musician, $1,000 prize, 6,291 votes for Jason Tom that supported Ronald McDonald House Charity Hawaii
2017
- Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, completed second term.
- Donald Trump elected as the 45th President of the United States, first term.
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 9!
2018
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 10!
2019
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Qualification Poetry Slam; Result: 1st place (first round), 2nd place (second round), advanced to 2019 HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam Finals
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 11!
- HawaiiSlam First Thursdays Grand Slam FInals; Result: Top 12 Poet, $50
- Guest judge for Brown Bags to Stardom Grand Finals
2020
- Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 12!
“Jason Tom is a world class talent with a passion for beatboxing. Beyond his incredible talent, Jason is a hard working, creative, loyal and compassionate human being who is clearly an outstanding example of living aloha. He is an inspiration to the world, including myself.”
— Jody Kamisato
“Jason Tom is a local beatboxer sharing his distinct sounds around the world, and to local keiki through his 'music with a message.'”
