Thomas "Tomikaze" Makinson, professionally known as Tomikaze The Saxxy Beast, is a multifaceted artist whose dynamic career spans saxophonist, producer, DJ, live broadcast engineer, sound engineer, and lighting systems designer. His innovative artistry fuses hip-hop, reggae, jazz, and electronic music with cutting-edge technical expertise in live production.
Tomikaze's musical odyssey began as a child prodigy at age five, mastering banjo and guitar...
Tomikaze's musical odyssey began as a child prodigy at age five, mastering banjo and guitar—instruments gifted by his father. By 2003, he was captivating sold-out crowds as a regular performer at the Western Oregon Opry. Following a challenging period during his parents' divorce, his musical passion was rekindled in 2007 with a Fender Squier Stratocaster, leading to performances with professional jazz saxophonist Tyson Haynes and the Emerald Christian Academy Advanced Band, "The ECA Groove Train."
The defining moment of his career came in 2008 when, inspired by Tyson Haynes' improvisational mastery, Tomikaze was drawn to saxophone. When his friend claimed the only available guitar spot during band registration, fate led him to the saxophone instead. Starting with a Conn 6M and Sears Silvertone Buscher Student Stencil Horn, he quickly mastered sheet music and advocated for the formation of the Emerald Groove Train jazz ensemble under Haynes' leadership. New band teacher Ivan Flores (rest in peace) championed the ensemble, introducing official Jazz Combo theory and improvisational development while playing trombone alongside the students. Tomikaze rapidly evolved beyond method books, developing his distinctive style. Despite the ensemble's success through 2009, administrative changes led to its disbandment in 2010.
Transferring to Cottage Grove High School for his sophomore year, Tomikaze joined the CGHS Jazz Band as an Alto/Tenor Hybrid and Wind Ensemble as third alto under professional saxophonist David Larsen's direction. His improvisation experience earned him solo opportunities and helped resurrect the school's Jazz Combo. CGHS provided invaluable performance opportunities in jazz festivals, competitions, and showcases, while facilitating his attendance at specialized camps and workshops. By 2011, Tomikaze was performing professionally across diverse genres—jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, heavy metal, and experimental fusion. Since graduating in 2013, he has graced stages nationwide alongside high-caliber artists.
His breakthrough moment arrived in late 2014 following his relocation to Austin, Texas. After his original horns were stolen, he acquired his first professional tenor saxophone, a P. Mauriat System 76 2nd Edition. While practicing at a local music store, he was discovered by Roland Kemokai and invited to join his reggae band. Within a week, Tomikaze found himself performing at the iconic Flamingo Cantina alongside Roland & The Roots Riddim and the internationally acclaimed Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars—an experience that crystallized his unique artistic voice.
March 2015 brought another pivotal moment when Tomikaze returned to Oregon to perform with Chronixx & Zincfence Redemption at Portland's Alhambra Theater during their US West Coast Tour with Kelissa and Keznamdi. Despite age-related venue complications that resulted in a confrontation with security, Team Chronixx ensured he could perform, providing an unforgettable experience sharing the stage with a reggae legend. Later that month, a chance encounter atop Spencer's Butte led to his involvement with the reggae band "One Dollar Check."
That same year, Tomikaze participated in the People's Champions Tour with Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli, Niko IS, Constant Flow, Hasan Salaam, and Poison Pen. In 2017, he expanded internationally with his first collaborative track alongside South African house music producer "King Jay S.A." on the song "Driving to Emlazi".
Throughout his performance career, Tomikaze has shared stages with an impressive roster including Chronixx, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, The Skatalites, Mighty Mystic, Kumar & The Original Fyah, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Mellow Mood, Fyah Sthar, Lion Heights, SGT. Remo, Inner Circle, Nattali Rize, Mighty Joshua, The Contrabandits, Roland Kemokai, Annunaki Child, Perfect Giddimani, Makua Rothman, Micah Shalom, MC Jah Ray, DAYE, Hasan Salaam, Swave Sevah, Lee L.A.B. Spivey, Dead Kids, David Satori, Hans Zermuehlen, H. Chris Roy, Statement, Destiny Petrel, Jamie Kime (Michelle Branch, Jewel Kilcher, Zappa Plays Zappa), Funqdaqit, Medium Troy, Lucky Savage, VEWS, Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders), Dusty Jones, Bassmint, The Resinators, Clokwork, Insane Clown Posse, Mendo Dope, Alcyon Massive, Sol Seed, Jesse Royal, Emcee Bob, Esham, Fahari, One Drop, Andre Nickatina, Mac Marv, ZAMN, Through The Roots, DJ Gitdown, Iya Terra, Arden Park Roots, Indubious, Britz, George Walker, Normal Bean, Merry Pranksters, Maoli, and White Glove Service. Notable collaborations include sitting in with Zion I, Equipto, and DJ True Justice during Oregon's Underground Railroad Tour in 2019, and a headline performance with Jesse Royal at the 2023 Austin Reggae Festival.
Parallel to his live performance evolution, Tomikaze developed expertise in music production and engineering. Beginning with Pro Tools and Apple Logic Pro, he mastered recording, mixing, and mastering techniques before embracing Ableton Live, where he crafted his distinctive sound as both DJ and live instrumentalist. As a member of "Uncontrolled Substance" with DJ Dick Deeper, he further refined his electronic music prowess.
This production journey culminated in his debut electronic album "Hurricane Bianca" (August 22, 2024), followed by the electro-jazz fusion single "Mirage" (May 15, 2025). His upcoming release "Case Dismissed"—a sax-led electro, funk, and dub album commemorating a personal legal victory in Smith County, Texas—is set for August 17, 2025. Additionally, he serves as lead producer for the musical project "Apollo Twelve," whose debut album "Universe Reboot" will release on Headstate Music. Fans seeking his raw creative process can explore his college-era tracks on SoundCloud.
Beyond his musical artistry, Tomikaze is a highly sought-after technical professional in live production. His expertise as a live broadcast engineer, sound engineer, and lighting systems designer has been instrumental in the success of shows and festivals featuring artists such as Riff Raff, DJ Afterthought, Akae Beka, Raging Fyah, Clinton Fearon and Boogie Brown Band, Marla Brown, Hempress Sativa, Jah Sun, John Sisco, Podeezy & DollaBillaGates, 2 Stoned, Kung Fu Vampire, Afroman, Meltdown, COASTER, St. Valentine, Equipto, Yelawolf, Struggle Jennings, Bubba Sparxxx, Jelly Roll, Lee Tafari, Tuff Lion, Rocker-T, Paapa Wastik, Zili Misik, Katt & Roots Revelution, Kindread, The Lambsbread, Irae Divine & Fyah Squad Band, Not Your Shadow, DJ Pot Pocket, The Uprising Movement, Dubsmashers, Wet City Rockers, Jack Falls-Rock, RBL Posse, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Matt Borden & The MFB, Jah Bliddie, Sunny Ledfurd, Sweet N'Juicy, Ike Willis, Marcus Rezak & The Brothers, Yak Attack, and David Crowder.
