Tommas Arnby is a visionary British music executive, festival promoter, and entrepreneur whose artist-first ethos and fearless creativity have helped shape some of the most exciting careers in modern music. As the founder of Locomotion — encompassing Locomotion Music, Locomotion Entertainment, and Locomotion Recordings, and Co-Founder & CEO of Special Projects, Arnby has built a career defined by innovation, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic authenticity.
With a multifaceted background spanning A&R, publishing, management, and live events, Arnby has been instrumental in the global rise of groundbreaking artists, including guiding the career of genre-defying rock icon YUNGBLUD from his earliest beginnings to international stardom. His approach blends creative intuition with business acumen, bridging the gap between artistry and enterprise in an ever-evolving industry.
Arnby’s journey began as a musician, graduating from the Musicians Institute in 1989 before studying at Copenhagen Business College. In the early 1990s, he performed as a session musician in London and later joined the alternative band Subcircus, who were signed to DreamWorks by legendary executives Mo Ostin and Lenny Waronker. These early experiences, both on stage and behind the scenes, gave Arnby a deep understanding of the creative process, fueling his passion for discovering and nurturing exceptional talent.
Transitioning to the business side, Arnby joined Sony Music in A&R, where he signed and developed acclaimed artists such as Beth Hart and worked alongside icons including David Bowie and producer Tony Visconti on projects for platinum-selling alt-rockers Kashmir. His work at Sony helped define his reputation as a forward-thinking music executive with a rare balance of artistry and strategy.
Through Locomotion and Special Projects, Arnby has forged global partnerships and negotiated landmark deals across recording, publishing, and branding. His clients have collaborated with leading consumer and luxury brands, as well as major film and television studios.
Tommas Arnby brings his wealth of experience, candid insights, and unwavering belief in the power of artists to drive cultural change – inspiring a new generation of executives to redefine what’s possible in the global music ecosystem.