Surf-rocker, trying to surf and trying to rock.


Basing himself in the heart of East Oxford, Jonny Payne has continued his songwriting trajectory by making songs that would fit perfectly in your favourite surf-trip playlist. Jonny combines very personal stories of his travels across the globe and is finally able to put his geological based degree to good use, using imagery of tectonic plates, ocean swells and igneous rock formations to inspire his lyrics.

With an ever collaborative approach to his music, a key component in The Thunder project sees Jonny venturing across the country to play music with friends and record vocals and other extra instrumental parts. Involved in both recording and live settings, the Thunder leans on Ian Budd and Mark Franklin of Black Hats, Chris Barker of Premium Leisure, Willie J Healey, Tomas Greenhalf of Gaz Coombes’ band, Isobel Hambleton, and Ash Cooke of Be Good.

After sharing stages with Blondie, Whitney, Lanterns on the Lake and Wet Leg, Jonny is excited to be building momentum again with the new release of singles Volcanic Ash and Soda & Lime.