Torstein Lofthus (born 10 March 1977) is a Norwegian drummer and composer who has been a member of the bands Shining, Elephant9, the Mathias Eick Band, D'Sound, and Ebersson/Zanussi/Lofthus. He is married to Hege Lofthus.

Career

Lofthus has had a major influence on Norwegian music through studio work, live concerts and teaching at Norwegian Academy of Music and at University of Agder (the Faculty of Fine Arts). Based in Oslo, he now tours Norway and Europe with different bands and artists after finishing his master at the Norwegian Academy of Music spring 2006. He plays several genres, well known with both jazz and pop music. He has been the most sought drummer in Norway recent years, if not on tour with Vamp, Jarle Bernhoft, Oslo Gospel Choir, Mathias Eick, Marit Larsen or Odd Nordstoga, he collaborates with Maria Mena, Kurt Nilsen, Torun Eriksen, Bertine Zetlitz, Silje Nergaard, Eivind Aarset, D'Sound, Noora Noor, The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Jon Eberson and Per Zanussi, to mention a few, both in studio and on stage. He has worked with Shining, Elephant9, Red Kite, Marit Larsen, Maria Mena, Jarle Bernhoft, Chrome hill, Mathias Eick Band, D'Sound, Oslo Gospel Choir, Jørn Øien Trio, Liarbird, Torun Eriksen, Ebersson/Zanussi/Lofthus, Garness, Søyr, Morten Halle, Eivind Aarset, Silje Nergaard, Beady Belle, Damp, Bertine Zetlitz, Kurt Nilsen, Maria Solheim, and Papangu.

Awards and honors

Discography

Shining Elephant9 Thom Hell Aleksander With Torun Eriksen Jørn Øien trio Chrome Hill Damp Mathias Eick Ola Kvernberg's Liarbird Jarle Bernhoft Marit Larsen Garness Ebersson/Zanussi/Lofthus Silje Nergaard Linn Skåber and Dennis Storhøi Maria Solheim Rockettothesky Samsaya Gisle Torvik Various artists