Polyphia is a progressive, primarily instrumental rock band formed in 2010 in Plano, Texas. The group’s lineup features Tim Henson (guitar), Scott LePage (guitar), Clay Gober (bass), and Clay Aeschliman (drums).
They first gained attention in the early 2010s with a more metal-oriented sound, but quickly evolved into a genre-blending style that fuses elements of math rock, progressive rock, hip-hop, R&B, pop, jazz, and metal. Their intricate guitar work, groove-driven bass lines, and dynamic rhythms have earned them a reputation for pushing the boundaries of modern instrumental music.
Polyphia is known for:
Technical musicianship with catchy, melodic hooks.
Innovative production, often incorporating electronic and hip-hop-inspired beats.
Collaborations with artists across diverse genres.
Over the years, they’ve moved away from traditional metal roots toward a more experimental, accessible, and highly polished sound, making them one of the most distinctive acts in the modern progressive music scene.
Tim Henson:
Tim Henson, an artist, guitarist, and producer, grew up with a mixed heritage—his father is white and his mother is Chinese. Despite his cultural background, Tim didn't feel very connected to his heritage, particularly after a negative experience at Chinese school where he and his siblings were singled out for being half-white. This led to a desire to assimilate more into white culture, and during his school years, he chose activities like skateboarding and playing guitar over the violin, which he had been forced to learn as a child.
Tim's parents had differing levels of support for his musical career. Initially, his father was skeptical but became supportive once Tim's band raised money through crowdfunding to record an album. His mother, more concerned about financial stability, was hesitant but grew more supportive over time as she saw his success.
Tim's music journey began with violin lessons at age three, followed by guitar at age ten, and he eventually dropped out of college to pursue music full-time. Although he was initially rejected by Berklee, his career took off, and he's now a prominent member of Polyphia, a band he is deeply proud of. He also works on solo projects under the name W6RST and has collaborated with various hip-hop artists.
Tim acknowledges his struggles growing up as someone who was neither fully white nor fully Asian, often feeling like he didn’t belong in either group. In the music industry, he believes his Asian heritage has not posed significant obstacles, as many people assume he's white, though he does bond with other Asian musicians. He is inspired by figures like Herman Li from DragonForce and Yo-Yo Ma, but as a young musician, he didn’t see many Asians in rock or skateboarding.
When reflecting on his younger self, Tim advises focusing on the process and not obsessing over the outcome. He also suggests that he could have discovered his style and musical direction sooner. Despite this, he’s grateful for his journey and the growth it has allowed him. Tim is currently working on new music and is excited about a new album and upcoming tour. Outside of music, he's passionate about interior design and self-discovery, viewing it as a lifelong process of wrestling with one’s identity
Scott LePage:
Scott LePage, born September 14, 1993, is one of the guitarists behind Polyphia, and honestly, he’s a huge reason the band sounds the way it does. His playing mixes crazy technical skill with melodies that stick in your head, and he’s known for using effects in creative ways that make his sound stand out from other guitarists today.
Music was always part of his life growing up, and being in a musical family pushed him toward the guitar early on. He didn’t just stick to one style either — he pulled inspiration from classic rock legends and modern metal players, which helped him build a unique sound that blends shredding with actual emotion.
With Polyphia, Scott’s contributions have been massive. His riffs and techniques have influenced tons of younger guitarists and helped push progressive metal into new territory. But what makes him cool is that he’s not just about showing off — he’s approachable, humble, and often connects with fans through social media or workshops.
At the end of the day, Scott LePage isn’t just another guitarist. He’s someone who keeps evolving, keeps experimenting, and keeps inspiring people to see what’s possible with the instrument. Every new project he works on feels like another step forward, and it’s clear he’s leaving a mark on guitar history that’s only going to grow.
Clay Aeschliman:
Clay Aeschliman has been drumming for Polyphia for about two and a half years. Back in high school, he was all about drumline, marching quads at a super competitive school. After that, he went to college for logistics, got a corporate job he didn’t like, and didn’t touch a drum kit for years. Eventually, he quit his job, started practicing nonstop, and joined local bands. At 25, he played his first real show and instantly knew drums were what he wanted to do.
He got into Polyphia by chance — filling in for another band led to him being asked to play in a Polyphia video, and from there he became their drummer. With the band, Clay mixes trap beats, gospel chops, and groove to create a unique style, which really shows on New Levels New Devils, his first full album with them.
Now he’s touring the world, proud of the record, and excited for what’s next. When it comes to gear, he relies on Tama Iron Cobra pedals and his favorite Tama Starphonic Brass snare, which he used to record the album.
Source: Modern Drummer
Clay Gober:
Clay Gober, born March 18, 1994, is best known as the bassist for the instrumental band Polyphia. At 31 years old, he’s become a key part of the group’s unique sound, blending technical bass lines with the band’s genre-bending style.
Originally from Texas, Clay joined Polyphia as the band was building its presence online. Their YouTube channel, launched in 2011, played a huge role in their rise, showcasing their music to a global audience. By 2015, Polyphia had signed with Equal Vision Records, further cementing their place in the progressive music scene. Today, the band’s channel has over 70,000 subscribers and more than 8 million views, reflecting the wide reach of their innovative sound.
Source: Google Images