Meet Tommy Habib

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tommy Habib. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tommy below.

Hi Tommy, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I can think of a few sources for my optimism as it relates to my music career and my life in general. I think the easiest, clearest answer is I love playing, writing and recording music. When I was growing up, apart from my family I wasn’t really encouraged to pursue my interest in music, and like many people I had struggles in elementary school relating to others and with bullying (high school was so much better!). At the end of every day, however, no matter what was going on, I could put on headphones, play a CD in it’s entirety (remember those days) and get lost in another world. Or, I could go to the piano and create: try to communicate in both words and music the feelings I had trouble communicating to other people my age. Or, my parents would take me to see one of my favorite bands in concert, and I would always leave feeling ten times better than I came. So, I would definitely say music has been an inherent source of joy from a very early age. I also didn’t have many opportunities at all to play or sing for a long, long time. Once I started performing, even in high school with the church band to my first small gigs at a local coffeehouse, people would tell me I’m smiling and look energetic. Well…of course! People want to hear me play, I hadn’t been given that opportunity in the past. Fast forward to me being PAID for it, how could I be anything but happy? (So long as the checks clear ha ha)

The second source I can think of comes from one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given from a mentor. I was feeling pretty nervous about an upcoming high-profile performance (it might’ve actually been CMA Fest), and they simply said “If you feel nervous on stage, smile and look like you’re having a good time. Because two things will happen: people will pick up on your vibe, it will be infectious and they will enjoy the show. And second, if you are nervous and pretend like you’re having a good time for long enough, you WILL end up enjoying yourself.” I’ve never heard ‘fake it ’til you make it’ explained so well, and this advice has helped me many times when gearing up for a show.

I also have to add that music is, almost by definition, a connector. My job both onstage and in the studio is to convey a message, a story, an emotion and hopefully have it resonate with you, the listener. I cannot emphasize enough the thrill that comes through when I see (or hear) someone reacting to one of my songs. One of the best compliments I was ever given was when a woman came up to me after a set and said “your voice and piano playing really helped me and lifted me up when I needed it.” That’s the whole reason I’m in this business. Music helped me so many times, and has continued to do so. The least I can do is continue that legacy.

I also have to say, finally, that I think at least some of my optimism is genetic. I can’t think of many parties, weddings, dinners with my extended family where we weren’t laughing our heads off. I remember someone saying to me “you know, I don’t think I ever saw your grandma without a smile on her face.” And, you know, I don’t remember many occasions either. I can’t think of a better compliment. I’d love for that to be a memory people have of me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a working singer/songwriter and music director in Nashville. I play live at the least once a week and at the most up to four times–original music. I have released in the past six months three new singles, most recently a Valentine’s Day release called “Love at First Swipe.” My touring dates are available on my social media platforms (all Tommy Habib Music) and my music is available on all streaming platforms; with my music videos on YouTube (once again, Tommy Habib Music). I pride myself on making melodic, accessible and diverse music that always says something significant, be it a fun take on online dating (“Love at First Swipe,”) an ode to what performers in Nashville do (“That’s Nashville,) to a special single released on World Suicide Prevention Day (“This Day Won’t Last Forever.”) Among my credits are a co-production credit with Christian Davis (on my song “Zara 2020”) whom co-wrote a Billboard #1 Hit “Thank God” by Kane Brown, a top 10 Amazon album in the Pop/Rock charts (My album HINDSIGHT IS 2020, released October 2021), several label credits as both writer and performer, a performance at CMA Fest Summer 2018, and independent radio airplay across several continents.

In addition, should anyone be reading this that is an old friend or work associate, please feel free to get back in touch! (Hi Jack! Hi Aubria!)

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My advice to anyone early in the journey would be the following. Here’s what I’ve learned are the most important qualities as a working singer/songwriter and musician.

1) Strong work ethic. I rarely if ever cancel gigs unless I am in poor health or for family emergencies. I believe that being reliable and consistent goes a long, long way.

2) Clear and honest communication. You’d be surprised how many people in this business appreciate direct communication, not playing games, stating your goals explicitly and firmly. This involved getting ‘out of my shell’ and working the room schmoozing, with great results (I can always go back to my car and feel awkward about it haha).

3a) When in doubt, let the music do the talking. My best assets are my songs, if ever I am uncertain about my effect on a person, or I want to seal a deal, one of my songs is the best way I can communicate who I am.

3b) Don’t forget to SMiLE. It’s infectious.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed writing a new song or working on a new recording, I take a break from it, if at all possible. Some of my best work comes from taking a breather and working on it the next day from a new perspective, with a new set of ears. If there’s a deadline, that’s another story…and sometimes the crunch time can be very useful. However, banging your head against the desk metaphorically or literally is usually not the right idea.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed by life in general or by my personal life, I’ll either go for a walk, take a nap and decompress; or I’ll call a friend to get their perspective.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Emily Lorentz, Victoria Cunic, Annelise Loughead, Tammy Habib.

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