Artist Interviews
Interview with Tommy Habib on New Album ‘Me and You Against the World’ & More
MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Tommy Habib: I am one of those funny people that knew from a very young age the passion I had in life. Quite honestly, hearing The Beatles at the age of 3 was the “Hallelujah” lightbulb moment where I immediately fell in love with the medium of music. The joy they exhibited and seemed to effortlessly project to the listener was like a lightning bolt. I’m so lucky to have been alive when Paul McCartney is alive. I first started taking songwriting seriously when I was about 14 or 15. I think any teenager needs a creative outlet for their changing emotions, and I’m lucky that I had writing and recording to help me through those turbulent times. As far as instruments, I originally wanted to play guitar but age 4 my fingers just couldn’t take it so I took up piano instead, so I guess it stuck. On my own records, I usually play piano, keyboards, bass and drums.
Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Tommy Habib: As mentioned above, Lennon and McCartney were my first influences in the songwriting department and The Beatles for the positivity that came through their words. Around the age of 15, I became converted to the Gospel According to Brian Wilson, of which I’m still a believer. Neil Young’s independent voice and restless creativity are a lifelong inspiration. Elton John was an early influence (he was my first concert at the age of 3) in his piano playing and melodicity. Around the age of 18, three new musical groups helped define my musical voice: the first group was Beach House, Victoria and Alex’s ability to transport the listener instantly in every song is magical. Rivers Cuomo was fearless in his songs, no topic was off limits, nothing was sacred. And finally, Robin Pecknold’s emotions literally flowed forth in every note he sang: his authenticity is a talent that money cannot buy. Lyrically, Steven Page and Ed Robertson are two of my favorite writers of words.
What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
Tommy Habib: My ultimate goal is to reach as many people as possible with my music and songs, sharing my art and connecting with every listener. At the end of the day, that’s why I got in this business; music saved my life and being able to affect others in the same way is truly an honor. After concerts, hearing people come up to me and say “you really touched me” or “you made me so happy” is reason enough to continue on this often bumpy ride of a career.
Very interesting question about a message I’m trying to impart. I think most often I’m telling my listeners: “Here are the emotions I’m feeling right now, I’m sure you’ve felt the same way at some point. Let’s share this feeling together. For the 3-4 minutes you’re listening to this song, it’ll all be OK, I’ll take care of you.”
What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?
Tommy Habib: : Definitely seeing U2 in both 2011 and 2017. The first time seeing them in Pittsburgh I was literally speechless, and seeing them do the Joshua Tree in 2017 I came to the conclusion they’re not just a great live band, they’re the best live band I’ve ever seen. As for my shows, unless I’m not feeling well or there are equipment problems, I love every show I am asked to play. Playing City Winery in Nashville four years after seeing Steven Page there was a particular honor.
Your latest album release is ‘Me And You Against The World’. What inspired this album? What does this release mean to you?
Tommy Habib: : I had always wanted to write a ‘concept’ album but I’ve struggled to come up with an overall theme that didn’t seem forced and could extend to an entire album. When I started stockpiling songs in 2023, almost all were about relationships. I decided to tell the story of the development of a relationship from the initial sparks to the demise. It was a kick to divide the album in two: half of it being the ‘honeymoon’ phase and the second half the ‘breakup.’ I loved having other singers voicing the different characters in the story in particular. I’m really proud of the talent I was lucky to assemble: I co-wrote with Clay Lutz on two tracks, Adam Marsland, Sam Morris, Rachel Hambridge, Savannah Coplin and Melody Shephard added great vocal parts, Jacob Sz, Nate Van Fleet, Garrett Myers, Dan Ainspan and Mike Bon made the recording sparkle with instrumental contributions. Will Cooper, Dave Strumfeld, Adam Marsland and Ian Loveless on the technical side were invaluable.
The last release of yours is a single off that album entitled ‘She’s My Kind of Crazy’. This was fittingly dropped on Valentine’s Day and has done very well. How did the song come together?
Tommy Habib: : “She’s My Kind of Crazy” was actually the last song I wrote and recorded for the album. Being the final piece of the puzzle to the project, I really took my time perfecting the record. I have to give my co-writer Clay credit for the title, I loved the idea of writing a song about a person that is so good for you in the worst way possible. It was a real labor of love painstakingly putting the recording together: every element had to be just right. I re-recorded my electric piano part 3 times until it was perfect, I hired Nate for drums and Jacob on bass (what an excellent groove they laid down), and having my longtime bandmate Savannah on vocals was the icing on the cake. I probably spent nearly a month editing and mixing until I was fully satisfied. I’m so glad I took my time on the recording because not only did a lot of people tell me it’s their favorite track on the album, it’s one of my most played songs/music videos on YouTube. I’ve worked with my director Emily Lorenz five times and her video was perfect, her best work yet.
You have found a lot of success as a songwriter, not only for yourself, but other artists as well. What is your songwriting process like?
Tommy Habib: : The most important element for me is to go with the flow and be open to inspiration. I try not to have a ‘formula’ as such, or else the process can end up feeling like an assembly line—and I’m not making sausages. Generally though I often begin with a title or concept for a song. I often write melody first from there, and then fit the words to the music. The impost important aspect for me, alone or with others, is the second/third draft. When writing lyrics alone, I often write too many verses and then come back to the song at a later late a few days later fresh to edit and modify—it’s great to “sleep on” an idea so to speak. I love working with lyrical collaborators because it often enables me to consider different perspectives other than my own (a female perspective, or writing with someone in a different age bracket, to give two examples).
What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?
Tommy Habib: : I am always performing: I average 4-5 concert performances a week and I’m starting to book dates for a spring tour with my small group (Tommy Habib and Friends), those shows are always really special. I’m working on some special cover songs for my social media at the moment and there will probably be a summer single music video. You can always find all of my dates and information on social media on TommyHabibMusic on Facebook or Instagram.
Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Tommy Habib: : Yes! In almost all aspects of my life, but most especially music, I have a very hard time being inauthentic or “phoning it in.” So, I’d just like everyone to know that what you hear in my songs is straight from the heart.
And #2 I think I’d better tell a short story: There were years particularly when I was in elementary school, before my family relocated to another part of Ohio, that no one except my parents wanted to hear me play or sing. (When we moved, it was a much more accepting and encouraging environment, thankfully.) However, I think somewhere in the back of my mind that experience still resonates somehow, because I feel very fortunate that my audience wants to hear my music and a crowd is there when I perform. I know what the opposite is like, I know how hard it is to climb the ladder, and all I can say is “thank you.” I really have to give thanks also to my parents for their support in my endeavors: my dad was, and my mom still is, my greatest cheering section.
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