Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas O’Brien.
Thomas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was told I would never graduate high school or even go to college for that matter – I took that as a challenge. I ended up graduating with honors and was even asked to stick around and teach film and production/recording classes at my alma mater. Music and film are my purpose, and I have been lucky enough to make them my career as well.
Currently, I live in Nashville and play drums for my original band, Alan Price & The Modern Day (formerly of Shinedown, Call Me No One. Music recorded with members of Collective Soul, mixed by Eric Bass of Shinedown). And I play bass for country music rising star Austin Williams (Warner Chapel)
I am a music producer with work that has graced ABC, CBS, National Geographic, Discovery, XM satellite radio, and many more.
I am a cinematographer and director with credits in CMT, CTN, and People Magazine. And many more.
As a musician, I have had the privilege of working with my idols and playing on stages I never dreamed I would. Just last year, I toured as a drum tech for From Ashes to New with Shinedown, Three Days, Grace, Bullet for my Valentine, and Godsmack.
I’m sure I’m forgetting something. I have been very fortunate to be able to do all the things I love for a living.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A system that didn’t believe in me at an early age is the biggest obstacle I’ve ever been faced with. It is also the driving force behind my motivation. When someone tells me I can’t do something it makes me want to prove them wrong and do it with ease.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m very proud of the fact that I have been able to make a career out of all my passions. I’m proud of the look that I have developed with my cinematography, the ear that I have trained, and my “sound” – I started young and thus have been able to put in my 10,000 hours on multiple fronts. I feel that my versatility gives me a unique perspective, and being versatile gets you hired.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The market is starting to shift from streaming to physical ownership again, which gives the musicians more power and, ultimately, hopefully, more income. Currently, the number one source of income for a lot of touring musicians is merchandise sales, not even ticket or album sales. I would love to see that change. I’d also love to see Studios back in the hands of experts and artists. The prosumer revolution had many upsides, but it will hopefully balance out soon.
Pricing:
- Lyric videos/visualizer $100-$700+
- Music videos starting at $1,200
- Mixes starting at $200
- Producing starting at $1,200
- Touring/session drums/bass $negotiable
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tfobv.com
- Instagram: Tfobvdrums
Image Credits
Jeanne Mitchum Photography
