Meet Thomas F. O’Brien V | Musician, Producer, & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas F. O’Brien V and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas F., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It was a tough one – I had dreamed for many years about working for myself before I finally pulled the trigger. It’s scary making that leap but when you do it’s so fulfilling. I have been making a living off of music and video for about 14 years now and so glad I made the switch. It comes with challenges for sure, but that feeling of feast or famine at your own hands is so rewarding. It was born from not wanting to do what people told me anymore and wanting to be creative as often as possible.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I was asked to come in to my head of the film department’s office in the last semester of my education there. They sat me down and asked what my plans were for after college. I told them I wanted to be a musician, a producer, a teacher, graphic animator, and director. They then told me that I shouldn’t do so much and to pick maybe one thing. I took this as a personal challenge. Upon graduating I opened my own recording studio, was working full-time as a producer/musician, and directing videos on the side. The best part, they asked me to come back and teach graphic animation, fulfilling my graduation goals. This is just one fun anecdotal story of many of a challenge I have faced

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nashville is amazing- It has every side of music and art that you can think of. I usually take people around to eat at some of my favorite spots around town and we always end up at my favorite rock n roll bar, Bowie’s. Not much for country music so we stay away from Broadway haha It’s like someone kicked an ant hill down there haha

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have helped me get to where I am – My old business partner and dear friend Chris Viera, Alan Price who has given me many awesome opportunities, I will for sure forget some folks in this. I was blessed with several people who invested in me monetarily and that really was an eye opener and tear jerker.

Website: www.tfobv.com

Instagram: @tfobvdrums

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thomasf.obrienv2804?si=LEqAzdctD_dd5bU4

Image Credits
Jeanne Mitchum Photography – where applicable