Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomi Martin. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A native of Louisville, KY Tomi grew up as a preacher’s kid listening to the radio and developing a love for the music as well as the artists. His exposure to gospel, rock, soul and jazz made a lasting impression and perhaps as importantly, made him certain of one thing: he wanted to be a professional musician. Moving to Atlanta was a big step for Tomi and a step that put him in the right place at the right time to work on his skills as a guitarist and make connections that would serve him well in becoming a part of the explosive music scene in Atlanta. The city was pretty much ground zero for the indie rock and urban music activity and producers such as LA and Babyface, Dallas Austin, Organized Noize and Rodney Jerkins were turning out chart-topping records for already established artists as well as a next generation of urban, pop and rock stars. Some club gigs started people talking, the local music press writing and Tomi quickly started getting asked to play recording sessions and put bands together to back up new artists on label showcases. Without anyone realizing it, this was the foundation of one of his most valuable skills: the ability to go in the studio and play on the record then get on stage and play the record live with seamless perfection.
Studio and stage are two very different worlds and not many musicians can be equally comfortable, and equally effective in both. Tomi transitions easily from studio to stage. This has helped develop his reputation as both a session guitarist and musical director for concert tours, television specials and feature film projects. Producers and artists are comfortable and confident that they can help make a great record in the studio and then assemble and rehearse the musicians to take the record to the stage or screen.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all but consistent. Navigating the in and outs of relationships in this industry can be daunting. Getting the attention of the RIGHT people is a tricky game. You want attention but you can’t be irritating or pushy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a studio and touring guitarist. I play all genres of music but am mainly a rock/blues guitarist. I am known for playing on a very LARGE percentage of hits from the 90’s and beyond. Then going on to tour with said artists at their request. I am most proud of the fact that I have acquired a body of work that’s respected by not only fellow musicians and producers but the fans. What sets me apart from others is my appearance and professionalism. I got dubbed the name “Tomi Studio” by a well-known artist because I add a feel and flavor to songs that become signature. Plus I’m really fast!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to people starting out is to pace yourself and be “likable” and easy to work with. You can be the baddest player in the world be if people don’t like being around you, you won’t work. An artist has to be able to trust you and not worry about you when you’re around celebrities. Let that “selfie” go and do good work! If I could talk to the young me I’d tell me to do exactly what I did..whatever that was. Lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tomimartin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomimartin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomi.martin
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tomigunn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOLZURjCytwoN9KaiLudemg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tomigunn
Image Credits
Rob Caplin Photography Dionysis Photos
