Behind The Scenes
Interview with Producer, Songwriter, and Composer Rick Habana
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Rick Habana is a talented Producer, Songwriter, Engineer and Composer with a passion for blending music genres together to create his original sound. In Los Angeles, Ca, where he was born and raised, he succeeded in creating the really unique sound that has landed him numerous music placements with many of the top television stations not just In the US but around the world.
How did you come by your brand name?
My father is a Cuban born an raised musician and as a kid I would always play/jam with his music friends. Once I got to High School and started producing local talent my group would call me Havana as a nickname, which stuck, I use Habana because it is the original way of spelling it.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I started playing with my dad’s drum/beat machines, Guitar, Keyboard and helping them set up for jam sessions around the age of 7. At the age of 10, they bought me a small synth and I started recording music around 10 years old and never let it go since.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I honestly just love good production and originality. I grew up in a house with tons of vinyl from the ’70s and old Cuban records. Being from Southern Cali I found the sound of Smooth Jazz at a young age, If I had to pick someone who helped out with my sound development than that would be the top Smooth Jazz Artist. Too many to name. But I am currently working with one of the best in Paul Brown.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
Being involved for so many years behind the scenes in producing music for TV I had a chance to network with so many International Musicians. I wanted to create “The Collective” brand which I do not see many people doing projects like this.
I basically am always on a hunt for musicians from all around the world to work with. I came to a point where I felt the need to share this with the world. It’s not about the money or fame, It’s honestly about bridging language barriers and learning from other musicians you share the same passion with, no matter where they are in the world.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
For about 10 years I felt kind of stuck doing Music Licensing, which don’t get me wrong, It can be nice side money and it’s fun but I always felt I studied so hard and felt I wanted to leave something behind.
It was not easy to construct “The Collective” which has been a few years in the making. My greatest attribute? I would say, giving clear instructions to musicians in my compositions.
It’s very rare that any of my musicians seem lost. I simply hear them tell me they appreciate how detailed I lay everything out for them. Coming from highly trained musicians I think that it is very cool.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
Heck no, but I work with the best : )
What are your plans for the near future?
My song “Smooth It Out” featuring Smooth Jazz legend Paul Brown will release to radio on March 9th. I am working with the best radio promoter in the Smooth Jazz world so that is very exciting. Shortly after I will release a song called “Cheers” and then “The Collective” V1 around May. Volume 2 and 3 will follow after that.
How can fans find you?
Instagram: @rickhabana
Website: Rickhabana.com
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
Don’t half-fast your music or try to use the same sounds and programs as everyone else uses. It just comes out like you are copying what’s in your playlist.
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