Features | Profiles

A conversation with Moe Hamzeh reveals that sometimes dreams really do come true

by Susanne Lane

Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Did you imagine when you were a geology student that you would end up having a career in music?  
Moe Hamzeh: Not really. I enjoyed geology, but I always dreamed of performing on stage. Geology requires creative thinking and imagination just like music. I learned other things as a geology student as well—like complex problem solving, discipline, and scientific reasoning—that have been invaluable. 

You were a very active member of the AUB Music Club, is that right? 
MH: Yes, very… It became my life on campus. Being a member of the Music Club at AUB was truly a life-changing experience for me.  

How were you involved? 
MH: In every way. As a member of the cabinet, I was involved in lighting, stage design, promotion, getting sponsorships, finding media partners—all of it. We had to raise money as well so we could purchase the equipment we needed. I loved it and it was a great learning experience. I met people through the Music Club who became lifetime friends. I also established networks that have continued to be part of my career. 

Did you consider a career in geology? 
MH: Yes, initially, as I was interested in geology—I still like it. I worked for a couple of years on a major water resources project for Howard Humphreys (an engineering consultancy firm), but I was always involved with music. Actually, there was a period of time in the mid-1990s when I was working on my master’s thesis, doing consulting in geology, playing with my band (The Kordz) all over Lebanon, and also involved with the AUB Music Club. It is partly because of all these activities that it took me so long to finish my master’s thesis but, to be honest, I wasn’t in any rush to finish because I knew that as long as I was an AUB student, I could still be involved with the Music Club. I didn’t want to give that up. 

How did you make the change from a career in geology to one in music? 
MH: I had just finished a hydrogeology project and was working on my thesis when a friend mentioned that Music Master, then a Warner Music licensee in the region, was looking for a label manager—and that I would be perfect for the job. I hesitated, because I was not confident enough of my music biz knowledge, but I decided to go for the interview. They offered me a job starting the next day. I took the offer and followed my passion. 

Tell us about your current position as managing director for Warner Music Middle East. 
MH: This job is a dream come true for me. I feel like this is where I belong. I’m in my element. It is great to be at the heart of the music industry in the Arab world today. I owe it to AUB. If I had not been there, I would not be here.