As part of our new Horizon Future Leaders series of interviews, we are connecting with the music industry’s next generation of leaders to gather candid advice and insights into their career journeys.
Horizon is CMU's weekly newsletter that brings you a hand-picked selection of early to mid stage career opportunities from across the music industry, paired with insights and advice. Whether you're looking for your first job in music or you're ready to take a step up, Horizon is here to help you find your dream job faster. Horizon is focused on highlighting the best and most exciting roles we've seen and is made for people who are building their careers with ambition.
Getting started and progressing your career in the music industry can often feel overwhelming. Despite the wide range of positions and opportunities available, early-career professionals often face a daunting array of challenges. From the frustrating cycle of needing experience to be able to get the roles that help you build experience, to often intense competition from like-minded peers, the barriers in music can sometimes seem higher than in many other fields.
At CMU we spend a lot of time trying to explain and demystify the music business, and our Horizon newsletter is dedicated to helping the next generation of music leaders build and progress their careers. Our new series of Q&A interviews, Horizon Future Leaders, talks to rising professionals from across the industry: to hear firsthand how they started out and what they have learnt along the way, sharing practical tips and advice for anyone looking to build and own their future in the music business.
This week, we caught up with Trina Smith, a powerhouse in the music industry who wears many hats, from managing producers and composers to co-owning a label and serving on the executive board at the Association For Electronic Music, or AFEM.
In this Q&A, she shares her advice on building relationships that matter, especially for newcomers, and underscores the importance of being involved in advocacy groups like AFEM and mentoring programmes that support managers and creatives alike.
Read the full Q&A with Trina below 👇
What’s your current role in the music industry?
I wear several hats in the music industry. I am a producer and composer manager first and foremost. I also offer artist development consultancy, working closely with emerging and established talents to help guide or shape their careers. I also co-own a label and production music library, which gives me insight into both the creative and business aspects of the industry.
Additionally, I am a passionate champion of music managers and serve as an executive board member at AFEM, where I advocate for fairness, transparency, and support for managers and the wider music community.
Beyond these roles, I’m a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and fairness in the music industry. As a woman of mixed race, a member of the LGBTQ community, a single parent, and someone who is neurodivergent, I bring a unique perspective to my work.
I strive to use my position to champion positive changes across all these aspects of the industry, ensuring that voices from all backgrounds are heard and valued.
What does your general day-to-day look like?
My days are a blend of creative and strategic tasks. I could be in meetings with artists or producers, discussing their next projects, working on their development, or helping navigate the complexities of contracts and rights. I also spend time advocating for managers and creatives in the industry, whether through industry initiatives or through direct mentoring.
There’s a lot of planning, problem-solving and managing relationships. But at the heart of it, my day-to-day is about ensuring that my talent has the tools, opportunities and support they need to succeed.
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?
Early on, I took every opportunity to learn - whether that meant shadowing producers, volunteering at events, or working behind the scenes. I made a point of immersing myself in the industry from multiple angles - artist development, management, production - so I could understand how all the pieces fit together.
Networking was crucial too; I attended every event, listened to the experts, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions. These experiences, combined with a relentless need to connect people and create opportunities, helped build the foundation for where I am now.
I also made a conscious effort to connect with and learn from diverse voices in the industry. As someone who belongs to several underrepresented groups, I recognised the importance of seeking out mentors and peers who could relate to my experiences and challenges. This not only broadened my perspective but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?
Working with early-stage artists and producers in development was hugely valuable. It taught me how to nurture raw talent and guide it into something commercially viable, while still preserving the artist’s unique voice. I also learned exactly the types of artists and creatives that I did not want to support.
I got involved with music management initiatives and advocacy early on, which opened my eyes to the importance of supporting managers and ensuring they have the resources to effectively lead their artists. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my approach to artist development and management.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
Yes, the landscape has shifted significantly. The rise of social media, streaming and digital platforms has made it easier for artists to get their music out there independently. But at the same time, it has created a more fragmented and competitive space.
There’s more opportunity to build an audience without traditional gatekeepers, but breaking through the noise is harder. The role of management has evolved too - it’s no longer just about traditional routes; it’s about adapting to these new tools and platforms. I really do wish music was about music again though.
Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?
Internships with music management companies, labels or sync agencies are invaluable for understanding the business side of music.
I also recommend getting involved with organisations like AFEM and other advocacy groups. It’s crucial to understand the broader industry landscape, especially around rights, contracts and how the digital space is evolving. Additionally, shadowing a producer or manager and offering your support in smaller projects will help build the foundational skills needed for a career in this space.
I also strongly encourage newcomers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to seek out initiatives and organisations that support diversity in the music industry.
Look for mentorship programmes, workshops or conferences that focus on empowering women, LGBTQ individuals, people of colour or neurodivergent professionals in music. These spaces can provide invaluable support, networking opportunities and insights into navigating the industry as a diverse professional.
The best two things I have had the honour of being a part of was Elevate 2022 and the MMF Accelerator class of 2023 - both invaluable communities to have been accepted into. The wealth of knowledge and the real community feel makes navigating a difficult industry so much easier.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
It’s about building real relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Be genuine, show interest in what others are doing, and be helpful where you can.
Networking events, panels and even social media can be great tools, but it’s the quality of your interactions, not the quantity, that will make a difference in the long run.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?
The digital landscape has fundamentally changed the way artists and managers operate. The focus has shifted towards building direct relationships with audiences through social media and leveraging streaming platforms for exposure and income.
To stay ahead, I prioritise understanding these platforms, monitoring industry trends, and exploring innovative marketing techniques. But at the core, I always focus on ensuring that artist development doesn’t get lost in the digital rush - the creative process and long-term growth remain key and needs to keep moving continuously.
Moreover, I’m particularly focused on how digital tools can be leveraged to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. Whether it's using social media to amplify underrepresented voices or exploring how AI and data analytics can be used to identify and address biases in the industry, I believe technology has a crucial role to play in creating a more equitable music landscape.
What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?
AI and technology will continue to reshape the music industry, from production to distribution. The integration of data analytics in understanding audience behaviour will also grow in importance. However, I believe one of the most significant shifts we'll see is a move towards more equitable and transparent business models, particularly in artist management.
The traditional management model, which hasn't changed much since before Elvis’s time, is outdated and often unfair to managers, especially independent ones. The idea that managers should work for free or for a percentage of often non-existent earnings is unsustainable and devalues our expertise. I’m actively campaigning for a revamp of this system to ensure fair compensation for managers.
For early career professionals, I would advise them to stay informed about technological trends but to also keep honing their creative instincts. The human touch will always be needed, whether in management, production or songwriting. Diversifying your skillset - whether it's learning about digital marketing, sync licensing or new revenue streams - is crucial for staying ahead.
Additionally, I encourage professionals to educate themselves about fair business practices and to advocate for themselves and others. Understanding your worth and the value you bring to artists is crucial, as is being willing to challenge outdated norms that no longer serve the industry.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
I wish someone had told me to embrace patience. Success in this industry doesn’t happen overnight and the journey is often more important than the destination.
I’ve learned that building a sustainable career, whether for yourself or the artists you work with, takes time, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. The key is to learn from them, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
And the thing I wish I’d learned sooner - SAY ‘NO!' MORE OFTEN! I spent far too much time setting myself on fire to keep others warm.