As part of our 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.
This week, we caught up with Trey Smith - independent music manager, video producer and founder of Hackney Spice Management - whose work spans artist development, creative direction and digital strategy. Trey wears many hats, but at the core of it all is autonomy - a key ingredient in building meaningful, long-term careers in music.
His path into the industry has been shaped by self-education, persistence and curiosity. Joining the Music Managers Forum early on led to a place on the Elevate programme at The Great Escape - an experience that continues to shape his work through the connections made.
Trey’s approach is grounded and practical: seek out hands-on experience, learn the language of the business and never underestimate the power of a cold email. From managing socials to adapting to AI tools, he offers a clear view of what it takes to stay agile in today’s industry.
👇 Read on for Trey’s thoughts on building networks from scratch - and why it helps to be a fan of other music professionals, not just the artists they work with.
What’s your current role in the music industry?
I'm an independent music manager, video producer and creative entrepreneur. I’m also the founder of Hackney Spice Management.
What does your general day to day look like?
Plenty of emails and admin work across my roster, followed by catch-ups with my artists and maybe a gig or two in the evening to scout new acts.
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?
I started by reading as much as I could about the music business. I wanted to walk into industry rooms and speak with confidence, so I focused on learning the “language” - understanding royalties, contracts and the overall landscape. Knowing how things worked gave me a crucial foundation in the early days.
What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?
Joining the MMF early in my management career was a game-changer. With over 1000 members, it became the backbone of my professional network and gave me access to peers and mentors who helped shape my path.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
Yes, especially in the post-Brexit years. Rising costs and inflation have made certain EU opportunities financially inaccessible for some of my artists, which has definitely narrowed the playing field.
Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?
I was lucky to be nominated by the MMF for the Elevate programme at The Great Escape, run by CMU at the time. It was a real turning point for me, I met a brilliant group of music entrepreneurs I still collaborate with today. I always recommend it to new managers, or at the very least, go to The Great Escape, it’s invaluable.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
Join a professional body or union, they often come with membership directories and built-in resources. For a relatively small fee, you get access to a great contact list and a network that can really open doors.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?
CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT. These days, being a manager often means being a part-time social media strategist. I’m always brainstorming new content ideas for my artists, it’s a major part of the job now.
What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?
AI-generated music is here to stay. You can’t fight it, so you may as well figure out how to work with it. For emerging artists, AI tools can streamline everything from songwriting to video editing. I used similar tech when I started in management and it’s only gotten more powerful since.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Don't be afraid to reach out to people with more experience than you. Oftentimes, a cold e-mail just to introduce myself and register my interest in working with them one day is enough to begin a professional relationship. A bit of flattery actually does go a long way.
Don’t be afraid to be a fan of other music professionals, not just the artists they work with.
