🌅 Horizon Future Leaders – Oscar Tremain Q&A

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 Oscar Tremain, VP Of Product & Client Relations at rightsHUB; a rights management platform for labels and publishers to efficiently manage their operations and metadata.

Oscar shares valuable insights on navigating the modern music industry, highlighting the importance of understanding music rights, data management and the not-so-glamorous aspects of the business, like tackling the self-employed tax return. He emphasises the need to respect the industry’s evolving nature, advocating for an artist-centric approach to problem-solving and service.

From hands-on work experience to understanding key behind-the-scenes operations, Oscar’s journey shows that a broad knowledge of the industry, including the ‘boring’ stuff, is key to long-term success.

Read the full Q&A with Oscar below 👇

1. What’s your current role in the music industry?

I work as VP Of Product & Client Relations at rightsHUB – a rights management platform for labels and publishers to efficiently manage their operations and metadata.

2. What does your general day to day look like?

I work directly with labels, publishers and their teams, helping them get the most out of our platform – whether that’s through calls, in-person training, or just being on hand for support over email. I’m also constantly updating our online help guide to make sure they have the right resources at their fingertips.

Beyond that, I work closely with our internal team, feeding back insights from labels and publishers to help shape new features and improvements that make a real difference.

I also spend a lot of time connecting with external partners – distributors, sync platforms and other service providers – to make sure our delivery feeds run smoothly in both directions, keeping everything in sync across platforms.

3. What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?

I’d recommend starting with hands-on experience, like the work experience I landed early on at Dawbell PR, to really understand what a role in the music industry involves. 

For me, that experience gave me an invaluable insight, and from there, I made sure to tailor my studies – choosing modules like PR and marketing alongside my Business Studies degree to give me a solid foundation.

After graduating, I applied for various roles, both in music and other creative industries. Staying open-minded is crucial – not just to find what you want to do, but to figure out what you don’t want to do, which is just as important.

Along the way, meeting people in different roles helped me see the bigger picture of the industry and where my own strengths and passions fit in. Stay curious, be open to different paths, and don’t fear missteps – you’ll learn a lot from them!

4. What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?

I’d say that working as part of a crew, setting up and packing down event spaces, really taught me the value of teamwork – something that might not always come through in more desk-based roles.

Starting off at a record label/label services company was a real eye-opener, as I got to learn the ropes in so many areas of the industry. From delivering music to managing data and contracts, as well as diving into key areas like music copyrights, I gained a well-rounded view of the business.

That said, some aspects took me longer to grasp than others and I think that’s natural for most people! What I’ve learned is that putting in the work to really understand the ‘boring’ or behind-the-scenes aspects of the business is crucial. A holistic understanding of these areas feeds into everything else and helps you see the bigger picture.

5. Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?

I’d say there’s been a noticeable shift since I was job hunting in 2017, with more emphasis on online interviews and remote work, rather than in-person meetings.

This has its advantages – like removing travel and distance barriers – it also means there’s more room for people to take initiatives on their own terms. You don’t have to be based in London or another major hub anymore to get noticed. With so many roles moving online, it’s easier than ever to create your own opportunities, whether it’s through starting a project, building a personal brand or networking virtually.

That being said, it’s hard to ignore that London is still very much the hub of the industry. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t advantageous to be there – there are definitely more opportunities for networking, events and face-to-face meetings. 

The city holds a lot of the industry’s pulse, and being physically present can open doors that might take a bit longer to access remotely. However, the growing shift towards online work and the ability to create your own initiatives means that it’s no longer a necessity to be in London to make an impact. You can still build your career and make connections from anywhere – it’s just about being strategic and proactive.

6. Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?

I would sign up to as many newsletters/bulletins as your poor inbox can handle – understanding what is happening in the wider industry and as well as what opportunities are out there for you is really key!

I would also recommend getting out and about, be it to gigs, networking events and conferences – Great Escape, Sound City, FFWD, BMC to name a few – however this will depend on what area/genres are relevant to you!

7. What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?

Attending as many conferences and events as possible is invaluable – not just for the knowledge you’ll gain from talks, but for the connections you’ll make. In my experience, industry events tend to attract some of the most approachable and passionate people, making them a great place to build relationships.

At the same time, having some level of online presence is important, whether that’s engaging in industry discussions or showcasing your work. The key is finding a balance between online and in-person networking that works best for you.

8. How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?

Looking back, I’d say that without the huge shift toward digital consumption and delivery of music, I might have ended up in a completely different role, with a very different purpose. 

The way technology has transformed the music industry has opened up so many new opportunities, but it’s also created challenges – particularly for music creators and rightsholders who need to keep up with constant change.

For me, this has become a driving force. I’m passionate about helping those in the industry navigate this fast-paced environment by providing the technology and solutions that make it easier for them to stay ahead. It’s more than just keeping up with trends – it’s about empowering people to thrive in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

9. What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?

A growing emphasis on artists understanding their rights, data and how to manage both. 

For early career professionals in the business side of the industry, it’s vital to get a solid grasp on how data tracking works, what rights management entails, and how these elements influence everything from contracts to revenue streams.

By building this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to work effectively with artists and labels, negotiate better deals, and ultimately create more value for the projects you’re involved in. 

The more you understand how these aspects impact the overall business, the more equipped you’ll be to shape successful strategies and partnerships. Knowledge of these key areas is invaluable, and the sooner you dive into learning them, the better positioned you’ll be for long-term success in this fast-evolving industry.

10. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

If I had to pick the most important piece of advice of them all – perseverance! 

The music industry is full of comparison – what do they have that I don’t? How come those people are ahead? – and at times, it can feel like you’re not getting anywhere. It’s demoralising, and that’s completely normal. When you feel that way, my honest advice is to take a breath, but when you’re ready, pick yourself up and keep going. If you truly believe in something, your time will come.

And on a practical note – so many roles in this industry are self-employed, yet things like tax returns and budgeting aren’t knowledge that’s freely offered up. Learning how to navigate them sooner rather than later is key!