“Through a lot of the experiences that I've had in life, I've hidden away and been quite private with the stuff I do. I would have never dreamed of speaking about myself in a public space before. But it's one of those things where I look at my career now and I'm starting to now understand that I've done a fair bit.”

And at 29 years old, Trenton Tomlinson (he/him), this week’s guest on ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ recognised that there’s plenty of time to achieve so much more whilst allowing himself permission to get it wrong along the way.

Trenton is Label Operations Manager at UMG UK’s catalogue label, Universal Music Recordings (UMR), where he leads the day-to-day delivery of catalogue releases and creative campaigns. He has championed projects that bring historic music back into physical, digital and cultural circulation, including championing and leading on Black UK artist catalogues music from artists such as Ms. Dynamite, Unknown T &Linton Kwesi Johnson.

Little Trenton was a very inquisitive kid as well as being bold, sensitive & empathetic. He shares a brilliant anecdote about being in charge of the ‘Friendly Bus Stop’ at school where students could come if they felt lonely. It was a role he took seriously and he recalls how “I loved processes before I even knew what a process was.” Trenton grew up in Liverpool in a single parent household and shares how his mum ran the house ‘like a navy seal. They’re incredibly close today and whilst he acknowledges that hasn’t always been the case, with Trenton reflecting on how he wasn’t ‘an easy kid to understand’, the appreciation, love & respect he has for his mum is undeniable.

His career in music today isn’t quite what he had originally envisioned. Trenton was signed to a music label as a teenager and thought he was going to be ‘the next best thing’. It was a painful experience at the time that has shaped who & where he is now and we delve into the barriers & challenges in the music industry historically & today, where it’s improved and where there is still room for improvement.

Along with his passion for music, Trenton is deeply committed to equity & inclusion. He is Chair of UMG’s The Pride Network and serves on the UK City Of Culture 2029 advisory panel & BPI’s Equity & Justice Advisory Group, contributing to wider Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy.

We explore the trap of perfectionism, staying grounded, why it’s important to get involved and the unexpected joy of being an uncle.

I adore Trenton. He’s a brilliant human who always champions others - including myself. Listen in for a great chat!