The Business Behind the Stage with Trey Smith

Trey Smith is the Co-Founder and Chief Integration Officer of The Backline Company, and he joins us to break down what really happens behind the curtain of live music. From supplying drum kits and guitars to handling last-minute curveballs and high-pressure artist demands, Trey explains why backline is both deeply technical and intensely psychological. We talk about his journey from running DIY house shows in Austin to building one of the Southeast’s leading backline operations in New Orleans, and why spotting a gap in the market changed everything.We also dive into the chaos and magic of major festival moments, navigating artist personalities, protecting your reputation in a small industry, and what it takes to stay calm when thousands of fans are watching, and everything could fall apart. Trey shares lessons on collaboration, professionalism, and building a long-game career in music, plus an honest look at where the New Orleans music scene stands today, and what it needs to evolve.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com