ft. Alex Tyree
Hustle & Leisure Feature: Alex Tyree
In Conversation with Esi Acolatse
In this Hustle and Leisure feature, we highlight Alex Tyree—artist, creative director, TV personality, and music curator—is a multi-faceted talent in the continual pursuit of mastering the art of living. Whether he’s crafting award-winning advertising campaigns, curating transformative music experiences, or writing songs that resonate with timeless emotion, Alex approaches every endeavor with intention and creativity.
As the founder and host of Feel the SPACE, Alex leads an emerging music and curation community that centers on self-discovery and mindful connection. The platform is designed to re-inspire a sacred relationship with music, foster deeper connections to our truest selves, and spotlight the artistry of gifted musicians. Balancing his dynamic career, Alex credits his daily journaling and meditation practice as the foundation that keeps him grounded in his creative pursuits.
What do you do for work?
I do a lot of things for work. I’m an artist who distributes his creativity as a Creative Director for an advertising agency called Spike DDB, a boutique agency owned by Spike Lee. We create culturally profound and relevant work for commercial brands, as well as social impact campaigns.
Alongside that, I’m the founder of Feel the Space, a music community and platform designed to create a deeper, more sacred connection with music, ourselves, and our communities. I also write and produce music. This year, I released my debut EP—a project I’m really excited about sharing with the world. All of these things complement each other, and music serves as the bedrock of all my creative expressions. It’s the score of everything I do creatively.
What motivated you to pursue this path?
I have a longing to express my creativity and a thirst to explore ideas that turn into tangible experiences for people. Music is my foundation and inspiration—it’s like the melody that guides all my creative endeavors.
I’m passionate about bridging talents—mine and others’—to create something meaningful, like a potluck of ideas and contributions. Whether I’m collaborating with the team at Spike DDB, building community through Feel the Space, or creating music, I’m always expressing the same passion in different ways. Music is always the tone, the feeling, and the melody that ties everything together.
What would you say are the top three to five things that got you to where you are today?
The first thing that comes to mind is having a village—having people to guide and inspire me. Some of those guides were people I’ve never met, like authors whose books I’ve read. Others are people I’ve been fortunate to meet and learn from directly. They gave me references and inspiration, showing me that things I’d never seen or imagined were possible.
Second, applying what I’ve learned has been critical. Information without application has little power. We live in an age where information is everywhere, but the real value comes from using that knowledge in real-life experiences.
Lastly, I’d say discipline has played a major role. As an Aries, I can be impulsive and indulgent, so creating structure has been vital. Practices like daily meditation and journaling have helped me set boundaries, hear my own voice, and stay grounded.
What has networking done for your career?
Networking has done almost everything for my career. Early on, I focused on ‘networking up,’ meeting people who had a broader perspective and more experience than I did. But now, I focus on creating spaces to connect with people around me—friends of friends, colleagues of colleagues—and building alongside them.
I think the word ‘networking’ can be triggering for some people. For me, it’s less about ‘networking’ and more about connecting with people on a human level. It’s about creating environments where we can share tools, resources, and ideas.
What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of my debut EP, presented by Feel the Space. It’s a three-song project I created in collaboration with my brother, a gifted composer and producer, as well as a dozen other talented creatives.
This project feels like a lifetime’s worth of art and music coming together. It’s deeply personal yet universal, and I believe its timeless quality will resonate with people for years to come. I’m so grateful for the community of artists who made it possible.
What makes the work you do worth it?
It serves my soul. Living a meditative lifestyle has helped me hear my own voice and understand the unique gifts I’m here to share. I think of it like this: life is a gift, but how do you use your life to give more life to your community and culture?
I know my work serves my soul when it feels peaceful and uplifting, like I’m floating or flying. That sense of ease and purpose is how I know it’s worth it.
How do you maintain your hustle and motivation? What does self-care look like for you?
For me, it’s about reframing what hustle means. I try to hustle more mindfully—not just to be busy, but to focus on the quality of what I’m doing. Rest is one of the most productive things you can do. Self-care often looks like taking naps, journaling before I touch my phone in the morning, or listening to my body when it signals me to slow down.
Meditation is also key. I’ve been meditating daily for five years. Even when it feels off or imperfect, the act of honoring myself with that time is what matters. I also believe in affirmations—speaking life into yourself is powerful. In fact, I included an affirmation in my song Waves, which is a love affirmation for myself and anyone who listens.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your career path?
First, know that there’s only one career path, and it’s yours. Everyone else’s path is already taken. Learn from others, whether it’s by engaging with them directly or studying their work, but stay curious and true to your unique journey.
Give your best effort, knowing that your ‘best’ will fluctuate depending on the moment. Trust that your journey will open doors in ways you can’t imagine.
How do you celebrate your wins?
One way I celebrate is through music—whether it’s creating a song like Big Win or listening to something that feels victorious. I also love traveling. Being on a plane and seeing the world from above reminds me to step back from the details and embrace the spaciousness of life.
And of course, I love celebrating with good food, friends, family, and music—it’s all about those meaningful moments.
What, in your opinion, makes for a toasted life?
Living life fully and ending it empty. To me, a toasted life means living each day to its fullest and giving everything you have—your gifts, your talents, your love—back to the world. That’s merit for a beautiful toast to life.
