With 20 years of experience spanning publishing, distribution, and streaming platforms, Michelle Fantus witnessed—and shaped—dramatic shifts in how we discover, create, and monetize music. 

From her beginnings as a receptionist at Sony ATV Music Publishing to her current role as co-head of A&R at Killphonic Rights, Michelle's journey reveals the power of relationship-building and strategic innovation. When she found herself at Spotify during a pivotal moment, she seized the opportunity to create the groundbreaking Equal program and Created by Women playlist, initiatives designed Throughout our conversation, Michelle illuminates the confounding world of music publishing—a system she describes as increasingly complex despite her decades of expertise. She shares how early in her career, she created monthly showcases at legendary New York venues, booking then-unknown artists like Lana Del Rey, Ex-Ambassadors, American Authors, and Dan & Shay, fostering relationships that continue to benefit her professional journey today.

For aspiring industry professionals, Michelle offers practical wisdom: network relentlessly, collaborate widely, and don't wait for permission to create opportunities. Her perspective on AI's inevitable transformation of the music landscape challenges the industry to adapt rather than resist, drawing parallels to the streaming revolution that fundamentally altered the business model

Join us for this enlightening conversation that pulls back the curtain on the music industry's female changemakers and offers a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate its complex terrain. Whether you're a creator seeking to understand publishing or an industry professional working to advance gender equity, Michelle's insights provide valuable guidance for making noise that matters.

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/michellefantus/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/killphonicrights/?hl=en

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

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shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

Welcome to She Creates Noise, a new podcast spotlighting the women who power the music industry—on stage and behind the scenes. Hosted by a platinum-selling songwriter, producer, manager, and mentor, this series pulls back the curtain on the female changemakers redefining how music gets made and heard.

The mission of the show is to celebrate the visionary women who connect the dots others can’t see—producers, label execs, artists, and managers alike. These conversations are raw, real, and reveal the “secret sauce” behind some of the most influential careers in music.

Whether you’re a young creative looking for inspiration or a seasoned pro curious about the stories that often go untold, this podcast offers valuable insights into the power of women in music.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

With over 30 years as an A&R executive at Sony Music and Warner Chappell, Lee Dannay has guided the careers of platinum-selling artists including John Mayer, Brandi Carlile, and Train while fundamentally reshaping how the industry approaches artist development.
 
The heart of great A&R work, Lee reveals, lies not just in spotting talent but in building genuine trust. "At the end of the day, the music artists write is personal," she explains. "Every time an artist writes a song, it's like they're giving birth to a child." This perspective has made her particularly valuable when "inheriting" artists who feel abandoned after their original champions leave a label – a common industry occurrence that leaves creators vulnerable and mistrustful.
 
 Our conversation travels from the earliest days of songwriter camps (which Lee pioneered at Warner Chappell 15+ years ago) to her current role heading A&R at 30 Tigers, where artists maintain ownership of their masters. "We offer a lot of the services of a traditional label, but with a very different ethos," she notes. "We will work collaboratively with you and help you accomplish your goals, but you own your work." This shift represents one of the most significant evolutions in the music business, fundamentally changing the relationship between artists and their industry partners.
 
 As a woman who has navigated the male-dominated music industry for decades, Lee also offers candid insights about gender dynamics, mentorship, and the progress still needed. Her advice for industry newcomers? Be curious about everything – not just music but literature, film, global trends – because "music is shaped by and drives culture." This holistic approach has defined her career and continues to inform her work developing the next generation of music talent. 

 https://www.instagram.com/sunshine_daydreamer18

https://www.instagram.com/thirtytigers/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

Sarah sits down with Shira Gans to discuss Shira’s work as a nationally recognized social impact strategist and as the Senior Executive Director for Policy and Programs at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. She has led pioneering initiatives that promote equity, opportunity, and sustainability across entertainment, government, and finance—including founding NY Music Month, the city’s official celebration of its vibrant music scene, The initiative now encompasses nearly 60 events with 55 industry partners, features concerts, conferences, workshops, and community programming throughout  the month of June.

Gans also launched NYC’s $12 million music industry social impact strategy and designed a $10 million grant program for women-led entertainment projects. Her work includes creating the NYC Office of Nightlife, advancing green film practices, and helping over 12,000 unbanked New Yorkers gain access to banking. A City & State “40 Under 40” Rising Star, she’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Variety, and Billboard.

Ready to experience New York Music Month? Visit nyc.gov/musicmonth for the full lineup of June events happening across the city. 

https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/industries/ny-music-month.page

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

From art student to music publishing powerhouse, Annette Barrett's 40-year career reveals the invisible architecture behind some of music's biggest moments. Sarah and Annette discuss her remarkable journey that began with a chance opportunity at Carlin Music and led to groundbreaking work with legends like David Bowie, Madonna, Prince, and Elton John.
 
 With the perfect blend of business acumen and creative intuition, Barrett explains how her foundation in copyright law combined with her artist's sensibility created the "magical combo" that shaped her success. As the first woman appointed to Warner Chapel's board of directors and now managing director of Reservoir-Reverb Music, she shares the philosophy that guided her through decades of industry evolution: "It all starts with a song."
 
 The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Barrett reveals her lifelong friendship with David Bowie, which began during her art studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. He was also a student there. This personal connection to one of music's greatest innovators adds rich context to her understanding of creative minds and her ability to nurture songwriting talent.

Barrett's pioneering international perspective transformed how the industry operates. Long before globalization became standard practice, she was connecting songwriters across borders and cultures, creating what she calls "cross-pollination" that sparked unexpected creative magic. Her anecdote about introducing Danish producer Cutfather to Nashville songwriters—resulting in a number one hit with Pink and Keith Urban—perfectly illustrates her talent for seeing potential collaborations others miss.
 
 As co-founder and president of the Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF), Barrett continues championing independent voices in the industry, organizing global songwriting camps and advocating for songwriters' rights. Her commitment to "giving something back" through mentorship and advocacy demonstrates why she remains such an influential figure in music publishing.
 
 Ready to discover more about the women powering the music industry? Subscribe to She Creates Noise for conversations that illuminate the brilliant women working behind the scenes to create the soundtrack of our lives.

https://www.instagram.com/annettebarrett4022/

https://www.reservoir-media.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Syreeta Thompson takes us on a musical journey from her Chicago roots to becoming "New York's Trumpet Lady," revealing how determination and authenticity built her remarkable career. 
 
 Syreeta’s story begins with her name itself – named after Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder's wife – setting the stage for a life immersed in music. Growing up in a household where jazz classics and soul legends provided the soundtrack, she first attempted clarinet before discovering her true voice through the trumpet. "It was the loudest instrument in the band," she laughs, "I wanted to be heard." 
 
 This conversation brilliantly illuminates the dedication behind musical mastery. Under the mentorship of Bill Fielder (who also taught Wynton Marsalis), Syreeta spent two years focusing solely on proper breathing techniques before playing a single note on her trumpet. This foundation-building approach, combined with her experiences playing in Pentecostal churches, created her signature sound – a distinctive fusion of jazz sophistication, classical technique, and gospel soul that has topped both jazz and gospel charts simultaneously.
 
 Beyond her musical achievements, Syreeta’s advocacy for women in music stands tall. Her custom trumpet, encrusted with over 10,000 Swarovski crystals, isn't just an instrument but a statement piece reflecting her bold artistic vision. Her upcoming documentary "Blow Yo Horn: Making Music in a Man's World" aims to amplify female instrumentalists who haven't received proper recognition. As an educator partnered with Berklee and Juilliard, she instills her "winner mindset" in the next generation: "If you don't see yourself as a winner, who else will?"
 
 Discover Syreeta’s upcoming projects, including her new single "With You I'm Born Again" featuring Tony Lindsey from Santana, plus performances at Lincoln Center and in Los Angeles. Subscribe now to hear more stories of women reshaping the music industry landscape through creativity, persistence, and unapologetic authenticity. 

https://www.instagram.com/trumpetladyt/?hl=en

https://ladytrumpet.org/support-our-partners-with-a-donation

https://open.spotify.com/album/04S6nb2XhHJUyCg8O9XH2R?si=ADVQO8KWTxO3VRcs4y4_GQ

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

Sharon Tapper's journey provides a masterclass in resilience, advocacy, and community-building that every music professional should hear.
 
 When Sharon told her parents she was postponing medical school to explore the music business, they never imagined this "gap year" would transform into a decades-long career spanning artist management, publishing, and advocacy. From working at London's legendary SARM Studios with Trevor Horn and George Michael to managing icons like The Cranberries and Meatloaf after a chance green card lottery win brought her to America, Sharon's path reveals how passion and persistence create opportunities in unexpected places.
 
 "You have to do the work," Sharon emphasizes throughout our conversation, dispelling myths about overnight success. Having witnessed firsthand what separates artists who achieve longevity from those who fade away, she offers no-nonsense advice for creators at every career stage. Her most urgent counsel? Build direct relationships with fans through email lists rather than surrendering your audience to social media platforms: "We spent the last 20 years driving our artists to social media, turning those companies into billion-dollar entities at the expense of the artists."
 
 As a leader at the Music Managers Forum US, Sharon champions creators' rights through initiatives like the American Music Fairness Act and the RAP Act while building vital community connections through regional chapters nationwide. These efforts continue the community-building work she pioneered with NYC3, which grew from six professionals around a table to nearly 500 members creating meaningful industry connections.
 
 Perhaps most powerful is Sharon's personal testament to resilience. After surviving a brain hemorrhage in 2007 that forced her to relearn basic skills, she re imagined her approach to work and life: "Health is fragile and you can't take it for granted." This perspective infuses her closing thoughts on embracing failure in an industry often obsessed with perfection: "That's how we learn."
 
 Join us for an inspiring conversation about building careers that last, advocating for change, and creating communities that nurture the next generation of music industry leaders. Subscribe now to hear more stories from the women shaping today's music landscape. 

 https://www.mmfus.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sharonatapper/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

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Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

Sarah sits down with Samantha Cox, Vice President of Creative at BMI New York, to explore the vital role BMI plays in supporting songwriters and artists as well as her take on how women are reshaping the music industry.

Sam's journey from small-town Texas to becoming an influential figure  in the industry serves as both inspiration and masterclass. With remarkable candor, she shares the moment she discovered a teenage Stephanie Germanotta—soon to become Lady Gaga—and instantly recognized the creative force that would soon captivate the world. "I fell in love instantly," Sam recalls, describing how she watched Gaga transform from an unknown performer on BMI's Lollapalooza stage to returning years later as a global superstar.
 
 Beyond the star-spotting stories, Sam delivers invaluable wisdom for songwriters navigating their careers. Her insights on collaboration, protecting creative work, and leveraging performance rights organizations reveal pathways through the industry that many creators never discover until it's too late. "If someone says you don't need a lawyer, don't work with that person," she warns, providing the kind of straightforward advice that can save careers.
 
 What makes this conversation truly special is the window it provides into BMI's multifaceted support system for artists. From creating networking opportunities through their innovative "Speed Dating for Songwriters" program to serving as advisors, connectors, and advocates, Sam illuminates how performance rights organizations function as much more than just royalty collectors.
 
 Whether you're a songwriter looking to understand your rights, an industry professional seeking deeper insights, or simply curious about how the music business really works, this episode delivers rare, honest perspective from someone who's helped shape countless careers. Listen now and discover why Sam Cox is the music industry powerhouse everyone wants in their corner.

https://www.instagram.com/scoxadoodledoo/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

What does it take to discover Jeff Buckley when your boss says "he has no charisma"? How do you stand up to Tommy Mottola when he tries to intimidate you with an East River "walk and talk"? And what happens when Madonna becomes your roommate and starts throwing out all your "unhealthy" food? Kate Hyman knows. 

As one of the first female A&R executives at major labels, Kate has shaped music history through her work with the Flaming Lips, Moby, the Cranberries, Aimee Mann, and countless others. In this riveting conversation, she pulls back the curtain on the music industry's male power structure and how she navigated it with unflinching honesty.<

Kate's journey from archaeology student to A&R powerhouse wasn't planned. Growing up partly in England with a father who ran a major film studio, she found emotional salvation in music—especially darker, lyrical artists like Leonard Cohen and Neil Young. After being fired as a receptionist who couldn't type, she was surprisingly rehired for A&R when executives noticed she was always listening to exciting new music no one else had discovered.

Her talent-spotting approach is refreshingly pure in today's data-driven world: "I would put something on, and either the hair on my arms would stand up and I'd get this incredible feeling in my stomach and heart—and that was that." This instinct-first methodology led her to champion artists others dismissed, including turning down major label opportunities when executives couldn't see an artist's potential.

Through her Big Ears Music Consultancy, Kate now helps artists navigate the industry independently, providing the kind of hands-on development that's vanished from major labels. "There's no A&R left at labels—just researchers," she observes. "These young artists really want help with their songs, with making them better, with finding the right producer."

Listen in for candid stories about living with Madonna ("the worst roommate"), knocking on Marianne Faithfull's door to land a job, and why the music industry's gender dynamics remain challenging despite progress. Kate's unforgettable insights will change how you hear music and understand the creative forces that bring it to life.

https://www.bigearsmusicconsultancy.com

https://www.instagram.com/kate.hyman1 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com

What happens when you stop hiding what makes you different and instead turn it into your superpower? Meet Lachi, a chart-topping recording artist and fierce advocate who's revolutionizing how the music industry approaches disability inclusion.

Born legally blind, she spent years concealing her disability until a pivotal missed opportunity with an A&R executive changed everything. Embracing her blind identity – bejeweled cane and all – she discovered authenticity wasn't just liberating; it was magnetic.

This revelation led her to found RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disability), an organization transforming how the industry approaches disability. Her advocacy reaches the highest levels – from creating a Disability and Inclusion Task Force at the Recording Academy to launching Glam Canes, and becoming such a regular guest at the Biden White House that she “knew how to roam the halls.”

Lachi reframes disability not as limitation but as strength: "Disability is humanity." Whether you're a music industry professional or someone seeking inspiration, her story proves that when you refuse to compromise who you are, you create spaces where everyone can thrive.

www.lachimusic.com

www.rampd.oeg

www.glamcanes.com

www.instagram com/lachimusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/07D2qGlJUOVf83OM5ujJZD?si=aw9dVhQMTKqr5laeyJuE2A

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and share.

Many thanks to Anne Tello for her vocals on the theme song and to our sponsor 'Heard City'.

Check out https://www.shecreatesnoisepodcast.com for more episodes featuring women who power the music industry.

https://www.shecreatesnoise.com/

https://www.sarahnagourney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shecreatesnoise/

https://www.instagram.com/glassbeatmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SheCreatesNoise

Email:

shecreatesnoise@gmail.com