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What makes Nashville such a powerful engine for artist development—and how has it evolved alongside film, television, and the changing music industry?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, Nashville-based music supervisor, consultant, and author Anastasia Brown shares how she helped shape the city’s growing role in film and television, while building a career grounded in instinct, strategy, and resilience.

 From her early days as a manager, the Bluebird Cafe revelation that led to signing Keith Urban to his first record deal; Anastasia shows how conviction, curiosity, and grit can lift you to new career heights.
 
 We unpack the real Nashville: a ten-year town for artist development  because of the density of talent and the apprenticeship needed for  songwriting. Anastasia explains how sync licensing became her pivot as mechanical royalties for record sales fell, why authentic archival recordings can save a budget without shortchanging writers, and what it takes to spot an artist before the market does. We talk frankly about songwriter pay, the realities of streaming royalties, and the practical ways supervisors and producers can protect value for the people who create the songs. If you’re searching for artist development, music supervision strategy, sync licensing, Nashville music scene, or songwriter rights, this conversation delivers an insider’s view.
 
 The episode also moves into leadership and resilience. Anastasia shares how women in Nashville pushed through outdated norms, the mentors who opened doors, and her goal to build a self-sustaining scoring industry in Music City—highlighted by recording The Shack with a 74-piece orchestra at Ocean Way. Finally, she opens up about her own loss and purpose, launching “There Are No Words, But We Have A Few” to give grieving parents a community and a voice.
 
 If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who loves music and stories that matter, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show. Your support keeps these conversations—and the songwriters behind them—thriving.

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Today Sarah sits down with Rachael Yamagata. Her new album asks you to stop scrolling and truly listen. That’s the invitation at the heart of our conversation with Rachel Yamagata, whose new record, Starlit Alchemy, unfolds as a continuous journey—interludes, transitions, and songs that flow like a single film score. We trace the winding path to release: tours planned for 2019, recording plans derailed in 2020, the pivot to a home studio in the Catskills, and the choice to embrace an album-first vision when the industry rewards singles and snippets.
 
 Rachel shares the stories behind the music, including “Birds,” a meditation on signs, loss, and the ways we make meaning during uncertain times. She opens up about the tradeoffs of full independence: self-management, learning marketing from scratch, funding a record out of touring, and crafting DIY visuals on her phone to reach new listeners. The numbers are real—tens of thousands to make an album, streaming payouts that don’t cover the costs, and the long grind of booking, rehearsals, and promotion. Yet the creative intent shines: immersive shows in listening rooms and resonant spaces with strings, soundscapes, and a set designed for deep focus.
 
 We also revisit Rachel’s early 2000s roots—Hotel Cafe, global tours, and collaborations—and explore why placements in TV and film still give songs a second life. Then we get candid about the present: social media as both lifeline and time sink, gatekeeping that privileges surface over substance, and the uncertain role of AI in shaping the next wave of artistry. Rachel’s answer is to go deeper, not faster: make work that rewards attention, build community, and let the album format carry the weight of complex emotion.
 
 Hit play to hear a veteran artist map the real economics of creating today, the philosophy behind an album that demands presence, and the optimism that keeps the music moving forward. If the conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories. 

https://rachaelyamagata.com/

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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. 

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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

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How do songs actually get chosen—and who’s making those decisions in today’s music industry?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, A&R executive Michelle Fantus shares insights from over 20 years across publishing, distribution, and streaming, offering a rare look at how music is discovered, developed, and brought to audiences today.

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.

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

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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.

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 Sarah sits down with Kim Frankiewicz, EVP of Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, to map the real levers behind sustainable artist success—from first gigs that Kim went to in Newcastle, Australia and a life-changing INXS chapter to leading a global team that signs, nurtures, and re-signs talent on the strength of songs and character. Kim’s path is a masterclass in long-game A&R: choose publishing to grow gracefully, curate a roster you’re proud of, and make passion the entry ticket for every deal.

We dig into how music discovery truly works now that borders have become less important. The playbook isn’t US-first anymore; it’s Johannesburg, Lagos, Seoul, London, and New York in the same week. Kim breaks down why K‑Pop remains a powerhouse for songwriters and producers, how Afrobeats rewired global ears, and why India’s next wave feels inevitable. Numbers still matter, but they’re not the focus .That guardrail protects artists from getting trapped in the churn of a single hit record and positions them for re-signings, not just one-offs.

They also discuss the AI question head-on. AI can simulate sheen, but ultimately struggle to deliver the emotions that makes a real song. Kim’s view is grounded: expect more noise and better tools, yet trust that emotion, point of view, and performance that will keep real artists on top. There’s straight talk for emerging A&R pros, too—do the unglamorous legwork, back people you genuinely love, and commit to the long ride. Kim shares how she, an introvert can lead in a public-facing role, and what has changed—and what still hasn’t—for women who want to thrive in music.

If you care about artist development, music publishing, and the future of A&R in a global, AI-tinged landscape, this conversation will reset your compass. 

https://www.instagram.com/kimfrankiewicz/

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In this engaging conversation, Divinity Roxx takes us through her remarkable journey from classical clarinet player to hip-hop artist, to Beyoncé's bassist and musical director, and ultimately, a creator of genre-defying music for all ages.
 
 Divinity talks about her experience as musical director in Beyoncé's groundbreaking all-female band—a role that transformed perceptions of women in music across generations. "I meet people all the time who talk about how impactful it was," she shares, recounting stories of young women who became professional musicians after seeing women commanding stadium stages for the first time. This representation wasn't just vital for girls but also for boys who grew up with limited notions of what women could accomplish musically.
 
 Her artistic evolution is a masterclass in following curiosity wherever it leads. Growing up in Atlanta's rich musical ecosystem, Divinity absorbed influences from local funk bands to Parliament Funkadelic, from Bad Brains to Bob Marley. This diverse musical diet created the foundation for her uniquely genre-fluid approach to composition. When the pandemic hit, an unexpected opportunity to create music for Scholastic led to her first Grammy nomination and a whole new creative chapter.
 
 Beyond her own creative work, Divinity speaks passionately about advocating for women in music, especially instrumentalists who often face the harshest industry conditions. "You're the first to get cut, the least paid, nobody worries about you," she explains, highlighting why mentorship and visibility matter so profoundly. Yet her message ultimately transcends the music industry: "You can start over as many times as you want to. You can have as many lives and different lives as you want to."
 
 Join us for this intimate conversation about breaking barriers, finding joy in unexpected places, and the power of staying endlessly curious about what might come next. Whether you're a musician, a parent, or simply someone navigating your own career pivots, Divinity's journey offers inspiration and practical wisdom for charting your own path.

https://www.instagram.com/diviroxx/

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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/

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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. 

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

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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/

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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/

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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 

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What does it mean to truly change what the music industry looks like—and who gets to be seen and heard within it?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, artist, author, and disability advocate Lachi shares how she’s reshaping the conversation around visibility, access, and inclusion in the music industry—on her own terms.

Lachi a chart-topping Grammy nominated 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

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In this episode of She Creates Noise, Caron Veazey—who helped shape the career of Pharrell Williams—shares how she built a path through the music industry rooted in instinct, strategy, and a people-first approach. 

From a hallway conversation when just a page at Saturday Night Live she found her eventual direction. From that moment, Caron Veazey charted a rare path—crossing genres, continents, and roles to shape culture at scale while pushing the industry to be more future-facing and equitable. 

Caron takes us from her first break at MCA to senior roles at RCA, Island Def Jam, and Sony’s global marketing team. She shares how refusing narrow categories opened doors for artists as different as Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, and Duffy, and why writing an unsolicited plan can be the most powerful calling card. We then dig into the Pharrell years—structuring I Am Other so music, fashion, film, and philanthropy fueled one another, and navigating the tidal wave of Get Lucky, Blurred Lines, and Happy without burning out the moment or the artist.
 
 The conversation turns toward impact with the Black Music Action Coalition. Born in 2020, BMAC moved beyond statements to accountability: contracts, hiring, funding, measurement. Caron is candid about the progress and the backlash, explaining how to keep pressure on when the headlines fade. We close with a clear-eyed look at women’s leadership—where the pipeline is strong, where the ceiling still holds, and what solidarity, mentorship, and strategic yeses can do to move more women into SVP, EVP, and CEO seats. Along the way, Veazey shares the traits she looks for in talent, why multi - hyphenate creators now set the pace, and how to protect the creative chemistry that makes great work possible.
 
 If the conversation resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review—your support helps more listeners find stories that open doors. 

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How do you rebuild a career when the music industry knocks you down—and come back shaping the sound of a generation?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, songwriter and producer Lauren Christy shares the journey from early setbacks to co-creating some of the most defining pop-rock hits of the 2000s.

We go deep on her early London years, the Atlantic Records implosion that left her in debt at 20, and the hard reset that carried her to Mercury, late-night TV, and a Golden Globe–nominated single. Then the twist: a label’s priorities wipe out her radio moment, forcing a choice that would change the sound of the 2000s.
 
Lauren explains how she read the room and built The Matrix with Graham Edwards and Scott Spock—a writer-producer collective modeled on the  approach of Cheiron; Max Martins hit making machine. Inside those sessions came earworm-first craft, bass-led toplines, and a new lane for a 16-year-old artist named Avril Lavigne. The result: Complicated, Sk8er Boi, and a sustained run at number one that redefined pop-rock. We unpack the process, the pressure, and what it meant to be among the first women ever nominated for Producer of the Year for producing other artists.
 
 There’s more than career lore here. Lauren talks about faith as a daily practice that steadied her through industry politics and redirected her toward a life she actually wanted—family, mentoring, and meaningful work without constant travel. 

We get into practical safety rules for sessions, why women remain underrepresented in production, and the path forward: learn a DAW, produce your own demos, protect your time, and build teams that let songs breathe. She also shares updates on SkyChristy, her daughters’ duo, and recent projects spanning pop, rock, and classical crossover.
 
 If stories of resilience, real-world tactics, and transparent mentorship fuel you, press play and join us. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s building their music career, and leave a review so more creators can find these conversations.

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

lauren@laurenchristy.com

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What does it really take to make music—and who’s behind the moments we hear?

After a debut season that landed in the top 80% of new podcasts and the top 98% of most shared shows, She Creates Noise returns with a bigger, bolder Season Two—continuing to explore how music gets made, and who makes it happen.

If you care about songwriting craft, studio engineering, music production, artist development, and the real mechanics of the music industry, this season is built for you. We’ll keep the warmth and honesty you’ve come to expect while delivering more diverse voices, and conversations that move from inspiration to application.

Thanks for listening, sharing, and being part of this growing community. Hit follow, send this teaser to a friend who loves music, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find these stories. Your support helps us keep amplifying the women who move the industry forward. 

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Where does creativity come from—and how do you stay open enough to receive it?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and poet Valerie June shares how everyday life becomes a creative channel, and how she protects the space where songs first arrive.

 Valerie traces her roots to Tennessee and a childhood surrounded by music. We talk about her father’s involvement as a promoter of performers like Prince, Jojo and Jodeci. That early vantage point meets a deep well of influence—Appalachian folk, gospel, blues, dream soul, and how her music draws from artist’s as diverse as Curtis Mayfield, Tracy Chapman and Leonard Cohen. 

She shares how her ideas and melodies show up unannounced, how she protects the solitude of writing before inviting collaborators to add their contribution in the studio, and how her three-breath meditative reset keeps her centered. We listen to and talk about a song from her newest album, Owls, Omens and Oracles. The song “Endless Tree,” is a radiant experience that asks whether we can be free and still disagree, and we also unpack the quiet power of opening doors as a Black woman in Americana without having to explain it at every turn.
 
Style becomes another instrument in this conversation: Bowie-inspired silhouettes, thrift-store treasures, and street-stall finds that build a living mood board around her music. Valerie describes the slow climb from fly-on-the-wall sessions with Dan Auerbach to co-producing with conviction, and she opens up about poetry arriving after loss, spoken lines in her poetry that later find their way into her songs. Beyond the stage, she is a mentor and brings mindfulness into classrooms, helping students turn attention into art and courage into performance.
 
Listen to hear about her songwriting secrets, stay for the practices you can use today—portable meditation, patient craft, and the reminder that creativity thrives when we listen and engage. If this conversation moves you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find these stories.

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

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  We’re joined by Pam Sheyne, the multi-platinum songwriter behind Christina Aguilera’s breakout hit “Genie in a Bottle,” to talk about what actually happens in the room when a career-defining track comes together, why you can feel you wrote “a good song” and still never predict a smash, and how preparation separates pros from wishful thinking.
 
 We also zoom out to the modern music industry: writing as a chameleon for different artists, doing the homework on vocal range and style, and navigating the subtle politics of helping an artist feel true ownership. Pam shares what she’s seeing through her songwriting camps, including sync licensing sessions built around real briefs and the practical business details that matter, like one-stop clearance and keeping song ownership intact.
 
 Then we get into songwriter rights and advocacy. Pam reflects on her work with SONA and the fight that led to the Music Modernization Act, what streaming royalties exposed, and why conversations about master rights, fair pay, and even healthcare aren’t optional if we want sustainable songwriting careers. We close with a return to artistry through her duo Eva and the healing power of singing, plus grounded advice for anyone trying to build a life in music.
 
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https://www.instagram.com/pamsheyne/

https://www.songwritercamps.com/

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On this episode I sit down with Andrea Dresdale—a two-time Gracie Award winner and longtime ABC radio host who has interviewed everyone from Elton John to Madonna, Taylor Swift to Adele and Teddy Swims among many others. A voting member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame  —Andrea and I chat about the real levers of access, trust, and influence in today’s music media.
 
Andrea traces her path from a teenage radio obsessive to syndicated programming, where small stations gain national access. From there, we explore how the interview landscape shifted as podcasts, YouTube, and social platforms splintered attention. With more outlets chasing the same 20 minutes and listeners, she shows why relationship capital with publicists and managers beats clout chasing—and tells the story of how a smart early bet led to three Madonna interviews. We also revisit the VMAs and hear how a kept promise turned into a rare, respectful conversation with Taylor Swift right after the Kanye call.
 
The red carpet gets its own spotlight: tactics for breaking through the noise and the value of a long boom mic, and how split-second prep differs from a studio sit-down. Then we zoom into newsroom reality at ABC: independent verification, high standards around celebrity news, and why being second but right still matters in a social-first cycle. Andrea opens up about navigating rock spaces as a woman, the quiet ways women's expertise gets questioned, and tangible signs of progress as voting bodies broaden and gatekeeping weakens.
 
When the conversation turns to legacy, Andrea votes with influence over pure sales—naming artists whose impact echoes through other artists, like Amy Winehouse. We challenge old industry myths with a look at Bad Bunny’s rise: a Spanish-first catalog, minimal traditional media, massive global demand, and deals that flip the script on power. The takeaway is clear: authenticity travels fast, research earns trust, and relationships endure longer than trends. We close on a love letter to radio as a living discovery engine that still surprises, one local station at a time.
 
If this conversation shifted how you see music journalism and artist access, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more curious listeners can find us. 

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What happens when you write your first song in your sixties — and someone hears it instantly?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, artist AC Scott and legendary A&R executive Kate Hyman explore an extraordinary second act in the music industry — from late-blooming creativity to the power of instinct, mentorship, and emotional truth in songwriting.

A voice that waited decades to be heard meets an A&R ear that knows in seconds. AC Scott began writing songs in her sixties, turning a life-altering diagnosis into creative fuel. What followed was a partnership grounded in trust, instinct, and a shared belief that emotion—not perfection—drives great music.

From the intimate ache of “Sometimes” to the sweep of “Highlands” and the clarity of “Never Too Late,” AC’s songwriting blends hard-won honesty with melodies that land on first listen.

Kate Hyman takes us inside her decision-making process: why authenticity must cut through, how an unvarnished take can outshine perfection, and what it means to say yes—or no—when 40 to 50 strong songs land at once.

AC shares the transatlantic journey—crossing by ship to collaborate in person—and the moments of creative breakthrough that followed. The conversation opens up to the realities of today’s music industry: ageism, niche audiences, and how story and substance are finding their place again.

We also talk about women mentoring women, the courage to share imperfect work, and the trust required to let something real take shape.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start, this conversation offers a clear answer: keep living, keep writing, and let belief meet craft at the right time.

 If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more listeners can find these conversations.

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Who gets heard in the music industry—and who gets left out?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, producer, engineer, and Gender Amplified founder Ebonie Smith shares how she’s building a more open, collaborative, and equitable future for music—from the studio to the systems behind it.

Ebonie Smith discusses her production work and origin story. From Memphis, where hymns and call-and-response shaped her music, to New York and LA, where Grammy-nominated projects and Broadway musical recording filled her credits, Ebonie shows how leadership, faith, and enlightened approach to  engineering can create an open environment in the studio and elevate the artist’s voice. We spotlight her journey  and follow the choices that built her reputation: invite artists to the console, demystify the gear, and treat technology as a shared canvas and support system instead of an obstacle.
 
 The story doesn’t stop at credits. While building records for Hamilton, Janelle Monáe, and Cardi B, Ebonie launched Gender Amplified, first as a college thesis, then as a movement. She uncovered a vibrant, often unseen network of women producers and DJs, then built platforms where their work could be found, hired, and celebrated. We dig into why charts show where power sits—not where value lives—and how storytelling, community, and access can shift who gets heard and who gets paid. The conversation widens into the AI surge and why fear isn’t a strategy: audio jobs will change, and those who learn new tools, refine taste, and lead collaboration will thrive.
 
 From her Recording Academy leadership to her AES keynote, Ebonie pushes a provocative idea: artists should build the tech that moves their art. Distribution solved a problem and created a gap between creators and their money. Her playbook points to ownership—of masters, publishing, audience, and the rails themselves. We talk indie wins, sustainable revenue, and the courage to design your own ecosystem. Then we look ahead: more records, daily piano, new content, and Gender Amplified camps in New York and LA that bring gender-expansive producers into rooms built for their success.
 
 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more creators find these stories—and tell us: what would you build to put artists back in control? https://www.instagram.com/eboniesmithmusic

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What happens when success comes fast—and you have to figure out who you are in real time?

In this episode of She Creates Noise, singer-songwriter Toby Lightman reflects on the early breakthrough that launched her career—from a record deal just one year out of college to touring with Rob Thomas—and the long, deliberate path to creative reinvention.

One year out of college, Toby Lightman had a record deal, a breakout moment, and an impressive touring schedule with multiple TV appearance. That kind of fast success sounds glamorous, but it can also be disorienting, especially when you’re still learning who you are as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer. We talk through what it felt like to be launched so young and how Toby learned to turn that pressure into skill, confidence, and a sustainable creative life.
 
From major-label releases and intimidating studio rooms to the slow, determined work of teaching herself music production, Toby shares the real mechanics of reinvention. We get into building a home studio, why she sticks with Pro Tools, and what changes when an artist can shape their own sound without waiting on anyone else. She also reflects on advice she once got from Prince that stayed with her for years: you can do more than you think, and you don’t have to outsource your power.
 
 The conversation goes deeper into songwriting as a survival tool. Toby opens up about fertility struggles, miscarriage, and the loneliness that can come with those experiences, then connects that honesty to making empowering music about resilience and motherhood. We also dig into advocacy and leadership, including her work with the Recording Academy, SONA, and She Is The Music, plus practical realities like sync licensing, composing for kids programming, and diversifying income in today’s music business.
 
 If you care about women in music, independent artists, music production, and building a sustainable creative career, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review on your favorite so more listeners can find the show. 

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Toby Lightman on spotify

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