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

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 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

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

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.

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