She Creates Noise

Sarah Nagourney
  • 4.8 (9)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

She Creates Noise, the podcast that shines a light on the groundbreaking work that women in the music industry do. Hosted by platinum-selling songwriter/producer and artist development strategist, Sarah Nagourney. 

  1. Mental Health in the Music Industry — When “Not Okay” Becomes Normal | Cathy Olson & Erica Ramon

    2D AGO

    Mental Health in the Music Industry — When “Not Okay” Becomes Normal | Cathy Olson & Erica Ramon

    Send us Fan Mail May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for this special episode of She Creates Noise, we bring together two powerful advocates for a conversation the music industry can’t afford to sideline. The same business that creates magic can also grind people down until “not okay” starts to feel normal.  Here, we explore that tension through two distinct perspectives: Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder of Hollywood & Mind and longtime entertainment journalist, and Erica Ramon, a veteran executive and manager who has worked closely with artists under intense pressure. Erica has represented Fergie, The Pretty Reckless and Passion pit among others. Together, they discuss what happens when creativity and vulnerability coexist—and why mental health can no longer be treated as a side conversation, but as central to the future of the industry.    We dig into the patterns that show up on the road and behind the scenes: insomnia, imposter syndrome, addiction recovery, burnout, and the loneliness of touring. We challenge the myth that great art requires suffering, and we explore how artists can stay authentic without romanticizing instability as the price of genius. We also get specific about what structural change looks like in the music business, from smarter tour routing and building in recovery time to new resources like on-tour mental health support and industry-specific crisis help.     Then we widen the lens to music and wellness: how functional music and sound can help regulate the nervous system, support focus, and ground people through daily life. We talk data, research, and why listening behavior already proves that many of us use music as a mental health tool, whether we call it that or not. We also address women in music, including the ongoing gaps in support around pregnancy, motherhood, and career continuity.  For more about Cathy Olson's work go to   https://www.hollywood-mind.com  For more info on Erica Ramon www.cacmg.com www.chillpalm.com  www.ericaramon.com Support the show  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

    46 min
  2. "10 Global #1 Hits — Including Katy Perry's Biggest — songwriter Bonnie McKee".

    APR 22

    "10 Global #1 Hits — Including Katy Perry's Biggest — songwriter Bonnie McKee".

    Send us Fan Mail You’ve sung these songs in your car, at weddings, and at the top of your lungs—now you can hear from the songwriter who wrote them. In this episode of She Creates Noise, Sarah sits down with Grammy-nominated songwriter and pop artist Bonnie McKee, the songwriter behind many of Katy Perry’s biggest hits, as well as Taio Cruz, for a candid conversation about what pop success really looks like behind the scenes. Bonnie takes us from a teenage major-label deal and an early crash course in the business to being dropped, rebuilding through demo work, and eventually writing era-defining songs that reached number one around the world. She shares what it actually feels like when a song explodes, why she still writes lyrics by hand in notebooks, and the craft lessons she learned the hard way about simplicity, collaboration, and not getting too precious about what a pop song “should” be. We also go deeper than chart stories. Bonnie speaks openly about safety in studio spaces, the shift after Me Too, and why women still have to guard their boundaries in intimate writing rooms. She makes a powerful case for creator economics too: production credit, master points, and why every songwriter should learn engineering and production tools like Pro Tools, Logic, or Ableton to become more self-sufficient. The conversation closes with her expansion into filmmaking, the victory of re-recording shelved music to independently release Hot City, and a mindset shift earned through experience: don’t make success your higher power. If you want to know more about:  writing 10 #1 major pop hits  working with Katy Perry  how hit songs are really made  songwriting craft and collaboration  women’s safety in studio rooms  producer credit and songwriter income the value of learning Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton  reinventing your career independently A smart, funny, and revealing conversation with one of pop music’s most important modern hitmakers. https://www.instagram.com/bonniemckee/ Support the show  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

    40 min
  3. From Touring with Rob Thomas to Creative Reinvention — Toby Lightman

    APR 8

    From Touring with Rob Thomas to Creative Reinvention — Toby Lightman

    Send us Fan Mail 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.  Instagram  Toby Lightman on spotify Support the show  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

    32 min
  4. Writing “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera — Pam Sheyne

    MAR 25

    Writing “Genie in a Bottle” for Christina Aguilera — Pam Sheyne

    Send us Fan Mail How do you write a song the whole world ends up singing?   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.    Subscribe, share this with a songwriter friend, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations.  https://www.instagram.com/pamsheyne/ https://www.songwritercamps.com/ Support the show  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

    36 min
  5. Interviewing Madonna, Taylor Swift & Everyone In Between — Inside Music Media with Andrea Dresdale

    MAR 11

    Interviewing Madonna, Taylor Swift & Everyone In Between — Inside Music Media with Andrea Dresdale

    Send us Fan Mail 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.  Support the show  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

    28 min
  6. It’s Never Too Late —Find your voice in the Music Industry - AC Scott & Kate Hyman

    FEB 25

    It’s Never Too Late —Find your voice in the Music Industry - AC Scott & Kate Hyman

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show  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

    46 min
  7. Changing Who Gets Heard — Ebonie Smith on Music, Tech, and Power in the Music Industry

    FEB 11

    Changing Who Gets Heard — Ebonie Smith on Music, Tech, and Power in the Music Industry

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Support the show  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

    42 min
  8. Caron Veazey on Managing Pharrell and Women’s Leadership in the Music Industry

    JAN 28

    Caron Veazey on Managing Pharrell and Women’s Leadership in the Music Industry

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to help guide one of the most influential artists in the world—and turn that experience into lasting leadership in the music industry? In this episode of She Creates Noise, Sarah sits down with Caron Veazey to discuss her years managing Pharrell Williams, and how that chapter helped shape her perspective on women’s leadership, artist development, and real change across the music business. From an early break as a page at Saturday Night Live to senior roles at MCA, RCA, Island Def Jam, and Sony’s global marketing team, Caron built a rare career path rooted in instinct, strategy, and people-first thinking. She shares how refusing narrow categories opened doors for artists like Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, and Duffy—and why creating your own opportunities can still be the most powerful move. We also discuss the Pharrell years: building I Am Other as a multi-platform vision where music, fashion, film, and philanthropy fueled one another, and navigating the global success of “Get Lucky,” “Blurred Lines,” and “Happy.” If you want to know more about:  managing major artists  Pharrell’s creative world  women’s leadership in the music industry  artist branding and career growth  building influence behind the scenes  marketing artists globally  creating opportunity in the music business  long-term career strategy A sharp and inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s most respected executives and advocates for progress.  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.  Support the show  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

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

She Creates Noise, the podcast that shines a light on the groundbreaking work that women in the music industry do. Hosted by platinum-selling songwriter/producer and artist development strategist, Sarah Nagourney. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Nagourney
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 She Creates Noise
  • Show Website
    She Creates Noise