How Hits Get Chosen — Michelle Fantus on Spotify, Publishing, and the Music Industry

Send us Fan Mail 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. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellefantus/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/killphonicrights/?hl=en 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: [email protected]