Episode 05: Creating Noise with Kate Hyman

Today, I’m honored to be speaking with one of the true icons of the music industry: Kate Hyman. Originally from the U.S. but grew up in England, Kate moved back to the U.S. to attend the University of Southern California, and went on to hold senior A&R positions at several major record labels—something that was almost unheard of for women in her generation.

Her impressive career includes roles at MCA, Z Records, V2, Chrysalis, and BMG Music Publishing. Over the years, Kate has played a key role in the careers of a wide range of groundbreaking artists, including The Flaming Lips, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Aimee Mann, Henry Rollins, Toots and the Maytals, Moby, Marianne Faithfull, T. Rex, Kid Creole, Paula Cole, and many more. Fun fact: she was even Madonna’s roommate back in the day.

Many younger women in the music business today may not fully realize just how much work it took for pioneers like Kate to break through the male-dominated industry. The opportunities that exist now are, in many ways, thanks to women like her who fought to open doors and redefine what was possible.

In this episode, Kate describes some of the challenges she faced, the moments she had to stand up for herself and prove her mettle, and how she navigated an industry that didn’t always welcome women in leadership roles. And when I say there were virtually no women doing what Kate was doing 30+ years ago—I truly mean it. She is fearless, unstoppable, and still incredibly passionate about music.

Kate continues to shape the future of the industry with her latest venture, Big Ears Music Consulting—an artist development and consulting firm that’s already making waves. Independent artists and former major label professionals alike are lining up.