S2 E13: Creating Noise with Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is an Emmy-winning songwriter, composer, and one of the most important advocates for music creators working today. Over the course of her career, she has written songs recorded by artists including Cher, Amy Grant, Little Mix, and Andra Day, while also building an acclaimed body of work for television. Her credits include Julie and the Phantoms, We the People, The Loud House, Bubble Guppies, and the Peabody Award-winning Doc McStuffins. She is also the co-creator, executive producer, and songwriter behind Kindergarten: The Musical, continuing a remarkable run of creative success that has earned multiple Emmy wins and nominations.

But Michelle’s story goes far beyond hit songs and screen credits. She is the co-founder and CEO of Songwriters of North America, known as SONA, an organization that has become a vital voice for songwriters fighting for fair pay, equity, and protection in a rapidly changing music business. At a time when so many creators feel invisible, Michelle has helped turn frustration into collective action.

We talk about balancing art and activism, what songwriters are still up against behind the scenes, how women can and do lead, and why creating change sometimes matters as much as creating songs. This is a powerful conversation with someone shaping the future from both sides of the desk.