OUR STORY
In January of 2015, songwriting partners Kay Hanley and Michelle Lewis founded SONA (Songwriters Of North America) in response to the unfair licensing rates being paid to music creators by digital streaming companies like Spotify and Pandora.
With their close community of working Los Angeles-based songwriters and composers and high-powered entertainment attorney and activist, Dina LaPolt, they quickly built up their ranks to become a prominent and respected voice on the leading edge of issues that face songwriters in the new digital music economy.
They played a pivotal role in the crafting, lobbying, and passage of landmark copyright legislation, the Music Modernization Act.
Our staff and board represent the heart and soul of SONA. We are all passionate advocates for songwriters’ rights and are experts in our field. We guide the vision of SONA and ensure that we are always true of our mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
FOUNDERS
Abby North
Adam Parness
Angie Martinez
Barbara Quinn
Beka Tischker
Chris Stills
Doug Brainin
Emily Warren
Erika Nuri
Gail Greenwood
Jai Yoko
Jeff Duquette
Marjorie Garcia
Jaime Zeluck-Hindlin
Joe DiMona
John Bitrick
Kara DioGuardi
Kat Dahlia
Kay Hanley
Kevin Casini
Kevin Griffin
Michael Eames
Lauren Hancock
Louie Diller
Marcus Miller
Matt Tishler
MILCK
Priscilla Renea
Ross Golan
Sam Hollander
Sandy Vee
Sarah Hudson
Sharon Tapper
Shay M. Lawson
Shelly Peiken
Tanya Donelly
Zach Gurka
Whitney Phillips
Abby North
Adam Parness
Angie Martinez
Barbara Quinn
Beka Tischker
Chris Stills
Doug Brainin
Emily Warren
Erika Nuri
Gail Greenwood
Jai Yoko
Jeff Duquette
Marjorie Garcia
Jaime Zeluck-Hindlin
Joe DiMona
John Bitrick
Kara DioGuardi
Kat Dahlia
Kay Hanley
Kevin Casini
Kevin Griffin
Michael Eames
Lauren Hancock
Louie Diller
Marcus Miller
Matt Tishler
MILCK
Priscilla Renea
Ross Golan
Sam Hollander
Sandy Vee
Sarah Hudson
Sharon Tapper
Shay M. Lawson
Shelly Peiken
Tanya Donelly
Zach Gurka
Whitney Phillips
In 2015, a small group of LA based songwriters, composers, and producers began to gather monthly for coffee and bagels to discuss the increasing challenges posed by music streaming platforms and develop strategies to protect the value of our work. Six years later, Songwriters of North America is more animated than ever by that original mission. Bolstered by hundreds of like-minded songwriter members, thousands of stakeholder partners, and millions of social media interactions, SONA’s reach has extended beyond our coffee tables and recording studios to the halls of Congress, effecting change for music creators’ rights around the globe. We are songwriters using our collective voice to claim our rightful seat at the table of ideas as the music business enters a new chapter.
Songwriters of North America (SONA) is a not for profit organization dedicated to advocating and providing resources for songwriters and significantly improving the music industry for all music creators.
As the music business transitions into the streaming economy, SONA demands that songwriters have a seat at the table and a say in our future. We are a diverse community of professional songwriters who fight to protect the value of our works. All day, every day. Have you joined SONA yet?
Sign up on our website and select a membership level!
Get the latest news, advocacy issues, songwriter resources, and more in the SONA blog.
See AllAdvocacy, December 30, 2023
From our humble beginnings in 2015 to becoming a powerhouse advocate for songwriters, here’s a glimpse into what makes us...
News, September 1, 2023
“As songwriters, our work is BMI’s chief supply. It is critical that we all, regardless of performance rights organization affiliation,...
News, May 16, 2024
SONA and Sona.stream amicably settle over use of trademark “SONA” name Through friendly negotiations, Sona.stream agrees to change their name...
News, January 25, 2024
From L to R: Michelle Lewis (CEO, SONA/The SONA Foundation), Kellie Brown (COO, SONA//The SONA Foundation), Linda Bloss-Baum (Government Affairs...
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