Today we’d like to introduce you to TheZachMichael.
Hi TheZachMichael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey as a music producer when I was just a kid who was always online. I spent a lot of time exploring different corners of the internet, and one day I stumbled upon FL Studio. From the moment I opened it, I was instantly hooked. It felt like a video game, and I could get lost in the sound for hours, experimenting, learning, and creating. It was my escape, my way of expressing myself and exploring the world of music in my own way. As I grew more skilled with the software, I realized I didn’t just want to make beats for fun—I wanted to make songs with artists, release my own music, and pursue making art as my career. So, I started building relationships with them, reaching out, collaborating, and learning from those connections. It was this curiosity and passion for creation that ultimately shaped my path.
After many years of full-time success as a music producer, having been a part of thousands of songs, releasing my own instrumental music under SleepingShark and other artist aliases, and working in SYNC licensing with my music featured in worldwide campaigns for TV and commercials, I wanted more. I was craving something deeper, something that would allow me to have a greater impact on the music community. Throughout my journey, I had been offered publishing deals, but they never felt right. They lacked transparency, and I quickly realized that they didn’t align with the vision I had for myself and for other artists. I wanted to help more musicians, to empower them with the knowledge and resources they needed to navigate the industry on their own terms. I knew there was a better way, so I decided to create it myself. This was the spark that led me to found Elizabeth Music Group.
When I first started in music, I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew one thing for sure: I needed to learn. I dove deep into the world of music publishing, and it became clear to me that artists weren’t being fully educated on how the industry worked or how they could navigate it successfully. I wasn’t just looking for a traditional deal—I wanted to create a space where musicians had access to the tools and knowledge they needed to succeed on their own terms.
Through the process of learning and building Elizabeth Music Group, I realized that transparency and education would be the cornerstones of everything I do. I didn’t want to just work within the system—I wanted to break the mold and offer something different. Something that was built around trust, integrity, and empowerment for artists.
Today, as CEO and founder of Elizabeth Music Group, I take pride in being a musician with a global publishing administration company that values these principles. I’m not just a songwriter or producer—I’m an advocate for others who want to carve their own path, just like I did. My goal has always been to make music on my terms, without the constraints of the music industry, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
It’s been a long journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. From writing songs that push boundaries to collaborating with talented artists, everything I do is rooted in the belief that music should be a force for growth and positive change. And I’m just getting started. The future is filled with endless possibilities, and I’m ready to continue creating, innovating, and empowering others to do the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My career in music has been anything but smooth. Like any journey worth taking, there have been countless challenges along the way—each one pushing me to grow, adapt, and persevere. Things that are worth it are hard to achieve and maintain. From the very beginning, I faced the struggles of being a young producer trying to make a name for myself in an industry that often feels like a maze of competition and rejection. Building relationships with artists was a slow process. It wasn’t always easy to convince others to work with me when I didn’t have the track record or connections that others had. But I refused to give up. I spent countless hours honing my craft, learning everything I could about production, and eventually building a reputation that spoke for itself.
As I gained more success and recognition in the industry, the challenges only became more complex. I began working on SYNC licensing projects, having my music featured in global campaigns for TV and commercials, but I soon realized that the world of publishing and licensing was more complicated than I had initially thought. It became clear that the industry wasn’t as transparent as I had hoped. The deals being offered to me—along with many other artists—were opaque, leaving us with little control over our work and the revenue it generated. Over time, I learned a lot about these complexities and educated myself to ensure I understood the business I was fortunate enough to work in. These experiences fueled my desire to create something better, which led me to launch my own publishing company, Elizabeth Music Group.
However, stepping into the role of CEO brought its own set of challenges. Building a company from the ground up was an immense undertaking. There were moments of uncertainty, especially when it came to managing a team and making decisions that would impact the future of the company. I had to learn quickly how to balance being a musician with being a leader, and that meant navigating difficult conversations, facing financial risks, and building a brand that stood for the values of transparency and education. There were times when I doubted whether I could truly make a difference, especially when the business side of things felt overwhelming. But with every challenge, I came out stronger, more determined to build a platform that would serve both me and the musicians I wanted to help.
Through it all, I’ve learned that success in music—and in business—isn’t about avoiding the struggles but about learning how to overcome them. The road hasn’t been easy, but every setback has only reinforced my belief in what I’m doing. Now, as both a producer and the CEO of a publishing company, I’m driven by the desire to offer something better to the next generation of musicians. I want to show them that it’s possible to succeed on your own terms, no matter how bumpy the road may seem.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Elizabeth Music Group is more than just a publishing company—it’s a movement built on transparency, education, and artist empowerment. I founded EMG because I saw firsthand how many musicians were being left in the dark when it came to understanding their own publishing rights and earnings. The industry often operates behind closed doors, and I wanted to create something different. At EMG, we don’t just sign deals; we make sure artists actually understand the deals they’re signing. Our goal is to provide a clear, fair, and supportive environment where musicians can thrive on their own terms.
We specialize in music publishing, licensing, and sync placements, ensuring that our roster of songwriters, producers, and artists have opportunities to get their music placed in TV, film, commercials, and beyond. To fully collect your publishing royalties, it’s important to have a publishing administrator like Elizabeth Music Group who can register your songs with all the pay sources and collection societies necessary. Many musicians fail to properly register their music and lose out on collecting their money! We also help our creatives connect with the right opportunities—whether that’s writing for major artists, collaborating with brands, or expanding their careers in new and meaningful ways like releasing their own music or working with live instrumentalists. What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and the value we place on education. We don’t just collect royalties; we teach our artists how to maximize their earnings!
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built at EMG. We’ve cultivated a space where musicians feel heard, respected, and supported. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the musicians we work with achieve success while maintaining their creative independence. Our team is made up of people who truly care about the art and the artists behind it, and that’s what makes us stand out.
For anyone reading this, I want you to know that Elizabeth Music Group is here to be an advocate for musicians. We’re not just another publishing company—we’re a partner in your career, committed to making sure you’re informed, protected, and given every opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re a songwriter looking for proper publishing representation, a producer seeking better opportunities, or an artist trying to navigate the complexities of the industry, we’re here to help you take control of your music and your future.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is of my grandpa, who I refer to as Papa. During birthdays or holidays like Christmas, my family would all gather around, and we’d listen to him play polka music on his accordion. It was such a special tradition—watching him play with so much joy, seeing how the music brought everyone together, and feeling the pure happiness it created in the room. Looking back, I think this is a big part of why I’m so passionate about music today. I experienced firsthand the power it has to connect people, to bring joy, and to create lasting memories. That feeling has stuck with me ever since and is something I strive for whenever I’m creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethrecords.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezachmichael/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheZachMichael
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thezachmichael
