EMPIRE Nashville Adds Heather Vassar To VP Role

Heather Vassar

Independent music label, distributor and publisher EMPIRE has added Heather Vassar as VP, Marketing to its Nashville team. She joins from Universal Music Group Nashville, where she most recently led Strategy and Research.

Vassar will oversee day-to-day artist strategies and development, marketing and digital initiatives, as well as partner relationships with sales and streaming services for EMPIRE’s Nashville roster. She will work with EMPIRE’s VP, A&R in Nashville, Eric Hurt, to develop EMPIRE’s country roster. She will report to EMPIRE CEO/founder Ghazi Shami at the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

Ghazi said, “Heather brings a wealth of expertise across marketing and strategy that’ll cement EMPIRE’s growth and footing in the Nashville market. She’s a perfect fit for EMPIRE’s culture—and will help elevate our presence in country.”

“I am beyond excited to join the EMPIRE team and build our foundation from the ground up in Nashville,” said Vassar. “With the expertise, support and influence of Ghazi, Eric and the team, we are poised to break some incredible artists and disrupt the Nashville landscape. It’s what this business is all about.”

“Adding Heather to our team is a big step in growing EMPIRE’s Nashville division,” said Hurt. “Her strategic artist development and marketing background will round-out our office and I couldn’t be happier to have her on board.”

Founded in 2010 by Ghazi Shami, EMPIRE has been instrumental in launching artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM and Anderson. Paak. In 2020, the independent EMPIRE continues to make a major impact, with its global expansion and new music from Young Dolph, Mozzy, Afro B and more.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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