BREAKING: Kelly Bolton Joins Warner Records

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Kelly Bolton. Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Amerson

Kelly Bolton has joined Warner Records as VP of A&R.

Working out of Nashville, Bolton will collaborate closely with Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck on signing, developing and cultivating country artists for the Los Angeles-based label. She will report directly to EVP/Head of A&R Karen Kwak.

Bolton most recently spent five years at Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music, where she rose from VP of Creative to SVP, A&R. She built a roster of 15 songwriters, overseeing creative and artist strategy for the company. Throughout her tenure, Tape Room Music earned 25 country No. 1s, while Gorley personally notched a staggering 40 No. 1s. Bolton’s prior career stops also include Big Deal Music, where she signed and developed talent in both Nashville and Los Angeles, as well as Black River Entertainment, where she launched her career in publishing over a decade ago. During her three years with Black River, Bolton was instrumental in guiding the career of Kelsea Ballerini, among others.

“I’ve known Kelly for years, and her ear for talent is impeccable. She’s widely admired not only in the Nashville artist and songwriter community, but throughout the industry,” says Bay-Schuck. “Her addition to the team enables us to have boots on the ground in Music City with the advantage to actively engage, sign and develop new artists hands-on. The potential to make a major impact is limitless.”

“I’m excited for this new role, and I’m honored to have the ability and latitude to take these artists to a mainstream label. It’s a unique position. Living and working in Nashville and helping artists reach a global platform is the best of both worlds,” shares Bolton. “I’d like to thank Aaron, Tom [Corson], Karen and the entire team for this incredible opportunity.”

She can be reached at Kelly.Bolton@warnerrecords.com.

Liza Anderson
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