BREAKING: UMG Nashville Rebrands As Music Corporation Of America (MCA)

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Mike Harris, Dave Cobb

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the evolution of its Nashville operations under a new identity: Music Corporation of America (MCA).

Under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the revitalization of the Music Corporation of America brand seeks to recognize the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. The company’s roster includes Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Tyler Hubbard and Vince Gill.

As parent company UMG continues to lead the industry with a historic 39.4% in overall country marketshare, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the No. 1 overall label group with 16.2%, according to Luminate.

The Music Corporation of America’s portfolio will continue to operate and support frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville and MCA Nashville along with the newly launched Lucille Records, founded by Cobb. In addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the MCA Nashville headquarters, MCA artists will also be able to leverage the support of the REPUBLIC Collective in the U.S. and UMG globally.

Katie McCartney has been appointed as MCA’s EVP/General Manager, and Tom LaScola will serve as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, THE TRENCHES.

As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company has also announced a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing homegrown Nashville songwriting talent naming Jessie Jo Dillon as the newly minted Song Buddy. This position seeks to reflect a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.

“With the popularity of country music and the tremendous impact that it continues to make in popular culture, we recognize the importance of Nashville and the impact it has always made in America,” shares Harris. “The incredible staff of these labels will operate with a sense of independence and autonomy, but with a pursuit of excellence and healthy competition as a shared agenda.”

Cobb adds, “I want to let the art lead, embrace community, and approach the business with intention. We show up, work hard, and put artists, songwriters, community, and fans first. We want to get this right for them. That’s what this is all about.”

Lucille Records will be spearheaded by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille. The label is grounded in heart, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking. Its diverse inaugural roster includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumas and Sons of Habit.

LB Cantrell
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