UMG Nashville has expanded its A&R department with new hire Hannah Showmaker Wilson as Director of A&R. Prior to UMG Nashville, Wilson worked at Parallel Entertainment and, most recently, she served as Creative Director at Big Loud working with some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Rodney Clawson, Craig Wiseman and Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.

“For years I have admired Hannah’s song sense and ability to find talent,” says Brian Wright, EVP of A&R for UMG Nashville. “Her passion and excitement for music is second to none.  We are excited to have her on our UMG A&R team.”

The UMG Nashville artist roster includes Adam Hambrick, Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, and Vince Gill.

Wilson can be reached at Hannah.Wilson@umusic.com or at 615-524-7500.

Fantasy Records has signed Tanya Tucker, who is set to release a new album in late summer 2019. Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, While I’m Livin’ will mark Tucker’s first release of all new material since 2002’s Tanya.

“Tanya Tucker is an original outlaw who bucked the country music establishment and became a living legend in the process – which makes Fantasy her perfect home,” said Fantasy Records president, Margi Cheske. “We’re thrilled to work with Tanya, Brandi and Shooter and help bring this stunning new album to the world.”

At the age of 13, Tucker earned her first country hit with “Delta Dawn,” in 1972. During her career, she has earned 23 Top 40 country albums, with 40 singles reaching the Top 10, as well as 10 No. 1 singles. Along with “Delta Dawn,” those hits include “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little too Late,” “Trouble,” and more.

Carly Pearce has signed with Morris Higham Management, working with Clint Higham and Kyle Quigley. The Kentucky native is expected to release her sophomore album on Big Machine Records following the success of Every Little Thing. Her latest offering, “Closer To You,” is already Top 30-and-rising at country radio.

“Building the right team is just as important as making the right music,” said Pearce. “I look at the way Clint and his team build artist’s careers and couldn’t think of anyone else that I would want to work alongside to take my career to the next level. I can’t wait to see where we go together!”

“Carly has the ability to connect with audiences in the same way iconic artists like Reba and Dolly have done for decades,” stated Higham. “She represents everything that’s great about country music—strong vocals, vivid stories and an honest heart. We are honored to have the opportunity to help Carly build her own legacy.”

Already in 2019, Carly has been nominated for ACM Awards New Female Artist of the Year and iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist after winning both 2018 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year and Radio Disney Music Award The Freshest!—Radio Disney Country Best New Artist. She is currently on Jason Aldean’s Ride All Night Tour, amplifying a co-headline run earlier this year and major stints with Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Thomas Rhett.

Morris Higham Management oversees the careers of artists including Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Ryan Griffin, Brandon Lay, Carlton Anderson, and Michael Ray.

Industry vets Rob Beckham and Bill Simmons have formed “the AMG,” an artist management group. Beckham, former partner and co-head of WME Nashville and Simmons, partner of Fitzgerald-Hartley (who announced its dissolvement earlier this morning) will continue to manage Simmons’ long-time management clients Brad Paisley and Chris Young.

More details on the new venture will be available soon.