Gear Joins UMGN As VP of A&R
• UMG Nashville announces the hire of publishing veteran Jake Gear as VP of A&R. Gear is a multi-faceted creative executive with over 10 years of experience as a publisher, producer, and writer-manager.
“Jake brings an unparalleled passion for nurturing artists, writers, and producers within the vibrant Nashville community,” says Chelsea Blythe, EVP of A&R for UMG Nashville. “With his keen ear to the ground and unwavering dedication, I’m excited for the creativity he brings to the department, and I know he’ll be a huge asset to our roster.”
The Iowa-born Gear graduated from Belmont University in Nashville and began his career in the Music & Licensing department at CMT before going on to publishing posts at Magic Mustang Music, Sea Gayle Music, and BMG before launching creative publishing venture Hang Your Hat Music in 2020 with Concord Music and award-winning Songwriter Hall of Famer, Hillary Lindsey. Gear has also acted as writer manager for Lindsey, and produced albums for Flatland Cavalry, Ben Chapman, Harper O’Neill, and Hailey Whitters, including her critically acclaimed projects The Dream, Raised, and 2023’s platinum-selling hit, “Everything She Ain’t.”
Gear is now on the job and can be reached at Jake.Gear@umusic.com. [Photo Credit: Jason Myers]
