UMGN Rebrands As Music Corporation of America
• Universal Music Group Nashville has undergone an “evolution,” rebranding as Music Corporation of America (MCA), under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris (left) and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb (right), along with Katie McCartney (ex-Monument Records GM) joining as EVP/GM, and Tom LaScola as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, The Trenches.
MCA’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 multi-Grammy®-winning producer Dave Cobb, and overseen by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille, with an inaugural roster that includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumaa, and Sons of Habit.
In addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the Music Corporation of America Nashville headquarters, MCA artists will also be able to leverage the support of the REPUBLIC Collective in the U.S. and UMG globally.
As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives — in addition to the launch of Lucille Records — the company 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.
Harris commented, “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. 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 added, “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.”
Music Corporation of America’s extensive 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.
