Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the rebranding of its Nashville operations to the Music Corporation of America (MCA), a name that evokes a rich history in country music and signals a renewed commitment to the genre’s future. This strategic move comes as UMG continues to lead the country music industry with a 39.4% market share, and MCA Nashville stands as the top label group with 16.2% according to Luminate.
MCA’s roster boasts a lineup of prominent country artists, including Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, and Vince Gill. The division will operate under the leadership of newly appointed president/CEO Mike Harris and chief creative officer Dave Cobb, who will also oversee the newly launched Lucille Records. Lucille Records, founded by Cobb, is led by SVP of A&R Austin Jenkins and features artists such as Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumas, and Sons of Habit.
The MCA umbrella will continue to support its frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville, and MCA Nashville. Additionally, the company has appointed Katie McCartney as EVP/general manager and Tom LaScola as head of artist and audience strategy, enhancing its strategic capabilities. In a move to bolster Nashville’s songwriting community, the company has introduced the role of “Song Buddy,” with Jessie Jo Dillon appointed to support and develop local songwriting talent.
This rebranding reflects UMG’s broader strategy of revitalizing legacy brands, such as PolyGram and Geffen, to strengthen its position in the evolving music industry landscape. By reinvigorating the MCA name, UMG aims to honor its storied past while embracing the future of country music.
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