Universal Music Group Nashville has been renamed Music Corporation of America (MCA).
UMG announced on Thursday (April 24) that the new name “speaks of creativity, imagination, honorary heritage, and future music.”
Leadership Changes and Future Vision
This transition occurs two months after UMG reorganized its operations in Nashville, appointing respected Music Row leader Mike Harris as general director.
Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy-winning producer, who UMG noted has “made a significant impact on the sound of Music City,” was named the main creative director.
Recently, under the guidance of Harris and Cobb, MCA is set to enter “a new era with a bold vision for the future of Nashville.”
In addition to the rebranding news, MCA has expanded its executive team, appointing Katie McCartney as EVP/CEO.
Tom is affectionate will lead the artist and audience strategy with support from an “expanded alliance” with his company The Trenches, which partnered with the UMG Republic team in October.
As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company announced a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing local Nashville songwriting talents, designating Jesse Joe Dillon as a recent collaborator.
MCA emphasized that this “custom-made position reflects a deep commitment to the vital role that songwriters play in a local creative ecosystem.”
UMG stated that the MCA portfolio will continue to operate and support the flagship labels Mercury Nashville, Emi Nashville, Capitol Nashville, and McA Nashville, along with the recently launched Lucille Records.
Lucille Records was founded by Cobb and is managed by Austin Jenkins, SVP A&R for MCA and head of Lucille. Its inaugural roster features Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabelle Dumas, and Sons of Habit.
The Music Corporation of America showcases a diverse roster, including artists like 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, and Vince Gill.
Along with a “complete set of creative and commercial resources” based at MCA’s Nashville headquarters, UMG noted that MCA artists will have access to support from the Republic team and UMG globally.
“Thanks to the popularity of country music and the enormous influence that it continues to exert in popular culture, we recognize the importance of Nashville and the influence that it has always had on America.”
Mike Harris
Mike Harris stated: “With the popularity of country music and its profound influence on popular culture, we acknowledge Nashville’s significance and its longstanding impact on America.
“The incredible staff at these labels will operate with independence and autonomy, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and healthy competition.”
“I want to let the art lead, embrace the community, and approach business with intention.”
Dave Cobb
Dave Cobb added: “I want to allow the art to lead, embrace the community, and approach the business with purpose.
“We show up, work hard, and prioritize artists, songwriters, communities, and fans. This is what it’s all about.”
Harris and Cobb were appointed in February following the departure of Cindy Mabe, who served as chairman and general director of UMG Nashville since April 2023.
Other recent C-suite changes in major Nashville recording companies included the recent promotion of Taylor Lindsay to chairman and general director of Sony Music Nashville.
Lindsay succeeded RandyGoodman, who announced his retirement at the end of 2024 after more than 35 years in the music industry.
Additionally, in April 2023, John Esposito retired from Warner Music Nashville after 14 years leading the company. He was succeeded by Ben Klein and Chris Leisi.
In September, Warner Music Group veteran Gregg Nadel, formerly president of Elektra Entertainment, was appointed co-chair of Warner Music Nashville, alongside Chris Leisi, who has co-led WMN for the past two years and will celebrate his 20th anniversary with the company next year. This position succeeds Ben Klein, who resigned after a decade with the company.
Lastly, in September, Universal Music Group Nashville appointed Robert Kilduff as chief financial director.
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
