UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE ENTERS NEW ERA AS MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Mike Harris to Lead as President & CEO, and Dave Cobb as Chief Creative Officer

Nashville, TN (April 24, 2025) – Universal Music Group (UMG) today announced the evolution of its Nashville operations under a powerful new identity: Music Corporation of America (MCA), a name that speaks to creativity, imagination, an honored legacy and the future of music. Under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, MCA enters a new era with a bold vision for Nashville’s future.

The Music Corporation of America brand and its storied history recognizes the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. The company will reinforce the importance of Country Music’s legacy throughout the world by strengthening its commitment to provide premium services to an extraordinary roster of artists, musicians, and storytellers. Music Corporation of America’s incredible roster of acts includes the most influential voices in the genre such as 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.

As parent company UMG continues to lead the industry with a historic 39.4% in overall Country marketshare, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the #1 overall label group with 16.2% according to Luminate.

The Music Corporation of America’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® Award-winning producer Dave Cobb. 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.

The Music Corporation of America has taken decisive steps to strengthen its executive team appointing Katie McCartney as EVP/General Manager and Tom LaScola, who will serve as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, THE TRENCHES. As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company is also proud to announce a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing homegrown Nashville songwriting talent naming Jessie Jo Dillon as the newly minted Song Buddy. This bespoke position reflects a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.

Mike 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.”

Dave 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.”

Further cementing the company’s commitment to Nashville as a nexus of artistic innovation, Music Corporation of America will continue to invest in ventures that expand its reach and redefine the possibilities for artist development while continuing to support and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and autonomy of each label.

One such initiative is the launch of Lucille Records, founded by Cobb and spearheaded by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille. The label is grounded in heart, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking. Its diverse inaugural roster includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumaa, and Sons of Habit.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group exists to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com