Photo Credit: MCA
Universal Music Group Nashville enters a new era, rebranding as Music Corporation of America (MCA).
Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the next step for its Nashville operations: a new name. Universal Music Group Nashville has been rebranded to Music Corporation of America (MCA)—a name with a storied legacy. Under the leadership of President and 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 recognizes the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. To that end, the company will reinforce the importance of country music’s legacy throughout the world by strengthening its commitment to provide premium services to its roster of artists. MCA’s roster includes names like Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, George Strait, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, and Vince Gill.
As a parent company, UMG continues to lead the industry with a 39.4% in country music marketshare. Now, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the top overall label group, with 16.2%, according to Luminate.
MCA’s portfolio will continue to operate and support frontline labels, including Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville, and MCA Nashville, along with Dave Cobb’s newly launched Lucille Records. MCA artists will be able to leverage the support of the Republic Collective in the US and UMG globally, in addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the MCA Nashville headquarters.
MCA has strengthened its executive team with appointees like Katie McCartney as EVP/General Manager and Tom LaScola as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy. The company also announces 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 position reflects a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.
“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,” said Mike Harris. “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.”
“I want to let the art lead, embrace community, and approach the business with intention,” added Dave Cobb. “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 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. This further cements the company’s commitment to Nashville as a nexus of artistic innovation.
