UMG Nashville Names Chelsea Blythe Executive Vice President of A&R

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 25, 2023) - Universal Music Group Nashville names Chelsea Blythe as its Executive Vice President of A&R. Blythe, with years of A&R experience and a singular passion for music, is set to bring a unique vision and expertise to the artists on the label group.

"I'm so excited to bring Chelsea to UMG Nashville as EVP A&R," says UMGN Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. "Her bold leadership, dynamic spirit, and passion for the music and artists will align perfectly with the culture we are building. Her love for country music brought her to Nashville and her dynamic presence and impeccable instincts will help lead our artist development strategy and innovate the future of country music."

Blythe began her career as an A&R intern at Interscope Records before becoming the department coordinator where she worked on award-winning artists including Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd, and Mike WiLL Made-It. Moving to Columbia Records in 2016, Blythe climbed to Vice President of A&R, signed Symba as her first artist, played a role in signing Baby Keem to the label, and developed Multi-Platinum-selling artists Polo G and The Kid LAROI. In 2021, Blythe reunited with celebrated A&R executive Tunji Balogun, who found Blythe for that pivotal first internship, at Def Jam Records. As Sr. Vice President of A&R at Def Jam, Blythe led A&R efforts on Armani White, 26AR, and Anella Herim among others.

"I'm very excited to begin this chapter of my career with UMGN," says Blythe. "I have immense respect and passion for country music, and I am honored that Cindy has recognized my enthusiasm with this opportunity. I am inspired by her unwavering leadership and look forward to implementing my experience in this role while building with the country community."

Blythe's background in the music industry, innovative mindset, and deep understanding of ever-evolving dynamics of the music landscape will play into UMG Nashville's commitment to fostering artistic excellence and pushing boundaries.

Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, and Mercury Nashville. Reading like a "who's who" of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Boy Named Banjo, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Luke Grimes, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, and Vince Gill. For additional information, visit www.umgnashville.com.