Music Knox Records Makes Initial Artist Signing With Sykamore
Pictured: (Back row) Chris Poole (Director of A&R, BBR Music Group), Ben Vaughn (CEO, Warner/Chappell Nashville), Sara Knabe (VP A&R, BBR Music Group), Jake Kennedy (The Anvil), Shalacy Griffin (SVP, Music Knox), Nathan Drake (Dickinson Wright PLLC), Colton McGee (Director of Business and Legal Affairs, BBR Music Group). (Front row) Jon Loba (EVP, BBR Music Group), Sykamore, Michael Knox (Music Knox Records). Photo Credit: Scott Schleiff
Sykamore is the first artist to sign with Music Knox Records, a joint venture between producer Michael Knox and BBR Music Group/BMG.
The vocalist, musician, composer and storyteller moved to Nashville in 2017 after being discovered on Twitter by hit songwriter, Rhett Akins. Soon after, she signed a publishing deal with Home Team (founded by Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett as a joint-venture with Roc Nation). In 2018, Sykamore self-released an EP titled Self Medicine that has garnered more than 1.4 million on-demand streams to date. Sykamore is managed by Jake Kennedy at The Anvil.
The Carseland, Alberta, Canada native was raised on a fourth-generation cattle ranch in a house built by her great grandfather. She grew up listening to country music and began writing her own music in 2012. Since then, she has been recognized at songwriting-focused events including the ATB All-Albertan Song Contest, Project Wild, and the Canadian Country Music Association’s annual Discovery Program.
Troy Tomlinson Named Chairman/CEO Of UMPG Nashville
Troy Tomlinson, who served as Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville’s President/CEO since 2005, has joined UMPG as Chairman/CEO of its Nashville division. With this appointment, Tomlinson becomes UMPG Nashville’s first-ever Chairman and CEO. He will begin his new role July 15 and will report to UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson.
In his new role, he will join UMPG’s global senior management team, with responsibility for the entirety of UMPG’s Nashville operations, including providing leadership to UMPG’s Tennessee-based royalty operations and Christian division. Further, Tomlinson will be a key creative voice throughout Universal Music Group, UMPG’s parent company and the world leader in music-based entertainment.
MusicRow has confirmed that UMPG Exec. VP/GM Kent Earls is exiting.
Universal Music Group Launches Nashville Career Jam Event
Universal Music Group will launch the Nashville Career Jam, a networking event geared toward music industry members, on Thursday, June 20 at Marathon Music Works.
“The UMG Career Jam is a festival celebration of the expansive talent that encompasses the music industry. From digital marketing and streaming to copyright and royalties – there are so many facets that drive music to be what it is today.” the event program states.
The event will also spotlight performances from Capitol CMG artist Riley Clemmons, UMPG songwriter David Frank, and artist R.LUM.R.