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Capitol Music Group Names Candice Watkins To Lead Nashville Division, New Label Structure
CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP (CMG) has named CANDICE WATKINS Pres./CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE and EVP/CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP. At the same time, the company has launched CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE, unifying its Country and Christian divisions into a single entity.
The move expands the company’s commitment to NASHVILLE as a creative and commercial hub. Local operations will be supported by the CAPITOL TOWER in LOS ANGELES for label services.
WATKINS most recently served as SVP Marketing/BIG LOUD RECORDS, overseeing the label’s Marketing, Digital, Creative, PR, and Streaming departments. Her resume includes leadership roles at UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE, RED LIGHT MANAGEMENT, MOZES INC., BORMAN ENTERTAINMENT, and CROSS POINT CHURCH. She currently serves on the boards of the CMA and ACM.
CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP — which includes MOTOWN GOSPEL, TAMLA, and its distribution operations — will continue under the leadership of longtime Pres. BRAD O’DONNELL. Artists previously signed to CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE will remain with MCA NASHVILLE.
WATKINS said, “It’s a true honor to step into the role of President of CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE and EVP of CAPITOL CHRISTIAN. These labels have a rich legacy in partnering with some of the most brilliant artists of our industry and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and cultural impact. Excited to collaborate with JOHN, TOM, LILLIA [PARSA] and BRAD in boldly championing creatives and visionaries.”
INTERSCOPE/CAPITOL Chair. JOHN JANICK added, “This new structure will empower our NASHVILLE executives to better serve the incredible artists on our roster. CANDICE is a brilliant music marketing executive who has an amazing track record in developing career artists.”
“Having her lead our Country music business in NASHVILLE and also add her extensive artist development expertise to our CCMG team is going to be great for our artists and for the entire executive team.”
CMG CEO TOM MARCH commented, “This reorganization reflects our commitment to growing our NASHVILLE operations as a core creative hub in Christian, Gospel, and Country music.”
“We’re looking forward to signing and developing the next generation of COUNTRY artists on CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE and are thrilled to have an executive of the caliber of CANDICE WATKINS to lead our ambitious plans in Country music while also bringing her expertise to our Gospel and Christian music operations.”