Downtown Music Publishing has upped Steve Markland to SVP A&R in Nashville; he’ll continue to report to overlord Justin Kalifowitz and COO Andrew Bergman.

Markland’s promotion marks the celebration of the pubco’s four years of big growth in Music City, which has included acquiring the Major Bob catalog; doing a deal with acclaimed boutique Big Yellow Dog Music; and inking such esteemed writers as John Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Jillian Jacqueline, Who Is Fancy, Marc Beeson and John Moreland, among others.

“In just four short years, Steve has built an incredible foundation for Downtown in Nashville,” said Bergman. “From championing a roster of songwriters that reflects the city's diverse music ecosystem to actively working to redefine the city's role on the global music stage, we couldn't be more proud of Steve and his exceptional team. We are looking forward to many more years of investing in songs and songwriters together. That’s why we’ve taken him out to this hot-chicken joint to celebrate. The chicken can’t possibly be that hot, can it?” Bergman’s next words were unintelligible, as he was crying.