Cindy Mabe's UMG Nashville has landed hip-hop A&R hitter Chelsea Blythe as EVP of A&R. Blythe will pivot to Music City following stints at Def Jam, Columbia and Interscope.

“I’m so excited to bring Chelsea to UMG Nashville as EVP A&R,” said UMGN Chair/CEO 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 started her career as an A&R intern at Interscope, rising to department coordinator where she worked on projects for Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd and Mike WiLL Made-It. She moved to Columbia in 2016, where she rose to VP of A&R and inked Symba as her first artist. Blythe also played a role in signing Baby Keem to the label and developed breakthrough stars Polo G and The Kid LAROI.

In 2021 Blythe reunited with Tunji Balogun—who hired her as an intern at IGA—at Def Jam. As SVP of A&R, 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.”