NASHVILLE (CelebrityAccess) – Island Data, a frontline label owned by Common Music Group, has appointed Austin Jenkins as Vice President of A&R. A local of Weatherford, Texas, Jenkins has a powerful presence in Nashville’s native scene and the broader music neighborhood. Since becoming a member of Island Data in 2023, he has been instrumental in signing and growing a roster of rising artists, together with notable acts like Wyatt Flores and Medium Construct.
Jenkins will proceed spearheading Island’s operations in Nashville, with duties together with figuring out, signing, and cultivating new expertise for the label.
Earlier than becoming a member of Island Data, Jenkins was the founder, guitarist and songwriter for the seminal Texas band White Denim. His profession took a flip in 2014 when he left the band to co-found Niles Metropolis Sound, a Fort Value recording studio, alongside Josh Block and Chris Vivion.
This collaboration led to the invention of Leon Bridges, whose debut album, Coming House, was co-produced, recorded, and blended by the Niles Metropolis Sound staff. The album achieved platinum standing and obtained a 2016 GRAMMY Award nomination for Finest R&B Album, with Jenkins contributing his guitar and bass abilities to the venture and touring with Bridges as a part of his band.
“Austin’s love of music and the artistic neighborhood is infectious,” stated Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-CEOs of Island Data.
Eshak and Majid, described by Common Music Group (UMG) as “considered one of music’s most dynamic and profitable artist-development groups,” joined Island in June 2021 from Sony Music’s Columbia Data, the place they held the place of Co-Heads of A&R.
Jenkins is “a magnet for artists, and his presence [is] important to the label’s tradition and future. We’re thrilled he’ll proceed his work at Island in an elevated function representing the label in Nashville and past,” the pair added.
Jenkins stated: “Justin and Imran have architected an setting the place true artistry prospers and risk-taking isn’t simply inspired; it’s championed. We now have the latitude to actually make some noise and amplify the voices of unimaginable and progressive artists. I’m wanting ahead to what the longer term holds on this place.”
Jenkins’ promotion marks the newest government appointment at Island Data, following Jenny Gorotiza’s promotion to Vice President of promoting on April 30. Final 12 months, Erika Clark was elevated to vice chairman of media relations, whereas Shahendra Ohneswere, previously from Columbia, was named head of artistic technique.
