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're 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, in which capacity she worked on projects by Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd and Mike WiLL Made-It. In 2016 she moved to Columbia, where she rose to VP of A&R, inking Symba as her first artist. Blythe also worked with Baby Keem, Polo G and The Kid LAROI.

In 2021 Blythe reunited with Tunji Balogun—who'd hired her as an intern at IGA—at Def Jam. As SVP of A&R, she led A&R efforts for 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'm 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.”