Island Records, the A-list record label owned by Universal Music Group, has appointed Austin Jenkins as Vice President of A&R.
A native of Weatherford, Texas, Jenkins has been a strong influence on Nashville’s local music scene and the wider music scene. Since joining Island Records in 2023, he has been instrumental in signing and developing a group of emerging artists, including Wyatt Flores and medium buildwait.
Jenkins will continue to lead Island’s Nashville operations, with responsibilities including identifying, signing and developing new talent for the brand.
Prior to joining Island Records, Jenkins was the founder, guitarist and songwriter of the band Texas White denim. His career took a turn in 2014 when he left the band to co-found the band. Niles City VoiceFort Worth Recording Studios, next to Josh Bullock and Chris Vivian.
This collaboration led to the discovery Leon bridgehis debut album, go home, Produced, recorded and mixed by the Niles City Sound team. The album achieved platinum status and was nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, with Jenkins contributing his guitar and bass talents to the project and touring with Bridges as part of the band.
“[Austin Jenkins is] a huge attraction for the artist and his presence [is] Crucial to the culture and future of the brand. We are pleased that he will continue to work at Island in a more senior role, representing the brand in Nashville and beyond.
justin donkey and Imran Majeedisland records
“Austin’s love for music and the creative community is contagious,” said justin donkey and Imran Majeedco-CEO of Island Records.
Eshak and Majid joined Island in June 2021 and are described by UMG as “one of the most dynamic and successful artist development teams in the music industry”. Columbia Records, a division of Sony Musicwho serve as co-heads of A&R.
Jenkins is ‘a magnet for artists and his presence’ [is] Crucial to the culture and future of the brand. We are pleased that he will continue to work at Island in a more senior role, representing the brand in Nashville and beyond.
“Justin and Imran have created an environment where the arts truly thrive and not only encourage risk-taking, but risk-taking,” Jenkins said. It’s a champ. We have the freedom to really make some noise and amplify the voices of incredibly innovative artists. I look forward to the future of this position.
Jenkins’ promotion marks a continuation of Island Records’ Jenny Golotiza Promoted to Vice President of Marketing on April 30. Erica Clark Promoted to Vice President of Media Relations, also Shahendra OnesweerPreviously worked at Columbia University, where he was appointed director of creative strategy.
Island Records, founded in Jamaica Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall, and Kong Guorong 1959 launched some of the most influential artists including Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones, Kat Stevens According to its website, there are many more. The company’s current activities include The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, Remi Wolfeand more.
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