Capitol Music Group Unifies Country, Christian & Gospel Under New Nashville Division; Candice Watkins Tapped to Lead
- All Country News
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Capitol Music Group is doubling down on its investment in Music City with the launch of Capitol Music Group Nashville, a new division uniting its country and Christian/gospel music operations under one roof. The strategic realignment brings Capitol Records Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) together, reinforcing Nashville’s vital role in Capitol’s global music strategy.
At the helm of this ambitious new chapter is veteran music executive Candice Watkins, who has been named President of Capitol Records Nashville and Executive Vice President of Capitol Christian Music Group. Known for her artist-first approach and groundbreaking marketing strategies, Watkins most recently served as SVP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, where she worked closely with marquee acts including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Lauren Alaina.
“This reorganization reflects our commitment to growing our Nashville operations as a core creative hub in Christian, gospel and country music,” said Tom March, CEO of Capitol Music Group. “We’re thrilled to have an executive of the caliber of Candice Watkins to lead our ambitious plans in country music while also bringing her expertise to our gospel and Christian music operations.”
The new Capitol Music Group Nashville headquarters will be housed in a 40,000-square-foot facility in the fast-developing Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Nashville. The space includes state-of-the-art recording studios, a live performance venue, and creative content hubs—positioning it as a full-service destination for both established stars and up-and-coming talent.
Capitol Christian Music Group, home to powerhouse acts such as Anne Wilson, Chris Tomlin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Josiah Queen, will continue to operate under longtime President Brad O’Donnell, who will report directly to March. The label’s portfolio includes distribution arms and the renowned gospel imprints Motown Gospel and Tamla, as well as publishing for icons like Kirk Franklin.
Chairman of Interscope Capitol, John Janick, praised Watkins’ appointment: “Candice is a brilliant music marketing executive who has an amazing track record in developing career artists. Having her lead our country music business in Nashville and also add her extensive artist development expertise to our CCMG team is going to be great for our artists and for the entire executive team.”
Watkins, a familiar face in both country and faith-based circles, expressed gratitude and excitement in her new dual role. “It’s a true honor to step into the role of President of Capitol Records Nashville and EVP of Capitol Christian. These labels have a rich legacy in partnering with some of the most brilliant artists of our industry and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and cultural impact.”
Artists previously signed to Capitol Records Nashville will now reside under MCA Nashville, further streamlining Capitol’s roster organization.
With Watkins' leadership, Capitol Music Group Nashville aims to not only maintain its legacy but set a bold new course in the next chapter of country, Christian, and gospel music.
ALL COUNTRY NEWS
Country Music News & Entertainment
Country Music Country Music News Country Music Outlet Latest Country News Recent Country News New Country Music Newest Country Music New Country Music Newest Country Music New Country Songs Country Music Out Today Country Songs Out Today Country Music Out Now Country Songs Out Now Nashville News Country Music Industry News Country Music Blog Country Music Podcast Country Music Playlist Country Music Playlists Country Music Social Media Country Stars Country Artists Rising Country Artists Rising Country Artist Country Legend Country Legends Country Music Press Country Music Publicity Country Music Fans Country Music Website