UMG Nashville has launched Silver Wings Records, a distribution arm and independent artist services, fueled by Virgin Music Group’s global distribution network. Silver Wings Records will create custom campaign services for independent artists, offering options for developing and enhancing campaigns.

UMGN’s senior vp of business development and strategy Charlene Bryant will lead a staff dedicated to Silver Wings Records. Bryant has a track record of success spanning genres including country, hip-hop and Christian music. The Ohio native and Belmont University graduate previously spent five years leading artist management company Riveter Management, which she founded in 2018. Bryant was named one of Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players in 2020 and 2021 and was part of CMT and mtheory’s inaugural equal access development program.

The first signing for the label is artist-writer-producer Hueston, who was previously the frontman for indie/alternative duo The Blancos. Via his own label Young Hueston, LLC, with distribution by Silver Wings Records, Hueston’s music centers on sharing his story through soulful vocals and guitar work, using his songwriting to share his personal journey of overcoming addiction and depression and starting a new life chapter. Hueston will be sharing new music in coming weeks.

“The independent artist community has rapidly grown and been a driving force in expanding the creative growth culture in Nashville’s music and entertainment,” says UMG Nashville chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. “Universal Music Group Nashville has seen the need to provide resources to grow, sustain and support the independent creator community. Once I met Hueston and felt his music and what he was striving to do as an independent artist, I knew it was time to build the investment. Hueston and his team of collaborators have vision and direction and are building their own path around his soulful emotional voice and his ability to mix darkness and light into his gift of music. It changes people. Like Hueston’s music, Silver Wings Records is intended to bridge and open the world of creativity to Nashville collaborators and country music artists.”

“I’m looking forward to starting this next chapter of my career with the team at UMG Nashville,” Hueston said via a statement. “Cindy, Charlene, Chelsea and Hannah saw the vision from the very first meeting and I automatically knew it was going to be a great fit.”

This is just the latest imprint move for UMG Nashville; in September, they launched the comedy label Capitol Comedy Nashville with flagship client Nate Bargatze.