The man responsible for signing The Weeknd to Republic Records, Nate Albert, has joined UMG‘s Capitol Records as EVP of A&R.
Albert is the first hire for Ashley Newton, who was recently announced as President of the revitalised Capitol Music Group.
In his new position, Albert (pictured) will sign and develop artists for the company, as well as oversee recording projects for new and established Capitol artists.
The Weeknd was a breakout success story last year with the release of his second album Beauty Behind The Madness. It sold nearly 4 million copies worldwide and garnered seven Grammy nominations.
During his seven-years at Republic (also a UMG label), most recently as SVP of A&R, Albert also signed Phantogram, oversaw the release of the Academy Award-nominated soundtrack for Les Misérables and was involved in releases from Florence + The Machine and The Lonely Island, amongst others.
Capitol is currently in the process of shifting its operations from New York to Hollywood at the iconic Tower, where Albert will be based. At least 10 members of staff were let go last week after Newton’s new role was revealed, which also includes the dual title of Executive Vice President of Creative/Special Projects at UMG.
“Nate has impeccable taste, great creative instincts and a winning demeanor.”
Ashley Newton, Capitol Music Group
Albert begun his career at the tender age of 13 when he co-founded ska band The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, earning a platinum plaque for the band’s seminal 1997 album, Let’s Face It, which spawned the worldwide hit, “The Impression That I Get.”
During Albert’s tenure, the band co-headlined some of the world’s top festivals and concerts, including Lollapalooza, Warped Tour and The Tibetan Freedom Concert, sharing stages with artists such as Beastie Boys and Neil Young.
He amicably parted ways with the band in 2000, leaving to attend and later graduate from Brown University, and began his career as a creative music executive in 2006, first as an A&R consultant for Republic and then as its Vice President of A&R in 2008.
According to Newton, “Nate has impeccable taste, great creative instincts and a winning demeanor — qualities so important in working with artists and attracting the right talent to the label.
“His background as both an experienced A&R executive – who discovered and nurtured the industry’s current biggest global breakthrough artist, The Weeknd – and as a successful musician who understands the aspirations of artists, make him a tremendously valuable asset to Capitol. On behalf of everyone at the company, I welcome Nate to the Tower.”
Albert commented, “I have long been inspired by Ashley’s career and stellar reputation, and greatly moved and influenced by the artists he has discovered and worked with, so I am now especially grateful for the opportunity to work directly with him.
“It is also a dream come true to be joining him, Steve Barnett and the entire Capitol team at a label that not only represents a deep and iconic legacy of great music and artistry, but is so clearly in the midst of an exciting new ascendance centered on artist development. I am thrilled to be afforded this tremendous opportunity and look forward to doing my part in building Capitol’s future.”Music Business Worldwide
