Oliver Anthony has made his first serious step toward getting off the DIY train after instantly vaulting to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 without without a label or agent. UTA announced Thursday that it had signed the Virginia-based upstart for global representation in all areas.
“We’re honored to represent such an authentic artist, and excited to put together a global strategy to bring Oliver Anthony and his music to the people,” said UTA’s co-head of Nashville, Jeffrey Hasson, and agent Curt Motley in a joint statement.
Although no indication was given of how the “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer ended up with the agency, UTA represents veteran country singer Jamey Johnson, who appeared as a guest with Anthony at his first viral rural gig, and who has reportedly offered him counsel as his star rose virtually. overnight.
UTA’s clients include companies and figures in the worlds of sports, film, TV, gaming and fashion as well as music. Other clients on the music side include Lizzo, Post Malone, Paramore, Cardi B, Karol G, the Jonas Brothers, Lil Nas X, the Kid Laroi, Muse, Halsey, Anitta, 21 Savage, Guns N’ Roses, J Cole and Burna Boy.
Hasson joined UTA’s Nashville office in 2020; Motley has been with the agency since 2016.
“Rich Men North of Richmond” has remained a hit in the 11 weeks since it debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 — the first song ever to do so by an artist who had never previously appeared on the chart at any position. Although Anthony mania has tapered off since the initial explosion and multi-week No. 1 run, “Richmond” is still on the chart at No. 22. Another song, “Ain’t Gotta Dollar,” also cracked the Hot 100 even though it was not released to most DSPs until the day of the UTA announcement.
