Austin Jenkins Appointed as Vice President, A&R at Island Records

Island Records, a prominent label under Universal Music Group, has recently named Austin Jenkins as its Vice President of Artists and Repertoire (A&R). This article explores Jenkins’ background, his contributions to the music industry, and the significance of his new role at Island Records.

Austin Jenkins: A Presence in Nashville’s Music Scene

Hailing from Weatherford, Texas, Austin Jenkins has established a strong presence in Nashville’s local music scene and the wider music community. Since joining Island Records in 2023, he has played a pivotal role in signing and nurturing emerging artists, including talented acts like Wyatt Flores and Medium Build.

Leading Island Records’ Operations in Nashville

In his new position, Jenkins will continue to spearhead Island Records’ operations in Nashville. He will be responsible for identifying and signing promising talent, as well as cultivating their growth within the label.

From Musician to Music Industry Professional

Before joining Island Records, Jenkins had a successful career as a founder, guitarist, and songwriter for the influential Texas band White Denim. In 2014, he embarked on a new venture by co-founding Niles City Sound, a recording studio based in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside Josh Block and Chris Vivion.

The Discovery of Leon Bridges

Jenkins’s collaboration with Niles City Sound led to the discovery of Leon Bridges, who went on to achieve critical acclaim. Jenkins contributed his guitar and bass talents to Bridges’ debut album, “Coming Home,” which was co-produced, recorded, and mixed by the Niles City Sound team. The album reached platinum status and received a GRAMMY Award nomination for Best R&B Album in 2016.

5. Island Records’ Excitement and Vision:

Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-CEOs of Island Records, expressed their enthusiasm for Jenkins’ elevated role within the label. They described him as a magnet for artists, emphasizing the importance of his presence in shaping the label’s culture and future. Eshak and Majid believe that Jenkins will be instrumental in representing Island Records both in Nashville and beyond.

Island Records’ Legacy and Current Roster:

Island Records, founded in 1959 in Jamaica, has a rich history of launching influential artists such as Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones, and Cat Stevens. Presently, the label is home to a diverse range of acts, including The Killers, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, and Remi Wolf.