Downtown and FUGA Amplify Nashville Footprint with New Distribution Signings and On-the-Ground Leadership

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Downtown’s commitment to supporting the next generation of independent music out of Nashville continues, as Downtown Artist & Label Services (DA&LS) and FUGA build momentum with a slate of notable signings and the relocation of two longtime executives – Bryan Mooney, Global Vice President of A&R at DA&LS, and Sam Cope, Director of Digital Accounts Strategy, Americas at FUGA – to Music City.

Led by Director of A&R, Jeanette Porcello, recent standout Nashville signings for DA&LS include Texas-born country artist Erin Kinsey, who has amassed over 100 million career streams and earned cuts by Dolly Parton and Rita Wilson; and Jack Blocker, whose debut album The Land on Most High is set to arrive in September 2025. They join the company’s already established roster of clients in Nashville, including multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter, Colbie Caillat; Judah & The Lion, Drew Holcomb, and Hunter Hayes.

DA&LS is also developing projects with a range of fast-rising Nashville-based talent, including indie-pop singer Brye; Canadian-born pop artist Cate Canning; the LA-based songwriter, BLÜ EYES, known for her intimate, bedroom-pop sound; and The Nude Party, a seven-piece alternative indie band from North Carolina. The team also has supported rising alt-rock outfit In Color, releasing their singles since debuting earlier this year – including breakout track “Headlights,” which has seen rapid growth since its Valentine’s Day release.

“We’re thrilled to increase our local footprint in Nashville’s thriving music scene, and to build on the success that Jeanette and the Downtown team have already helped our roster to achieve,” said Bryan Mooney, Global Vice President of A&R at Downtown Artist & Label Services.

FUGA, the Downtown-owned B2B distributor, is also expanding in Nashville, marked by the arrival of its first locally based executive, Sam Cope. In her role as Director of Digital Accounts Strategy, Americas, Cope provides a crucial on-the-ground marketing link for clients, alongside key local expertise to drive greater discovery and engagement with DSPs.

This growth also includes the signing of Integrity Music, a division of David C Cook. Based in Franklin, TN, with an office in Brighton, UK, Integrity Music has long played a pivotal role in shaping modern worship music, equipping churches and worshippers worldwide with songs that focus on faith in God.

In addition, FUGA has expanded its work with longtime client GoodCopBadCop – a management and artist services company – with the partnership now including integration with Downtown-owned Curve Royalties System, as well as an enhanced catalog strategy. Both GoodCopBadCop and Integrity Music were signed under the direction of Allie Barbera, FUGA’s Senior Director, Business Development, based in New York.

“Nashville is a natural fit for FUGA’s continued growth in North America,” said Sarah Landy, SVP, Americas, FUGA. “We’re proud to partner with companies whose mission so closely aligns with our own, supporting creators with intention, purpose, and the important duality of global reach alongside emphasis on local relationships and presence.”

“Being on the ground in Nashville is providing new opportunities to increase visibility in the market and strengthen our relationships with DSPs in real time,” said Sam Cope, Director of Digital Accounts Strategy, Americas at FUGA.“Ultimately, it means we can better champion our clients’ music and connect it with the audiences who will love it most.”