Oliver Anthony Signs With UTA
deadline.comUnited Talent Agency has landed a major new client in Oliver Anthony, the singer-songwriter behind the polarizing breakout country single “Rich Men North of Richmond,” which topped numerous charts after debuting on his YouTube channel in August.
The first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without previously having a song on the charts, his deal is for exclusive worldwide representation in all areas.
Stated UTA Co-Head of Nashville Jeffrey Hasson and Music Agent Curt Motley on the signing, “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.” Described by the BBC as “the hit song that has divided the US,” Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” has drawn criticism from some in the media, even while helping to bolster his fan base, drawing differing reactions across political lines.
It’s the second conservative anthem in recent memory to generate buzz of the sort, following Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town.” In a recent appearance on comedian Joe Rogan’s widely-followed podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Anthony explained that the amount of discussion on the song has come, from his perspective, a bit out of the blue. “It’s funny because the song is not even in my top five,” said the country-folk artist. “I’ve written songs with similar messages.
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