UTA Launches New Christian Music Division, Signs Phil Wickham

NASHVILLE, TN (August 22, 2024)
Leading global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company UTA announces a dedicated Christian music division. The division will be led by Jonathan Roberts, who joined UTA in May. Roberts is an industry veteran with over a decade of experience in Christian-focused music acts and a proven track record as a cultivator of talent.

“UTA is deeply committed to the growth of the Christian music division,” says Scott Clayton, UTA partner and co-head of UTA’s music department. “We are leveraging the full strength of the agency, bringing together agents who are inspired by the genre and its connection with fans.”

“We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in the music industry, where Christian music is resonating with wider audiences,” says Roberts. “UTA’s roster of Christian artists reflects the growing demand for the genre and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting moment alongside these artists.”

UTA’s Christian music division serves as an extension of UTA’s Heartland initiative, which was founded in 2020 by UTA agent Nick Barnes, and will tap into the company’s vast music network and resources, spanning from music crossover to brand partnerships.

The agency has quickly grown its roster of Christian artists to include Brandon Lake and new UTA client Phil Wickham, with the pair currently on their second sold-out “Summer Worship Nights” tour. UTA is home to Forrest Frank, who was named Billboard’s #1 Top New Christian Artist (year-end charts) this year; his debut album reached #1 on Billboard Christian. Frank is currently on his sold-out, 17-date debut tour across the states, with upcoming performances in Boston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Other UTA clients include Lecrae, Elevation Rhythm, Mosaic MSC, bodie, Sam Rivera, and gio.

This year, UTA clients received a total of 32 Dove Award nominations from the Gospel Music Association, recognizing outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry. UTA clients were nominated in categories, including Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (“COAT OF MANY COLORS,” Brandon Lake); Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (“The Beautiful Letdown,” Switchfoot and Jon Bellion, Dayglow); Feature Film of the Year (“Ordinary Angels,” Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin); Worship Album of the Year (“I Believe,” Phil Wickham); Children’s Recorded Song of the Year (“Holy Forever,” Phil Wickham); Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (“COAT OF MANY COLORS,” Brandon Lake); Short Form Music Video of the Year, Concept (“COUNT EM’,” Brandon Lake); Short Form Music Video of the Year, Performance (“COAT OF MANY COLORS,” Brandon Lake); Christmas Recorded Song of the Year (“Manger Throne,” Phil Wickham).