Oliver Anthony, Country’s Viral Star, Signs With UTA For Exclusive Representation

For those wondering where – or if – country sensation Oliver Anthony would find representation after the initial media frenzy following the explosive breakout of the singer’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” at least part of the wait is over: United Talent Agency has landed Anthony for exclusive worldwide representation in all areas, the agency has announced.

“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,” UTA Co-Head of Nashville Jeffrey Hasson and Music Agent Curt Motley.

Anthony, a singer-songwriter who topped numerous charts after debuting on his YouTube channel in August, became the first in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without previously charting. Speculation about the artist’s professional future was rampant when he posted a message on his Facebook page saying he was in no rush to cash in his sudden success.

“People in the music industry give me blank stares when I brush off 8 million dollar offers,” he posted on Aug. 17. “I don’t want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I don’t want to play stadium shows, I don’t want to be in the spotlight.”

Interest in Anthony’s music apparently hasn’t waned since his initial appearances on top of Billboard, Spotify and iTunes charts. 

As of press time, Anthony has nearly 8.9 million Spotify monthly listeners, and the song “Rich Men North of Richmond” has racked up just shy of 68 million streams on the service. His first track, “Ain’t Gotta Dollar,” released on Bandcamp just more than a year ago, has benefited from the attention and earned more than 12 million Spotify streams.