Following Scott Borchetta’s departure last week, Hybe America has announced the relaunch of Big Machine Label Group as country and Americana label Blue Highway Records, with veteran music executive Jake Basen serving as the company’s CEO.
Basden is departing his post as president of Sandbox Management, where he joined in 2023 after 12 years as BMLG’s senior vp of communications. Blue Highway Records will be home to Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes, and will handle distribution for Riley Green, the Band Perry, Shaylen and Greylan James under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. As part of the deal, the Valory Music Co. will be folded into Blue Highway, while publishing company Big Machine Music will remain under Hybe America.
“Country and American roots music is at such a dynamic place,” says Basden in a statement, “and I can think of no better place to define what the future of these sounds can be than Blue Highway. With the power and global synergy of HYBE, there are no limits to what we can create – and I look forward to working with the current roster and future signings to deliver artists, songs and projects that speak to the heart of who we are as people.”
At Sandbox, Basden oversaw the careers of Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile and Kelsea Ballerini, among others. According to a release, Basden “remains close” with Sandbox co-president Jason Owen and anticipates collaborating with him in the future.
“Jason has always seen around corners and been a dynamic innovator,” says Basden. “I look forward to finding expanded ways to work with him — and so many of the industry leaders I’ve worked with over the last 15 years — in this new role across a variety of entertainment platforms, including music, film, television and events.”
Hybe America acquired the assets of Big Machine Music in 2021 as part of its billion-dollar acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings. Last week, Hybe America announced that Borchetta, who founded Big Machine Records in 2005, was leaving the company after finding major success with Taylor Swift’s debut and her six subsequent albums. As part of the announcement, Borchetta will continue to use Big Machine Records for his future ventures.
Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of Hybe America, says of Basden’s appointment, “As we were searching for a leader for our new Nashville record label, it was important to choose someone that thought of artists first. We found someone that would not only connect with our team and build our company culture, but has profound ties to this community. Jake’s long history of devoted service to artists, his time with our company and his deep roots in Nashville, along with his fresh and modern take on what will make the label successful in the digital age made him the ideal candidate for this role. We’re excited for what’s ahead for Blue Highway Records and for all that Jake will do to further expand our company’s footprint in Music City.”