Basden Named CEO, Blue Highway Records
• HYBE AMERICA announced that its Nashville-based Country, Americana and roots rock division, formerly known as Big Machine Label Group has been rebranded as Blue Highway Records, under the command of Jake Basden, newly appointed CEO of Blue Highway Records.
The new gig marks a return to the company for Basden, who previously served as SVP of Communications for Big Machine Label Group, and was most recently President of Sandbox Management.
The announcement was made by Isaac Lee, Chairman & CEO of HYBE AMERICA, who said, “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.”
Blue Highway Records will be home to Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes, as well as distribution for Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry and Greylan James under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The Valory Music Co. will be folded into Blue Highway Records, and the Big Machine Music publishing company will remain under HYBE AMERICA.
Basden remarked, “Country and American roots music is at such a dynamic place, 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.”
• This news follows last week’s departure of Chair & CEO Scott Borchetta, who retains the Big Machine brand and is launching a new company with many of his longtime colleagues and artists. [Jake Basden Photo: Allister Ann]
