HYBE Americas' label Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) rebranded as "Blue Highway Records" and on the 17th (local U.S. time) said it appointed Jake Basden, a Veteran expert in music and marketing, as its new CEO.
Blue Highway Records will retain BMLG's existing assets and distribution contracts, and its roster of artists. It represents top artists and songwriters such as Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce and Preston Cofer, and through Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment handles distribution for Riley Green, The Band Perry and Graydon James. The Valory Music Co. will be integrated into Blue Highway Records, and publishing specialist Big Machine Music will remain under HYBE Americas.
New CEO Jake Basden is an expert with a broad network across music, film, TV and live entertainment. Until recently he served as president of global artist management firm Sandbox Management, based in Nashville, overseeing artist management and business development. He has guided the careers of top global artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlisle, Kate Hudson and Kelsea Ballerini.
Jake Basden previously served as senior vice president of publicity at BMLG, where he worked closely with global superstars including Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw and Steven Tyler. He also led music campaigns for high-profile TV programs such as NBC's "The Voice" and Fox's "American Idol," and his work on the documentary "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me" earned a nomination for the Academy Award for best original song.
Isaac Lee, chairman and CEO of HYBE Americas, said, "As we looked for a leader to run the label, it was more important than anything to select someone who puts artists first. Jake Basden not only deeply resonates with our corporate culture but is the ideal leader with strong ties to the Nashville music community," adding, "We expect his extensive experience and modern sensibility suited to the digital era to drive Blue Highway Records' successful leap and expand HYBE's influence in North America."
CEO Jake Basden said, "There is no better place than Blue Highway Records to define the sound of the future at a time when country and American roots music are dynamically changing," expressing his thoughts on being appointed as the new CEO. He added, "If HYBE's capabilities and global synergies combine, there will be no limits to creativity," and, "I will work with existing artists and those to be signed to present music and projects that resonate with people."
Meanwhile, Scott Borchetta, who led BMLG, recently left BMLG and reacquired the "Big Machine Records" brand rights from HYBE Americas.
[Photo] HYBE Americas
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