HYBE America Rebrands Big Machine As Blue Highway Records 

Following last week’s news that Scott Borchetta is leaving HYBE America and is making plans to relaunch Big Machine Records, the company has announced that its country, Americana and roots rock division will now be known as Blue Highway Records.

Confirmed with a post on HYBE America’s LinkedIn, Jake Basden has been named as Blue Highway’s Chief Executive Officer.

As previously reported, under the terms of Borchetta’s exit, HYBE will retain the assets, distribution deal, publishing and talent associated with BMLG. That roster includes Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes. The Big Machine brand will now be Borchetta’s.

The North American arm of the Korean entertainment conglomerate acquired Big Machine Label Group from Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021 and Borchetta had served as CEO of BMLG. Borchetta himself began Big Machine in 2005 with his first signing that of a then-16-year-old Taylor Swift.

Basden most recently served as President of Sandbox Management. Business Wire notes that he “oversaw all aspects of the talent division’s representation and business development, guiding the careers of multi-platinum and multi-award-winning talent including Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Kate Hudson, Kelsea Ballerini, Baby Nova and Little Big Town.”