- HYBE America rebranded its Nashville division as Blue Highway Records and named Jake Basden as its CEO.
- Following founder Scott Borchetta's departure, the move dissolves the Big Machine Label Group.
- The reset occurs as global music earnings rise, fueled by streaming growth.
HYBE America has formally relaunched its Nashville-based country, Americana, and roots rock divisions as Blue Highway Records, with veteran executive Jake Basden taking over as CEO starting immediately. The decision dissolves the previous Big Machine Label Group (BMLG), marking a strategic shift for the company's U.S. branch.
Blue Highway Records has appointed Jake Basden as its new CEO. Basden, who has significant links to Nashville, most recently served as President of Sandbox Management after a high-profile 12-year position as Senior Vice President of Communications for Big Machine Label Group (BMLG). He previously handled the careers and growth of award-winning musicians such as Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and others while at Sandbox. His credits also include promotions for Nashville (Lionsgate), The Voice (NBC), American Idol (Fox), and Glen Campbell's Academy Award-nominated song I'm Not Gonna Miss You from I'll Be Me.
As noted by Variety, Basden said that “Country and American roots music is at such a dynamic place.” He further stated, “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.”
Jake Basden LinkedIn
HYBE to Reset with Blue Highway
The overhaul comes after the exit of Scott Borchetta, who founded Big Machine in 2005. He handled its 2019 sale to Ithaca Holdings, which was eventually bought by HYBE in a $1.05 billion USD transaction in 2021. Through the Ithaca deal, HYBE also acquired BMLG and SB Projects adding them into the South Korean entertainment giant’s portfolio.
Scott Borchetta Instagram
Blue Highway will take over an impressive roster of musicians, including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean, and Mae Estes. Additionally, it will manage distribution for Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, and Greylan James through Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The Valory Music Co. label will merge with Blue Highway, although Big Machine Music (the publishing company) will keep operating with HYBE America. However, Borchetta will retain the Big Machine Records brand for future projects.
HYBE’s Broader U.S. Leadership Reset
HYBE America had recently made changes in their leadership for its U.S. operations. A few days ago, it appointed Ethiopia Habtemariam as President of Music, Gene Whitney as General Counsel, and Johanna Fuentes as EVP and Head of Communications. Scooter Braun stepped down as CEO last year, and Isaac Lee was given expansive management of HYBE's Americas operations, including that of Atlanta-based QC Media Holdings. HYBE Label Service was introduced in October 2025 to increase worldwide artist growth capacity.
Ethiopia Habtemariam Linkedin
The time coincides with broader industry trends. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), global recorded music revenues will reach $29.6B in 2024, up 4.8% year on year, boosted by subscription streaming, which surpassed $20B for the first time, even as U.S. growth softened. As per RIAA estimates for mid-2025, recorded music income in the United States approximately reached $5.6B, with paid subscriber accounts topping 105 million, highlighting streaming's sustained dominance. With this, Blue Highway's debut would enable HYBE to capitalize on worldwide streaming momentum while also establishing a Nashville presence in traditional and rising country markets.
