Nashville just got a new power player. Hybe America has rebranded its country, Americana, and roots rock division as Blue Highway Records, and veteran music executive Jake Basden has been named Chief Executive Officer. Hybe America Chairman and CEO Isaac Lee made the announcement.
Basden brings decades of deep industry experience across music, film, television, and live entertainment. He most recently served as President of Sandbox Management, where he guided the careers of Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Kate Hudson, Baby Nova, and Little Big Town, among others. His track record speaks directly to the kind of artist-forward leadership Blue Highway Records is building toward.
The label’s roster is immediately formidable. Blue Highway Records is home to Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean, and Mae Estes, with distribution for Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, and Greylan James through Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The Valory Music Co. folds into Blue Highway Records as part of the restructure, while Big Machine Music continues under Hybe America.
Basden’s recent track record underscores why this appointment matters. He guided Kacey Musgraves through the critically acclaimed ‘Deeper Well,’ which dominated charts on both sides of the Atlantic, and established Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’ as a Grammy-nominated triumph, earning nods from both the ACM and CMA as well.
This appointment is also a homecoming of sorts. Basden previously served as Senior Vice President of Communications for Big Machine Label Group, where he worked alongside Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, and Steven Tyler, delivering award-winning campaigns for major television and film projects.
Blue Highway Records launches with serious momentum, a deep roster, proven leadership, and a clear vision for where Nashville’s most compelling music is headed.