Blue Highway Records is an American country music label formed in February 2026 when HYBE America rebranded Big Machine Label Group following founder Scott Borchetta's departure. Jake Basden, former President of Sandbox Management, was appointed as Blue Highway Records' Chief Executive Officer. The label retains the former BMLG roster including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean, and Mae Estes. It also handles distribution for Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, and Greylan James under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Blue Highway operates as HYBE America's Nashville-based country, Americana, and roots rock division.
The formation of Blue Highway Records marks a significant transition in Nashville's country music scene. When Borchetta departed HYBE America in early 2026, HYBE retained the BMLG roster and rebranded the label group. Basden, who previously served as senior vice president of communications for Big Machine Label Group (where he worked with Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, and Steven Tyler), returned to lead the new label. The name "Blue Highway" reflects the label's Nashville roots and country music heritage.
How Blue Highway Operates
Blue Highway Records runs dedicated A&R for country and Americana under CEO Jake Basden. It operates as HYBE America's Nashville division, leveraging HYBE's global synergy and Universal Music Group distribution. The label retains the former BMLG roster and continues to sign and develop country and Americana artists. Basden has emphasized the dynamic state of country and American roots music, and the power of HYBE's global platform for expanding country music's reach.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make country or Americana music, Blue Highway Records is a new label with an established roster and HYBE's global backing. Its retention of major country stars (Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce) gives it immediate credibility. The HYBE connection provides access to a global K-pop and international music infrastructure that could expand country music's international reach.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- New label: Blue Highway was formed in February 2026. Its long-term strategy and signing approach are still developing.
- Country focus: Blue Highway signs country, Americana, and roots rock. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Blue Highway does not accept cold submissions.
- HYBE ownership: As a HYBE America subsidiary, Blue Highway's strategy is influenced by HYBE's global corporate structure.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Rhett | "Die a Happy Man" (single) | 2015 | Country Airplay No. 1, Hot 100 No. 21, RIAA Diamond (10 million units) |
| Thomas Rhett | Life Changes (album) | 2017 | Billboard 200 No. 1, RIAA Platinum |
| Thomas Rhett | Center Point Road (album) | 2019 | Billboard 200 No. 1, RIAA Gold |
| Brett Young | Brett Young (album) | 2017 | Billboard 200 No. 18, Top Country Albums No. 2, RIAA 2x Platinum |
| Carly Pearce | "Every Little Thing" (single) | 2017 | Country Airplay No. 1, RIAA Gold |
| Justin Moore | Kinda Don't Care (album) | 2016 | Billboard 200 No. 4, Top Country Albums No. 1 |
| Midland | On the Rocks (album) | 2017 | Billboard 200 No. 20, Top Country Albums No. 2, Grammy nomination for "Drinkin' Problem" |
| Jackson Dean | "Don't Come Lookin'" (single) | 2022 | Country Airplay No. 10, Hot 100 No. 90 |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Blue Highway Records operates as a HYBE America subsidiary with Universal Music Group distribution. The label inherited Big Machine Label Group's deal structures. These include traditional recording deals where the label funds recording, marketing, and radio promotion in exchange for master ownership. The HYBE connection adds access to global infrastructure for international expansion. The label also handles distribution for Nashville Harbor Records acts (Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, Greylan James) under a distribution arrangement. Specific deal terms vary per artist. The label does not publicly disclose standard contract lengths or advance structures.
How Artists Get Signed
- Build a proven country or Americana profile with streaming and radio traction. Blue Highway inherited an established roster from BMLG and continues signing artists with demonstrated commercial performance.
- Secure management or attorney representation. Blue Highway does not accept unsolicited demos. Submissions come through managers, attorneys, or industry referrals.
- Get noticed through A&R scouting. CEO Jake Basden leads A&R decisions, leveraging his background at Sandbox Management and BMLG.
- Demonstrate touring revenue and streaming numbers. The label favors artists with active touring careers and measurable streaming growth.
- Leverage HYBE's global network. The HYBE America connection may open pathways for international artists seeking US country market entry.
Similar Labels
- Big Machine Records - Scott Borchetta's relaunched Nashville label
- Black River Entertainment - Nashville independent country label
- Nashville Harbor Records - Nashville country and roots distribution partner
- BBR Music Group - Nashville independent country label group
- Curb Records - Long-running Nashville independent country label
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Blue Highway deal contains
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building a country music profile
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for country artists
- Big Machine Records - Borchetta's relaunched label
- HYBE - Blue Highway's parent company
