HYBE America Rebrands Nashville Label as Blue Highway Records and Names Jake Basden Chief Executive Officer

A new name and leadership for HYBE’s Nashville-based recorded-music operation

HYBE America has launched Blue Highway Records in Nashville, rebranding its country, Americana, and roots-rock label operation that previously operated under the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) name. The company named veteran music and entertainment executive Jake Basden as Chief Executive Officer, with the change effective immediately.

The move follows the Feb. 12, 2026 departure of Scott Borchetta, who had served as CEO of BMLG during the period after HYBE’s acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021. Borchetta founded Big Machine Records in 2005 and, upon his exit, retained rights to continue using the Big Machine Records brand for future ventures.

What HYBE is keeping in Nashville

HYBE America has indicated it will retain key BMLG-related assets, including its distribution arrangements and the publishing company Big Machine Music. The Nashville-based recorded-music business will now operate under the Blue Highway Records name, and the Valory Music Co. imprint is being folded into the new label structure. Big Machine Music will remain within HYBE America’s portfolio as a publishing business.

• Blue Highway Records becomes the operating name for HYBE America’s Nashville label business.
• The Valory Music Co. is being integrated into Blue Highway Records.
• Big Machine Music continues as HYBE America’s publishing company.
• Selected artist relationships and related label assets remain with HYBE America.

Roster and distribution scope

Blue Highway Records is launching with a roster that includes Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean, and Mae Estes. In addition, the Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment operation is continuing to provide distribution for artists including Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, and Greylan James.

Who is Jake Basden, and why his appointment matters

Basden has held roles spanning artist management, communications, and campaign strategy. Before joining HYBE America to lead Blue Highway Records, he served as president of Sandbox Management, overseeing the talent division’s representation and business development. He previously worked at Big Machine Label Group as Senior Vice President of Communications, and earlier held agency roles at Ogilvy & Mather and Edelman.

Company leadership framed Basden’s hiring as part of a strategy centered on artist development and deeper integration with Nashville’s music ecosystem.

Broader context: HYBE’s U.S. expansion and leadership changes

The rebrand and CEO appointment arrive amid continuing changes in HYBE America’s leadership and structure. HYBE, the South Korea-based entertainment company, expanded its U.S. footprint through the 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings, a deal that brought U.S.-based label and management assets under HYBE’s control. Blue Highway Records now becomes the central brand for HYBE’s Nashville recorded-music division as the company continues building a multi-genre presence in the American market.