HYBE America Rebrands Nashville Division as Blue Highway Records, Names Jake Basden CEO
Nashville, TN – February 17, 2026 – HYBE AMERICA announced today the rebranding of its Nashville-based country, Americana, and roots rock division as Blue Highway Records, effective immediately. Veteran music executive Jake Basden has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the newly named label.
Leadership Transition and Vision
The rebranding follows the departure of Scott Borchetta, who served as CEO of Big Machine Label Group since HYBE’s acquisition of Ithaca Holdings in 2021. Borchetta has reacquired the Big Machine Records name and will continue future ventures under that brand, while HYBE AMERICA retains the BMLG assets, including its distribution deal and publishing company, Big Machine Music.
Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE AMERICA, emphasized the importance of artist-focused leadership in the selection of Basden. “As we were searching for a leader for our novel Nashville record label, it was significant to choose someone that thought of artists first,” Lee stated. “Jake’s long history of devoted service to artists, his time with our company and his deep roots in Nashville, along with his fresh and modern take on what will make the label successful in the digital age made him the ideal candidate for this role.”
Basden echoed this sentiment, stating, “Country and Americana music is in such a dynamic place, and I can’t think of a better place to define what the future of these sounds can be than Blue Highway. With the power and global synergy of HYBE, there are no limits to what we can create.”
Jake Basden’s Background and Experience
Basden most recently served as President of Sandbox Management, overseeing representation and business development for artists including Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Kate Hudson, Kelsea Ballerini, Baby Nova, and Little Big Town. HYBE AMERICA highlighted Basden’s recent function orchestrating Kacey Musgraves’ artistic evolution with the album Deeper Well, which achieved success in both the U.S. And UK charts. [Music Business Worldwide] He previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Communications for Big Machine Label Group, working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, and Steven Tyler.
Blue Highway Records Roster
Blue Highway Records boasts a diverse roster of established and emerging artists, including:
- Thomas Rhett
- Brett Young
- Midland
- Justin Moore
- Carly Pearce
- Preston Cooper
- Jackson Dean
- Mae Estes
The label will too continue distribution for artists under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, including Riley Green, Shaylen, The Band Perry, and Greylan James. [Morningstar]
HYBE America’s Recent Appointments
Basden’s appointment is part of a series of recent leadership changes at HYBE AMERICA. Last month, the company named Ethiopia Habtemariam as its new music president and Gene Whitney as its new general counsel. Johanna Fuentes was also appointed as Executive Vice President and Head of Communications and Public Relations. [Billboard] These changes followed Scooter Braun’s departure as CEO of HYBE America in July, with Isaac Lee assuming the role.