What Happened to Big Machine Label Group?
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) was a prominent Nashville-based record label founded by Scott Borchetta in 2005, known for launching Taylor Swift's career and its significant roster of country and pop artists. After being acquired by Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings in 2019 and subsequently by HYBE Corporation in 2021, the company underwent a major restructuring in February 2026. Scott Borchetta reacquired the 'Big Machine Records' brand to operate independently, while HYBE America rebranded its retained assets, including most of the artist roster and publishing arm, as 'Blue Highway Records'.
Quick Answer
Big Machine Label Group, once a powerhouse in country and pop music, underwent a significant split in February 2026. Founder Scott Borchetta reacquired the 'Big Machine Records' brand and its associated imprints like Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, taking several key artists with him to operate as an independent entity. The remaining assets, including the majority of the artist roster, distribution deals, and the publishing arm (Big Machine Music), stayed with HYBE America and were rebranded as 'Blue Highway Records' under new leadership. The controversial master recordings of Taylor Swift's first six albums, initially part of the 2019 sale, remain under HYBE's ownership through Shamrock Capital's acquisition from Ithaca Holdings in 2020.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Big Machine Records Founded
Scott Borchetta, a former DreamWorks Records executive, founded Big Machine Records in Nashville, Tennessee. It quickly became the centerpiece of the Big Machine Label Group.
Taylor Swift Signed as First Artist
Big Machine Records signed a then-14-year-old Taylor Swift, who would go on to become one of the world's biggest music stars, releasing her first six studio albums with the label.
Acquired by Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings
Ithaca Holdings LLC, led by Scooter Braun, acquired Big Machine Label Group for an estimated $300-$330 million. Scott Borchetta remained CEO.
Taylor Swift Publicly Reacts to Acquisition
Taylor Swift expressed her strong disapproval of the sale, stating she was 'sad and grossed out' that Scooter Braun, whom she accused of bullying, now owned the master recordings of her first six albums. She vowed to re-record her music.
Shamrock Capital Acquires Taylor Swift's Masters
Shamrock Capital acquired the master rights to Taylor Swift's first six albums from Ithaca Holdings in a deal reported to be worth $300 million. Ithaca Holdings retained Big Machine Label Group.
Acquired by HYBE Corporation
South Korean entertainment firm HYBE Corporation acquired Ithaca Holdings, which included Big Machine Label Group. Scott Borchetta continued as CEO of BMLG.
Taylor Swift Releases 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)'
Taylor Swift continued her re-recording efforts, releasing 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' under Republic Records, further asserting control over her catalog.
Taylor Swift Releases '1989 (Taylor's Version)'
Taylor Swift released her fourth re-recorded album, '1989 (Taylor's Version)', continuing to reclaim ownership of her early works.
HYBE America Sells Big Machine Rock
HYBE America sold its Big Machine Rock division to Gebbia Media, an arm of Siebert Financial. Scott Borchetta continued to oversee its operations.
BMLG Launches Ascend Music Imprint
Big Machine Label Group launched a new imprint, Ascend Music, in partnership with music industry executive Joel Klaiman, specializing in cross-genre talent.
Scott Borchetta Exits HYBE America, Reacquires Big Machine Records Brand
Scott Borchetta departed HYBE America and reacquired the 'Big Machine Records' brand name and logo to launch a new independent venture, taking several artists and staff with him.
HYBE America Rebrands Remaining Assets as Blue Highway Records
The assets remaining with HYBE America, including most of the former BMLG artist roster, distribution deals, and Big Machine Music publishing, were rebranded as 'Blue Highway Records' with Jake Basden appointed as CEO.
Borchetta's Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Announces CRS Luncheon Lineup
The newly independent Big Machine Records, alongside Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, announced its lineup for the 2026 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) luncheon, showcasing artists like The Band Perry and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Big Machine Records Hosts CMA Fest Pop-Up
Scott Borchetta's re-established Big Machine Records announced its third annual CMA Fest Pop-Up, featuring performances from artists like The Band Perry and Caroline Jones.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) was established in September 2005 by industry veteran Scott Borchetta, quickly rising to prominence in the country music scene. Its initial and most significant signing was a then-14-year-old Taylor Swift, whose early success propelled BMLG into the national spotlight. The label group expanded to include imprints such as Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Company, BMLG Records (later Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), and Big Machine Music publishing, housing a roster of major artists like Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, and Thomas Rhett.
A pivotal moment occurred in June 2019 when Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine Label Group for an estimated $300-$330 million. This acquisition famously sparked a public dispute with Taylor Swift, who expressed her dismay over Braun owning the master recordings of her first six albums, leading her to vow to re-record her catalog. The sale encompassed BMLG's entire business, including its artist roster, distribution deals, publishing, and owned artist masters. Scott Borchetta remained as President and CEO of BMLG and joined Ithaca's board.
In April 2021, Ithaca Holdings, including Big Machine Label Group, was acquired by the South Korean entertainment firm HYBE Corporation, known for managing K-pop sensation BTS. Borchetta continued in his role as CEO of BMLG under HYBE America. During this period, Taylor Swift proceeded with her re-recordings, releasing 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' in April 2021, 'Red (Taylor's Version)' in November 2021, 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' in July 2023, and '1989 (Taylor's Version)' in October 2023, effectively regaining artistic and financial control over her early works. The master rights to Swift's first six albums, however, had been sold by Ithaca Holdings to Shamrock Capital in November 2020 for approximately $300 million, prior to the HYBE acquisition.
February 2026 marked a significant strategic uncoupling for the entity formerly known as Big Machine Label Group. Scott Borchetta announced his departure from HYBE America, reacquiring the 'Big Machine Records' brand name and logo to launch a new independent venture. This new entity, operating under the Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment imprints, retained artists such as Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, Riley Green, and The Band Perry. Borchetta's wife, Sandi Spika Borchetta, and approximately 16 other staff members also joined his new company.
Concurrently, HYBE America rebranded its remaining Nashville operations, which included the majority of the former BMLG artist roster (e.g., Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Justin Moore), the publishing company Big Machine Music, and the distribution infrastructure, as 'Blue Highway Records'. Jake Basden was appointed as the new CEO of Blue Highway Records. This split allows Borchetta to return to an independent, entrepreneurial role with his reacquired brand, while HYBE America continues its presence in the country and American roots music market under a new identity, retaining significant assets and a strong artist roster.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Big Machine Label Group made different choices?