[Updated] McBride Signs With Republic Nashville

Pictured (L-R): President of Republic Nashville Jimmy Harnen, Martina McBride, and President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta

Martina McBride has joined the Republic Nashville roster. The signing was announced earlier today (11/8) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“We’ve been busy orchestrating Martina’s long-term business plan, and today’s signing is a major component,” explained her manager Clint Higham. “Working with Martina has been especially gratifying because she is not only amazingly talented but also has a disciplined work ethic, which results in great execution of whatever we envision. Musically, I’ve never seen her in a better place, and I can’t wait for us to get the opportunity to share her new music with everyone.”

She is expected to begin recording her new BMLG/Republic Nashville album in December with producer Byron Gallimore.

“John and I moved here in 1990 with a big dream,” added McBride. “We have been blessed to have a wonderful 18-year partnership with RCA Records and [former Sony Chairman] Joe Galante, which helped us sell records and see the world. Change is not always easy, but now we are so focused on the future, I’m fired up!”

Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta noted that he attracted superstar Reba to The Valory Music Co. not long after its 2007 launch. He has followed suit with McBride joining the Republic Nashville imprint. Throughout the press conference, Borchetta echoed the phrase “dreams come true” while discussing the label group’s milestones, including the record-setting success of flagship artist Taylor Swift.

In September, MusicRow’s Crystal Ball revealed that the singer had left her longtime label Sony Music Nashville, and predicted that the Big Machine Label Group was a likely new home.

Today’s news rounds out an eventful year for McBride, who also switched managers. In May, after ending her relationship with longtime manager Bruce Allen, she signed with Morris Management’s Clint Higham, president of the powerhouse group which oversees Kenny Chesney’s career.

With more than 18 million albums sold, McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY winner. She has charted 23 Top 10 singles, including six No. 1s.

McBride adds superstar power to the Republic Nashville roster, which also includes The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Sunny Sweeney and SHEL.