BREAKING: Scott Borchetta Exiting HYBE AMERICA, Will Reacquire Big Machine Records Brand [Updated]

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Scott Borchetta

Scott Borchetta is exiting HYBE AMERICA.

Borchetta founded Big Machine Records in 2005. Under his leadership, the company has developed and supported some of the music industry’s most successful artists of the past two decades. He has served as the CEO of Big Machine Label Group since HYBE’s purchase of Ithaca Holdings in 2021.

Borchetta will continue to use the Big Machine Records brand for his future ventures. HYBE AMERICA will retain assets, the distribution deal, the publishing company Big Machine Music and a number of talent currently on the label’s roster including Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Carly Pearce, Preston Cooper, Jackson Dean and Mae Estes.

The HYBE-run company will operate under a new label name, and an announcement on the label’s new leadership will be made in the upcoming days. Additionally, The Valory Music Co. will be folded under the new company.

“Scott has made a lasting mark on the music industry with his sharp eye for talent and his unique vision,” says Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE AMERICA. “He recently approached us to ask for our support as he works to pursue a new, independent and entrepreneurial stage of his career, working to advance the Big Machine brand separately from HYBE. While we are sad to see Scott go, we understand – and want him to pursue his passions, and are grateful for all he did for the company.”

“I am incredibly appreciative of my partnership with HYBE over these last five years,” Borchetta adds. “Chairman Bang often talks of his fondness for entrepreneurs and he, Isaac, and the HYBE leadership team have extended that belief with this incredible showing of support by allowing me to continue to build upon my vision of the Big Machine Records brand. For that, I am forever grateful and wish them nothing but continued and incredible global success.”

“HYBE AMERICA will continue to support our artists’ interests across music, film, television, brands and culture in the U.S. market and beyond,” shares Lee. “We are beyond excited for our future in Nashville and will make further announcements in due course.”

According to an interview with Billboard, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, The Jack Wharff Band, Aaron Lewis, Cole Goodwin and MacKenzie Carpenter are among the artists going with Borchetta. With Riley Green being at Nashville Harbor, he is also staying with him. The distribution deal with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment will remain with HYBE.

As for employees, the interview reveals that Sandi Spika Borchetta will join him, as well 16 other staff members and the Nashville Harbor team. They will stay at the Big Machine offices on Music Row, and he expects that, “HYBE’s intention is to have their own standalone space which they will announce when they are ready.”

Borchetta also shares that he intends to start a new publishing company, as Big Machine Music will stay with HYBE.

LB Cantrell
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