Big Machine Label Forms Ascend Music Imprint With Joel Klaiman

Big Machine Label Group is launching a new imprint called Ascend Music in partnership with music industry executive Joel Klaiman. The new label will specialize in breaking and amplifying cross-genre talent, with the first slate of signings to be revealed this week.

BMLG Founder, Chairman and CEO, Scott Borchetta and Klaiman initially teamed up in 2008 to promote Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” which became the first song to top both the country radio and pop radio charts, also making significant impact on airplay and sales charts both in the United States and internationally.

Borchetta launched Big Machine Label Group in 2005, with the label group’s present-day roster including Thomas Rhett, Riley Green, Brett Young, Midland and the Jack Wharff Band.

“Joel’s energy, vision, and passion are contagious, and he never leaves any stone unturned when he’s working with an artist,” says Borchetta in a statement. “He’s bringing great artists to the partnership, and we will be wasting no time in getting out some game-changing music.”

Klaiman was previously an executive VP at Republic Records in the promotion and artist development department. He and Borchetta worked on Swift’s “Fearless,” “Speak Now,” and “Red,” as the team achieved global success with the Grammy-winning singer across multiple genres.

“After witnessing first-hand Scott’s entrepreneurial vision and his deep commitment to fostering an artist-first, development-driven culture, it’s a dream come true to collaborate with him and the BMLG team again,” adds Klaiman. “This new venture will fuel the growth of our artists and expand Ascend Music’s global repertoire – aligned with both our companies’ shared vision and a strategy that unlocks exciting opportunities for all involved.”