Senior Vice President of Communications Jake Basden announced that he will be exiting from the Big Machine Label Group. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
An award-winning publicist, Basden has been with the record label for nearly 12 years. The formidable corporate communications and artist development expert – the only music business executive named to PR Week’s coveted “40 Under 40” list – made the difficult decision over the Christmas holiday to seek new opportunities.
“The trouble with working with Scott Borchetta and a company as dynamic as the Big Machine Label Group is, honestly, there is no reason to leave,” Basden said of his decision.
“There comes a moment when you realize you must seek new horizons. You can get very comfortable working with incredible acts, these teams, and Scott’s many endeavors. Something I learned during my years in New York is don’t ever stop growing and reaching for new challenges. The culture at Big Machine always encouraged me to aggressively go in new directions,” Basden elaborated.
“Jake came to us right when I needed him most – right as Big Machine was exploding. He has been my communications foil and strategist and we’ve had an incredible run together”, Scott Borchetta said, the Chairman of BMLG.
“Jake always presented me and the label group in very creative ways that caught the attention and landed very important pieces in Fortune, Fast Company, Rolling Stone, the Wall Street Journal, and so many more. I’m very proud of all that he’s accomplished here and I’m sure he will continue to reach new heights in his next adventure. He will always be part of the fabric of Big Machine,” Borchetta added.
The University of Oklahoma graduate joined Big Machine from the New York offices of Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, where he served as a Director in their Sports and Entertainment division.
A Country Music Association winner of “Publicist of the Year,” Basden’s reach employs powerful, unexpected alliances, tactical media campaigns, innovative assets, and a willingness to be hands on, whether it be the Grammy-nominated trio Midland’s re-opening of the legendary Palomino, the Academy Award-nominated Glen Campbell… I’ll Be Me documentary, Jennifer Nettles’ acclaimed “I Can Do Hard Things” video, Carly Pearce’s Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Female Artist of the Year campaigns or navigating the churning worlds of business press.
“With over 30 artists and multiple label imprints spanning country, Americana, hip-hop, rock and pop, every day was a fresh set of prospects to explore,” Basden admitted. “I’ve gone places I once only dreamed of and worked with some of the best media, marketing, and brand people in not just America, but the world. I’m forever grateful for Scott, the BMLG family, artists, managers, agents, and media people who’ve made this decade one that flew by. It inspires me, knowing wherever I’m going, it’s going to be a foundation unlike any other to build from,” Basden acknowledged.
