Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has partnered with music industry executive Joel Klaiman to launch its newest imprint, Ascend Music. The new label will specialize in breaking and amplifying cross-genre talent, with its first signings slated to be revealed this week.
Scott Borchetta, Founder, Chairman and CEO of BMLG, and Klaiman initially teamed up in 2008 to promote Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” As then-EVP/Promotion & Artist Development at Republic Records, Klaiman collaborated with Borchetta on Swift’s breakthrough albums, Fearless, Speak Now and Red as the team achieved global success across multiple genres.
“Joel’s energy, vision and passion are contagious, and he never leaves any stone unturned when he’s working with an artist,” commented Borchetta. “He’s bringing great artists to the partnership, and we will be wasting no time in getting out some game-changing music.”
Klaiman added, “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. 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.”
(L-R) Scott Borchetta, Founder, Chairman/CEO, Big Machine Label Group and Joel Klaiman, Founder/CEO, ASCEND4M. (Photo: Nick Rau for Ascend Music)