What Makes a big machine even bigger? Combine it with another machine. And that is exactly what is prompted to happen the first week of 2015 when Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta will join forces with American Idol XIV as a mentor.
BMLG is a renowned powerhouse in music publishing focused in modern country and touting some of the biggest names in the genre. A force to be reckoned with holding the fates of musicians and singers at bay with the tip of a pen. And Borchetta at the helm.
The industry mogul is not just along for the on air season. Big Machine has partnered with 19 Entertainment and Universal Music Group to guide this years winner from inception to record deal. The plan is to shape and condition in preparation for a career as a recording artist.
“There’s only one reason I’m doing this: American Idol has proven again and again that it can launch superstars,” says Borchetta. “I believe that working with these young artists the same way we work with new artists at the Big Machine Label Group will help the next American Idol be as prepared as possible to continue the tradition of creating new superstars”.
This makes perfect sense. Why scout for talent among the hundreds of aspiring artists and writers that flock in droves to your Nashville backyard every year, or perhaps listen to a few of the demos haphazardly strewn towards the office trash, when you can cull from a fellow “big machine”. Media is moving quicker than the public can take it in. By that rationale, why not fast track the process so to pump out more content. You know, all those life changing songs like “This Is How We Roll”.
American Idol is no slouch in the hit-maker game. Credit where credit is due for sure. Likewise, BMLG are the letters behind more than a few of the greats. Despite her recent disputes with Spotify and incessant criticism from haters Taylor Swift is a gifted songwriter and performer discovered by Scott Borchetta. The season XIV winner will join a roster boasting acts such as the aforementioned Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Reba, Brantley Gilbert, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Eli Young Band and Maddie & Tae just to name a few. Not bad company to keep if you ask me. Oh, and they have Florida Georgia Line too. So there’s that.
Big Machine oversees a number of subsidiary labels including Valory Music, DOT Records and NASH Icon Music. The undeniable and irrevocable talent of their lineup cannot be refuted. I only wish the folks trying to pay rent out of tip jars, or mapping out the best way from Macon to Waycross to save gas in between shows, were afforded the same opportunities.
In any case, the hit producing talent show returns to FOX as a three hour, two night premiere Wed. Jan. 7 and Thurs. Jan. 8. Also returning is host Ryan Seacrest alongside judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.
Follow Idol on Facebook or @AmericanIdol and check out Big Machine Label Group for news and events.
