Big Machine Launches Label with Ex-Republic Records Exec Joel Klaiman

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has partnered with music industry veteran Joel Klaiman to launch a new imprint called Ascend Music.

History repeating:

• As the former Executive Vice President of Promotion & Artist Development at Republic Records, Klaiman worked with Big Machine and its founder Scott Borchetta on Taylor Swift’s Fearless, Speak Now and Red albums.

Other roles:

• Klaiman has also served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Columbia Records, and EVP, Promotion and Artist Development at Epic Records.

• In August 2023 he launched ASCEND4M, a music and entertainment marketing and consulting agency.

The new endeavor:

• Ascend Music's mission is “breaking and amplifying cross-genre talent.”

• It is expected to announce its first signing later this week.

What they said:

• Joel 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.”

• Scott Borchetta: “[Joel’s] bringing great artists to the partnership, and we will be wasting no time in getting out some game-changing music.”