Big Machine, Joel Klaiman Launch Ascend Music Joint Venture

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has launched Ascend Music, a new joint venture imprint focused on discovering and promoting cross-genre talent, in partnership with music industry executive Joel Klaiman. The collaboration reunites BMLG founder Scott Borchetta and Klaiman, who previously worked together on Taylor Swift’s breakthrough hit "Love Story" and her influential albums Fearless, Speak Now, and Red. Klaiman, founder of the global marketing and consulting agency ASCEND4M, brings extensive experience in artist development and promotion. Both Borchetta and Klaiman emphasize their shared vision of fostering an artist-first, development-driven culture and plan to release game-changing music under the new imprint. Ascend Music’s first artist signing is expected to be announced soon. This partnership aims to expand the label’s global repertoire and unlock new opportunities for artists across multiple musical genres.