
Photo Credit: Scott Borchetta (Big Machine) & Joel Klaiman (ASCEND4M) / Nick Rau for Ascend Music
Big Machine launches a new imprint, Ascend Music, in partnership with music industry exec Joel Klaiman, reuniting Klaiman with BM’s Scott Borchetta.
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has partnered with Joel Klaiman to launch its latest imprint, Ascend Music. The new label will focus on breaking and amplifying cross-genre talent, with its first signing due to be announced this week.
The project reunites Klaiman with BMLG founder and CEO Scott Borchetta, who initially teamed up in 2008 to promote Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” Klaiman, as then-EVP and Promotion & Artist Development at Republic Records, collaborated with Borchetta on Swift’s breakthrough albums, Fearless, Speak Now, and Red.
“Joel’s energy, vision, and passion are contagious, and he never leaves any stone unturned when he’s working with an artist,” says Borchetta. “He’s bringing great artists to the partnership, and we will be wasting no time in getting out some game-changing music.”
“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,” adds 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.”
Klaiman got his start in artist management before moving into radio promotion at Elektra Entertainment Group. There, he worked with artists like Bjork and Metallica. Since then, he’s held senior roles at Epic Records, Republic Records, and Columbia Records, where he’s worked with artists like Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Adele, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, John Legend, and Harry Styles.
In August 2023, Klaiman launched ASCEND4M, a global music and entertainment marketing and consulting agency, focused on comprehensive media strategies and talent management. He’s also the CEO of Tunespotter, a music and content discovery app that helps curate music for visual media. Klaiman also serves as a voting member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a board member of the T.J. Martell Foundation.
Labels, Music Industry News
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