Lost Highway Records Relaunches in Nashville

News Summary

UMG Nashville has officially revived Lost Highway Records, the historic music label, under the guidance of T Bone Burnett. Known for its emphasis on quality storytelling, the label aims to refocus on artistry in a music landscape increasingly driven by trends. The first release features a country album by Ringo Starr, ‘Look Up,’ launching a new era for Lost Highway. The revival intends to honor the past while creating a diverse platform for emerging talent across multiple music genres.

Exciting News for Music Lovers: Lost Highway Records Makes a Comeback in Nashville!

Music fans, rejoice! Nashville is buzzing with excitement as UMG Nashville has officially relaunched the iconic Lost Highway Records imprint. This label, known for its rich history of quality storytelling in music, had been on a hiatus since 2012. With the legendary songwriter and producer T Bone Burnett at the helm, the revival promises to bring back the magic that made Lost Highway a beloved name in the music industry.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Originally established in 2000 by the former head of UMG, Luke Lewis, Lost Highway Records has a storied past, being home to a host of esteemed artists like Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Hayes Carll, Mary Gauthier, and Lyle Lovett. Notably, Lost Highway was responsible for the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the film “O Brother Where Art Thou?”, produced by Burnett himself. Soundtracks for other iconic shows, such as “Deadwood” and “Open Season,” also rolled off the label’s production line.

What’s the Vision for Lost Highway’s Future?

According to UMG Nashville’s Chairman and CEO, the drive to revive Lost Highway sprang from a noticeable gap in the music market where meaningful storytelling has seemingly vanished. The modern music landscape has become dominated by algorithm-driven trends, and this relaunch aims to restore the focus on artistry and narrative. The relaunch is being seen as an effort to bring back something that felt “15 years before its time.”

Ringo Starr Kicks Off the First Release

In a delightful twist, the first official release from this revitalized label is none other than a country album by Ringo Starr titled “Look Up.” The album was released on January 10, making it a much-anticipated addition to fans’ playlists. Mabe feels that bringing Ringo on board aligns perfectly with the roots of what Lost Highway represents.

A Focus on Quality over Commercial Success

Under Burnett’s leadership, the new Lost Highway Records seeks to emphasize artistic integrity over commercial success. The team is focused on developing artists in a way that fosters genuine talent rather than chasing trends. Touring will play a significant role in promoting the label’s artists too, alongside exciting collaborations with like-minded producers.

Building a New Legacy

While exact artist signings have not yet been announced, plans are in motion to explore the extensive assets and catalog from Lost Highway’s original period. The idea is to maintain a boutique label identity that feels fresh while integrating some shared services with UMGN. However, it will hire its dedicated staff for A&R, marketing, and publicity, ensuring that it remains distinct.

What’s Next for Lost Highway?

Burnett envisions a label that is inclusive and diverse, representing a broad spectrum of American music genres including blues, rhythm & blues, country, folk, and rock. As plans unfold, fans can expect to see the imprint evolve as it honors its storied past while forging a new path into the future.

As the relaunch of Lost Highway Records unfolds, one thing is certain—it is poised to become a beacon for artistry in an industry increasingly dominated by impersonal metrics. Here’s to hoping we’ll see more beautiful stories told through music once again!

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Additional Resources

• Music Row: UMG Nashville Relaunches Lost Highway Imprint
• Billboard: UMG Nashville and T Bone Burnett Revive Lost Highway Label
• No Depression: Album Review of Willie Nelson – Lost Highway
• Google Search: Lost Highway Records
• Wikipedia: Lost Highway Records