Tim McGraw has signed a multi-album deal with Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Records, ending his relationship with his only previous label, Curb Records.
He made the announcement Monday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. McGraw hopes he can regain some of the momentum he lost while fighting to end his “lifetime” contract with Curb Records. Though the two sides remain locked in a legal dispute, a judge last year freed McGraw to begin recording for a new label.
“So 23 years after I arrived to town, I’m sort of in the kickoff phase of my new career,” McGraw said.
He’s been recording new music and hopes to release a “landmark” album late this year or early 2013 “that’s just going to sort of turn the knob over to 11.”
“I feel like that I’m at a point now in my career I think there’s more ahead of me than behind me,” McGraw said. “It’s time for me to look forward. It’s time for me to look at my new partner in the business of making records and radio, and just sort of step on the gas. I think I’m at a great spot in my career and there’s nothing but great things ahead of me.”
He remains a bankable star with more than 37 million albums sold, 30-plus No. 1 singles and strong touring numbers that will soon include his stadiums-only “Brothers of the Sun” tour this summer with old friend Kenny Chesney.
The country star also carved out an acting career, receiving favorable reviews for performances in “The Blind Side” and “Country Strong.” And his marriage to Faith Hill adds its own star power.
McGraw fills a hole on the Big Machine roster, which was in need of a headlining solo male star, and continues a trend of signing mid-career acts looking for a reboot. McGraw’s arrival follows that of Rascal Flatts and Martina McBride.
The label’s flagship artist is Taylor Swift. But Borchetta’s label group also has helped break The Band Perry, the Eli Young Band and Brantley Gilbert recently as well and is home to Reba McEntire.
“You want to have a great partner when you’re in this business,” McGraw said. “You want to have someone you trust and are family that you trust, and a family that’s got your back and a family that you know has sort of the same artistic goals that you have, and I feel now I have that. The past is the past. I’ve had a lot of success. I’m looking forward to more success. … I feel like in a position now to even jump higher.”
