The cast of ABC series Nashville
Photo courtesy of ABC
ABC Studios and independent Nashville-based record label Big Machine Records formed an exclusive partnership to release and market music from the ABC television series Nashville. Grammy Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett serves as the executive music producer. Series stars Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio are among the castmembers slated to sing original content created for the series by established and breakout songwriters.
Nashville, a co-production between ABC Studios and Lionsgate Television, premiered last Wednesday, October 10, on the ABC Television Network. It was shot entirely in Music City, and pulls back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of the music industry. The Big Machine Label Group is composed of Big Machine Records, the Valory Music Co. and Republic Nashville, a joint partnership with Universal Records.
Under this new partnership, Big Machine Records will release original music from Nashville each week on both iTunes and ABC’s Music Lounge. Multiple songs from the show’s first episode became available on iTunes beginning October 9, including the song “If I Didn’t Know Better,” written by John Paul White and Arum Rae and sung by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio.
“This is a dynamic and innovative partnership,” said Peter DiCecco, senior vice president, ABC Music Business Affairs. “Unlike any other show, the music originates with the story. By doing this, television’s next great drama will have a soundtrack to match.”
“Nashville is a project that is very close to our hearts, and we are elated to have found a partner with the same passion and vision for the accuracy we are trying to achieve in the show,” says Dawn Soler, senior vice president, ABC TV Music. “Scott Borchetta and the Big Machine Label Group came to the table with a great sense of enthusiasm and commitment to creativity that will uniquely maximize the music experience.”
“We are very selective of where and how we place our music into visual media,” says Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. “Music has to feel organic, appropriate and authentic when it is paired with on-camera visuals. When I saw the pilot for Nashville, I knew instantly we needed to be part of it. Not only does our partnership make sense given how closely the show reflects the nature of the music business, but the show’s talent has created some incredible music. We look forward to working with all of the amazing actors and actresses on the show.”
Music by Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) artists will also serve as the soundtrack for the series.
The Eli Young Band and its Number One song, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” which appeared on Nashville‘s premiere episode, are both nominated for CMA Awards, which will air on ABC on Thursday, November 1, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern.
Visit the Big Machine Label Group at www.bigmachinelabelgroup.com.
