Lost Highway Roars Back: Kacey Musgraves Leads Revival

The legendary Lost Highway record label has officially relaunched in Nashville, signaling a significant revival for the imprint known for its artist-first approach. Although the new office in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood is still undergoing renovations, the team is actively working, notably on Kacey Musgraves' upcoming album, scheduled for release on May 1.

Robert Knotts and Jake Gear are co-leading the revitalized label, which was first announced in April of the previous year. Knotts highlighted Kacey Musgraves as a "North Star" for the label, emphasizing her "unwavering commitment to her creative output." Musgraves, who was the first artist signed to the new Lost Highway, also signed with the original incarnation, which ran from 2000 to 2012.

The original Lost Highway, named after the Hank Williams song, was established by Luke Lewis and quickly became influential. It released music from acclaimed artists like Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, and Lucinda Williams, many of whom defied mainstream country conventions. Musgraves' debut album was initially set for release on this label before it was absorbed into Mercury Nashville.

John Janick, chairman & CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA), expressed that Musgraves' return to Lost Highway is a perfect fit, aligning with the label's desired aesthetic. He noted that the label's ethos of supporting creative artists who forge their own paths resonates strongly with Interscope's 30-year history, facilitating a seamless integration with IGA's broader resources.

Gear, formerly of UMG Nashville, and Knotts, who previously worked at Thirty Tigers, were chosen to lead the new venture. They met with Luke Lewis to honor the label's legacy and understand his vision. Lewis expressed pride in the label's rebirth, noting the opportune timing with a renewed market for guitar-driven singer-songwriters.

The new Lost Highway has already seen success with Brandi Carlile's "Returning to Myself," which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. The label is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Grammy-winning "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack with a special vinyl release and a curated event at the Grand Ole Opry.

Current roster additions include Flatland Calvary, Cigarettes@Sunset, Meels, and Laci Kaye Booth. The label plans to navigate the modern music landscape, utilizing streaming while strategically engaging with terrestrial radio and various formats, including mainstream country, Triple A, and Americana, to support its diverse artists.