Kacey Musgraves has officially signed with Lost Highway Records, becoming the first artist welcomed to the newly relaunched Nashville-based label. The move brings her full circle, as Musgraves was also the final artist signed to Lost Highway back in 2011 before the label was absorbed by Mercury Nashville the following year.
Musgraves, an 8-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter, reflected on her history with the label and its significance in her journey.
“Lost Highway was always a musical stable for artists who might be considered outliers or outlaws; those who live on the fringe,” said Musgraves. “In 2011, when other record labels questioned my songwriting and my more traditional country sound, Lost Highway believed in me, signing me to my first label deal and helped me take my music around the world. That journey has now come full circle in such a special way with John Janick and Interscope, and I’m deeply honored to be able to once again call Lost Highway my musical home.”
To mark the occasion, Musgraves has released a new rendition of ‘Lost Highway,' the Leon Payne-penned song famously covered by Hank Williams in 1949. The track was co-produced by Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, and Ian Fitchuk.
John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Capitol and IGA, praised the move, calling Musgraves a perfect fit for the label’s ethos. “Kacey exemplifies the kind of culture-shifting, left-of-center artists that Lost Highway has always been known for,” he said.
Luke Lewis, the label’s original founder and the executive who first signed Musgraves, expressed excitement for the relaunch. “The last 10 years of my time at Mercury and MCA were passionately dedicated to starting and leading Lost Highway, which was the most rewarding time of my entire career,” Lewis said. “I am beyond grateful that this very special label is now in the hands of John Janick, Robert Knotts, Jake Gear and the Interscope team.”
Lost Highway Records, originally founded in 2000, built a reputation as a home for groundbreaking artists like Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers, and Elvis Costello. It also released the Grammy-winning soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou?. With Robert Knotts and Jake Gear now leading the label and support from Interscope Geffen A&M, Lost Highway is preparing for a new chapter, with more artist signings expected to be announced soon.
