Rascal Flatts Now Part of Big Machine Records; Release New Single

At a press conference in downtown Nashville on Thursday, July 29th, super group Rascal Flatts opened a new chapter in their 10-year career as they, along with Big Machine Records President/CEO Scott Borchetta, announced their addition to the Big Machine Records roster, home to such artists as Taylor Swift and Steel Magnolia. Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney explains of the move, "It just feels right. It's a successful label. It's a young label. It's a hip label. They've had a lot of success, and it just felt like it was the perfect fit." The group also took the time to reveal their new single "Why Wait" from their upcoming Big Machine debut album Nothing Like This, which is set to hit stores November 16th.

For band mate Jay DeMarcus, this announcement is just the latest in the line of exciting news for him as he is looking forward to becoming a father for the first time. He says, "I am thrilled and on top of the world right now. I'm so excited. I'm ecstatic about this time at this point in our lives. Not very many people get into this industry and are able to look back and say 'we've been able to do it for 10 years’ and that's what we're really, really thankful and grateful for that someone still wants us after 10 years."

In April, Rascal Flatts saw their initial label home Lyric Street Records, which was a division of Disney, close its doors. Lead singer Gary LeVox explains that hearing that news and the uncertainty it held was scary for the band. He shares, "I was actually on my way to the studio when we found out that Lyric Street had shut down. We were so pumped and thrilled about the body of work on the Nothing Like This album, and it just took the wind out of us because we had no idea. We knew the music that we created for this project was outstanding. So, our biggest fear was it would never be heard ... your whole entire world had crumbled at that point."

But, the guys are looking forward to what is ahead for them as they move forward with Big Machine. Gary says, "We've always had a really good relationship [with Big Machine]. Their work ethic and what their goals are and how they run a business is the exact same way we run our business. And it was just a great partnership ... the future is going to be incredible!" Joe Don adds, "We want to make great music and not stop. We feel like it's a breath of fresh air, and a new day." Jay jokes, "I'm just thrilled Taylor let us on the label really."

Image courtesy of Kevin Winter
 
Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010