After almost two decades with RCA Records, Martina McBride has now officially signed to a new label, Republic Nashville. Republic Nashville executives Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen, along with McBride, made the announcement Monday morning in Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
"You know, I've had an amazing career," McBride said. "I've been fortunate enough and blessed enough to sell a lot of records and get to see the world and these great 50 states we have and just have an amazing life. I had a great 18-year partnership with RCA and [former RCA label head] Joe Galante, and we had a wonderful run. When this opportunity came up to work with Jimmy and Scott, it just felt right."
The Republic Nashville music label was formed in 2009 as a partnership between Big Machine Records and Universal Republic. Other artists on the Republic Nashvile bill include The Band Perry, Eli Young Band and Jaron and the Long Road to Love. Big Machine Label Group is also a part of Valory Music Co., which is home to Jewel, Reba McEntire and Justin Moore.
"Change isn't always easy. Sometimes it's difficult, but [with] this, all I could see was the future -- my future,” McBride said. “I have the utmost respect for them and everything that they have done. Their passion and excitement and energy are contagious. I am so excited to have that passion, energy and excitement focused on my career now. I'm over-the-top excited today to be here. I cannot wait for you guys to hear the new music. I'm fired up and feel like I have a focus and energy for making music that I haven't had in a long time. So, here's to the future."
McBride’s first RCA single, “The Time Has Come,” was released in 1992. McBride has claimed 19 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Country airplay chart, as well as Five No. 1 singles. She also brought RCA 18 million album sales.
Materials distributed after the press conference noted that McBride will begin to work with producer Byron Gallimore in December for a new album. Gallimore has previously worked with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and others.
McBride is currently nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year for the 2010 CMA Awards, which will be held Nov. 10 in Nashville. McBride has won the award four times previously, tying her with McEntire for the most wins in this category.
Source: CMT.com
