Kacey Musgraves Makes a Triumphant Return to Lost Highway Records: The Journey of an Eight-Time Grammy Winner. Kacey Musgraves, the acclaimed artist known for her distinct voice and powerful songwriting, is coming full circle with her exciting new label deal, as she signs with the recently revitalized Nashville-based Lost Highway Records. This significant milestone marks her return to the label where she became the final artist signed back in 2011. At that time, Lost Highway was absorbed by Mercury Nashville, just as Musgraves was in the process of crafting her debut studio album, Same Trailer, Different Park, which famously included her breakthrough hit, “Merry Go ‘Round.”
With this new chapter, she proudly becomes the very first artist to sign with the rejuvenated label, symbolizing not only her personal journey but also the revival of a significant part of Nashville’s music scene.
The revival of Lost Highway Records was officially announced earlier this month, led by former Thirty Tigers executive Robert Knotts alongside Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN) executive Jake Gear, who are both stepping into the roles of co-heads and executive vice presidents of the newly resurrected label. Their leadership is poised to steer Lost Highway into an exciting future while honoring its rich legacy.
Reflecting on her journey, Musgraves expressed her gratitude and connection to the label, stating, “Lost Highway has always served as a musical home for artists who might be labeled as outliers or outlaws; those who exist on the fringes of mainstream music.” She emphasized how, back in 2011, when other record labels questioned her innovative songwriting and her traditional country sound, Lost Highway recognized her unique talent and signed her to her first label deal. This partnership helped her share her music with audiences around the globe. “Now, as I return to Lost Highway in such a meaningful way, I feel incredibly honored to call it my musical home again, thanks to the support of John Janick and Interscope,” she added.
Celebrating her renewed partnership with Lost Highway Records, Musgraves is set to release her interpretation of the label’s iconic namesake song, “Lost Highway,” originally written by Leon Payne and famously covered by Hank Williams in 1949. This release not only pays homage to the label’s heritage but also showcases Musgraves’ artistic evolution and dedication to her craft.
John Janick, the chairman and CEO of Interscope, Capitol, and IGA, remarked, “Kacey exemplifies the kind of culture-shifting, left-of-center artists that Lost Highway has always been renowned for. Given the close relationship she’s had with both Lost Highway and Interscope, it felt only natural for her to be the inaugural artist signed in this exciting new chapter.” His acknowledgment of Musgraves’ influence highlights the label’s commitment to fostering innovative talent.
Music executive Luke Lewis, who was a pioneer in founding Lost Highway in 2000 and played a crucial role in signing Musgraves in 2011, expressed his enthusiasm about the label’s revival. “For 20 years, I was deeply involved in running Mercury and MCA labels, primarily focusing on mainstream country music. However, the last decade of my career was passionately dedicated to establishing and leading Lost Highway, which was the most fulfilling chapter of my professional life. The label went on to nurture some of the most talented singer/songwriters I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with, and I take immense pride in having contributed to their remarkable musical journeys. I am incredibly grateful that this special label is now under the stewardship of John Janick, Robert Knotts, Jake Gear, and the dedicated Interscope team, and I am confident that Lost Highway is poised for an extraordinary second act.”
