Kacey Musgraves Returns to Her Roots: A Rebirth for Artist and Label Alike
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Nashville music landscape is buzzing with a familiar yet exciting development: Kacey Musgraves, the celebrated 8-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter, has officially re-signed with Lost Highway Records. This isn’t just another label signing; it’s a full-circle moment for an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and a significant re-launch for a label renowned for fostering unconventional talent.
Musgraves’ return to Lost Highway is particularly poignant given her history. She was, in fact, the very last artist signed to the label in 2011 before it was absorbed by Mercury Nashville in 2012, during the creation of her seminal debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park. This prior connection underscores the unique synergy between artist and label, a relationship built on mutual belief and a shared vision for music that defies easy categorization.
“Lost Highway was always a musical stable for artists who might be considered outliers or outlaws; those who live on the fringe,” Musgraves reflects, her words painting a vivid picture of the label’s ethos. Her gratitude is palpable as she recalls, “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.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the trust and artistic freedom that Lost Highway provided her, a crucial element in the development of her distinctive sound.
John Janick, Chairman & CEO of Interscope Capitol and IGA, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Musgraves as the ideal artist to usher in this new chapter for Lost Highway. “Kacey exemplifies the kind of culture-shifting, left-of-center artists that Lost Highway has always been known for,” Janick states. “Given the close relationship she’s had with both Lost Highway and Interscope, it seemed only natural for her to be the first artist signed in this new chapter.” This strategic move signals a clear intent for the revitalized Lost Highway to continue its legacy of championing artists who challenge the mainstream, even as they achieve widespread acclaim.
The return of Lost Highway also brings forth a sense of pride from its founder, Luke Lewis, who signed Musgraves in 2011. Lewis, who for two decades ran Mercury and MCA labels – predominantly mainstream country endeavors – found his true passion in the last ten years of his tenure dedicated to launching and leading Lost Highway. He speaks with genuine emotion about the label’s impact: “The label went on to cultivate some of the greatest singer/songwriters I have had the honor to work with, and I am extremely proud to have helped them further their amazing musical journeys.” His “beyond grateful” sentiment that the label is now in the hands of John Janick, Robert Knotts, Jake Gear, and the Interscope team, underscores a deep belief in its future. He is “certain Lost Highway will have an incredible second inning,” a testament to the enduring vision he instilled.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, Musgraves has released her own interpretation of the song that lends its name to the label: Leon Payne’s “Lost Highway,” famously covered by Hank Williams in 1949. Produced by Musgraves herself alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, this track is more than just a musical offering; it’s a symbolic gesture. It serves as a bridge between the label’s storied past and its promising future, all while showcasing Musgraves’ ability to breathe new life into classic material. Her rendition of “Lost Highway” is a masterclass in nuanced interpretation, honoring the original’s weary resignation while imbuing it with her own signature blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. It’s a subtle reminder of why she’s consistently been an artist who can captivate audiences across genres.
Kacey Musgraves’ re-signing with Lost Highway Records is more than just a business transaction; it’s a statement. It’s a reaffirmation of artistic integrity, a celebration of a label’s enduring spirit, and a clear indication that for both Musgraves and Lost Highway, the most compelling journeys often involve returning to where it all began, ready to forge new paths with a renewed sense of purpose. This reunion promises exciting new music and a continued legacy of artistic fearlessness.