PRWeek names Jake Basden to prestigious 40 Under 40 list
By Jessie Phillips
Jake Basden, Big Machine Label Group’s senior vice president of publicity and corporate communications, has become the only music company public relations professional named to PRWeek’s annual 40 Under 40 list. Designed to recognize innovative professionals breaking ground in terms of conceptualizing, executing and realizing significant campaigns, the Gaylord College graduate joins executives from many of America’s strongest brands, as well as the most respected agencies.
PRWeek writes, “Jake Basden joined Big Machine in 2011 as a publicist who could take the music label to the next level. The results speak for themselves.” The communications industry giant also mentions how Basden has been instrumental in positioning the label itself as leaders in entertainment, including helping Big Machine become the first label to make Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list.
“I have been blessed to work with some of the most singular artists in the genre, as well as helping realize the unique vision Scott Borchetta has for this company,” said Basden. “Scott’s leadership combined with the caliber of our artist roster makes you want to do more and reach higher.”
With over 25 artists and various corporate initiatives across all facets of entertainment, Basden has proven to be one of Nashville’s savviest and most creative strategists. Whether through innovative alliances, strong media campaigns or deployment of assets, he has created campaigns ranging from artists as diverse as Jennifer Nettles’ recently acclaimed “I Can Do Hard Things” video, to the Academy Award-nominated Glen Campbell’s “I’ll Be Me” documentary and even to Steven Tyler’s debut solo album.
JayMac board member Jessie Phillips visited with Jake about this prestigious recognition.
Q: Tell me a little about your career before BMLG.
A: I graduated in 2006. While attending OU, I spent two summers interning at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in New York City. After graduation, I joined Ogilvy full-time in NYC. I worked there until about 2008 before heading to Edelman where I was a media relations Director working on accounts ranging from Unilever to Pepsi to Starbucks.
Q: Tell me about how your experiences in Gaylord set you up for success in your career.
A: Gaylord provided the resources I needed across the board. The faculty encouraged us to realize there is a big world out there and they provided me with an education that truly gave me a competitive edge. They do a great job of balancing textbook theories with real world case studies in their teachings.
Q: Did you always plan to be in the entertainment industry?
A: I have always had a fascination with fame and show business. Growing up in Stigler, Oklahoma, we always watched all of the music award shows. The CMA Awards were like the Super Bowl to us.
Q: What advice do you have for students who are interested in working in the music industry?
A: It’s a tough business to get into and it’s a tough business once you do get into it. It’s 24/7. You are dealing with people’s art and reputations, and you must handle them with care. There are a lot of personalities involved and several players in the mix – everyone has an opinion – but at the end of the day, no one’s opinion is more important than the artist’s opinion. You can never forget that. It’s very different than representing consumer products like I did in NYC.
Q: Who has been your favorite client to work with?
A: Reba McEntire is truly one of the most wonderful human beings on the planet. Not only is she an Oklahoman, she is a class act. Being around her makes you want to be a better person.
Q: What do you find most challenging in your job?
A: The most challenging part of my job is finding new ways to get media and fans interested in up-and-coming artists. There is so much noise in the marketplace and new music is being released constantly in this new age of streaming.
Q: What do you find most rewarding in your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is helping talented people realize their dreams. I can’t sing, I can’t really play an instrument. But I have always had the ability to foresee the road to fame for anyone or anything I have worked on. It comes naturally to me. I often give my friends advice even when they don’t ask for it. I love helping people tell their story and share their music with the world.
