NASHVILLE, TENN. (September 1, 2020) — Fifteen years ago today, Scott Borchetta opened the doors of a small office on Music Row for a start-up label he named Big Machine Records. With just a handful of employees and few artists, Big Machine put the metal to the pedal and created its own path to become one of the most successful independent record labels in the world. Since that time, the label has sold over 185 million albums globally and ascended 137 singles to the top of the charts. Fast Company named Big Machine Label Group as one of the “most innovative companies” in the world and Forbes deemed it “country’s hottest label.” 
 
To celebrate the label’s historic success, Scott and Sandi Borchetta announced today a contest for 501c3 non-profit music schools and organizations. Fifteen recipients will be awarded $10,000 grants. The grants are supported by the Borchettas’ MUSIC HAS VALUE Fund, a fund they created in 2015 to provide financial support to organizations which support those who make music, aspire to make music, and access and appreciate music. 
 
“The Big Machine Label Group’s hard work over the past 15 years has paid off,” said BMLG President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. “We have been very blessed to work with so many artists and help them realize their musical dreams. We are now using the fruits of our labor to expand our reach and help more people and communities who could use some financial assistance during these hard times,” said Borchetta. 
 
“It is important to us to help music education programs in both rural and urban areas,” said Sandi Borchetta, Senior Vice President of Creative for BMLG. “We want to hear your stories. How are you making a difference to elevate music education? Do you have an innovative idea and plan to reach, connect and teach students music during this difficult pandemic time? What can we do to help support the plan? 

 

Grant application window has now closed.

​

 

 

Big Machine Label Group 15th Anniversary grant Recipients

​

• Urban Youth Harp Ensemble in East Point, GA 

• Band In A Bus in Cincinnati, OH

• St. Stephen’s Episcopal Strings Attached in Ferguson, MO

• Education Through Music-New York Chapter

• Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA

• Musicopia in Philadelphia, PA

• Parker Performing Arts School in Parker, CO

• YES Prep Schools in Houston, TX

• Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford, CT

• Give A Note Foundation in Carmel, IN

• Boston Children’s Hospital- Seacrest Studio

• Brooklyn Caesar Rodney School PS164 in New York City

• Westmont High School Band Program in Westmont, IL

• Bring On The Music Program at Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, CA

• School 113A in Lemont, IL

​