Jake Basden (pronounced Bays-den) joins Big Machine Label Group in the position of director of publicity, effective July 11. In his new position, Basden will oversee all aspects of media relations for all three labels under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella (Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and Republic Nashville). Basden is relocating to Nashville from New York, where he worked as a director in the sports and entertainment Division of independent public relations firm Edelman New York.

He succeeds Natalie Kilgore, who left Big Machine in April for a new job with George P. Johnson's Entertainment Marketing Group.

While at Edelman, Basden led entertainment and sports publicity programs for companies and brands such as Unilever, Pepsi, and Shell Oil Company. Additionally, Basden worked with music artists including Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Weezer, T.I., Craig Morgan and others on product campaigns and endorsement deals.

Prior to joining Edelman, Basden worked as a media specialist in the New York offices of Ogilvy Public Relations. At Ogilvy, Basden executed media relations plans for brands such as LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and Virgin America airlines.

After July 11, Basden can be reached here at 615-324-7769 and jake.basden@bigmachinemail.com.