Universal Music Group Nashville has officially relaunched Lost Highway Records, joining forces with Oscar- and Grammy-winning songwriter and producer T Bone Burnett. Originally founded in 2000 by then-UMGN head Luke Lewis, the label had been dormant since 2012.
Lost Highway Records’ first release of the new era is Ringo Starr’s Look Up, which Burnett produced. It dropped last Friday, January 10th. Look Up marks a full-circle moment for the label, as Burnett’s work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack helped solidify Lost Highway’s reputation.
The relaunch of Lost Highway signals a return to the label’s roots, which once boasted a roster of American roots music greats including Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and Lyle Lovett. Burnett, known for his work with Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss, will oversee the label’s creative direction alongside UMGN chairman/CEO Cindy Mabe.
“The idea to reopen Lost Highway has been on my mind for some time,” Mabe explained. “It felt like something was missing in the marketplace. Lost Highway was ahead of its time, and now, with the current landscape of music, it’s the perfect moment to bring it back and focus on the quality art that’s missing today.”
Burnett echoed Mabe’s sentiment, emphasizing the need for an American music-focused label that prioritizes artistry over commercial trends. “We want to create something that matters, something that connects with people and takes care of the good stuff in music,” he said.
Mabe and Burnett are already eyeing a roster of new artists, with plans to retain the boutique nature of Lost Highway, focusing on artist development and creating meaningful connections between musicians. Touring and cross-genre collaboration will also play a key role in promoting the label’s releases, as will its continued involvement in TV and film soundtracks.
“We’re not just looking for commercial hits,” Mabe added. “We’re focused on bringing great music back into the world and letting it find its way.”
