Valory Music Co.

Valory Music Co.
source
Name	Valory Music Co.
Founded	2007
Founder	Big Machine Records
Status	Active
Genre	Country
Country	United States
Location	Nashville, Tennessee
Parent	Big Machine Label Group

Valory Music Co. is an American country music record label based in Nashville, Tennessee founded in 2007 as an imprint of Big Machine Label Group. The label focuses on contemporary country and crossover acts and has released recordings that charted on the Billboard charts, earned certification from the RIAA, and been promoted through performance platforms such as CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and televised appearances like Saturday Night Live. Valory operates within the commercial music industry alongside peers such as Capitol Records Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, and Universal Music Group.

History

Valory Music Co. was established in 2007 by Big Machine Records as a strategic imprint to expand artist signings and diversify marketing efforts beyond the parent label's roster. Early in its timeline the imprint worked with production teams and songwriters connected to Big Loud, EMI Nashville, and producers who had credits with artists like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. The label's development paralleled Nashville's shift toward pop-inflected country during the late 2000s and early 2010s, coinciding with touring circuits such as Country Throwdown Tour and festivals including Stagecoach Festival and CMA Fest. Corporate maneuvers affecting Valory have intersected with catalog sales, distribution arrangements with Universal Music Group Distribution, and industry consolidations involving entities such as Republic Records and Big Machine Label Group.

Artists and Roster

Valory's roster has included both established and emerging country artists working across traditional and pop-country styles. Notable signings and affiliates have connections to acts like Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Katy Perry collaborators, and band formations such as Dustin Lynch and Kelly Clarkson-associated songwriters. The label has also handled releases by groups with Nashville ties, session musicians who played with Brad Paisley, and songsmiths who penned hits for Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, and Miranda Lambert. Touring partners and co-billed artists have included Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Jason Aldean, and Chris Stapleton. Valory's A&R network reached into songwriting hubs like Music Row and publishing companies such as Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group.

Releases and Notable Records

Valory releases frequently charted on Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot Country Songs with digital singles appearing on iTunes and streaming playlists curated by platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Several albums issued through the imprint received gold or platinum status from the RIAA and produced singles that reached top positions on charts maintained by Mediabase and Country Aircheck. The label's catalog includes crossover hits that earned radio play on Country Airplay and adult contemporary outlets linked to stations such as iHeartRadio affiliates and regional syndicators like Westwood One. Collaborations released on Valory involved guest appearances or songwriting contributions from artists such as Sheryl Crow, Lady Antebellum, Bon Jovi, and producers known for work with Ed Sheeran.

Business Structure and Ownership

Valory operates as an imprint under the corporate umbrella of Big Machine Label Group, which in turn has undergone ownership transactions involving investment firms and music conglomerates. Executives associated with the label have interacted with talent agencies including Creative Artists Agency and William Morris Endeavor for touring and synchronization deals. Distribution and licensing pathways have been negotiated with major distributors and digital service providers including Universal Music Group and global streaming services like YouTube Music and Amazon Music. Management of publishing rights involved coordination with performing rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC for royalty collection. Corporate governance and strategic partnerships reflect industry practices shared with labels such as Big Machine Records, Republic Records, and Columbia Nashville.

Awards and Recognition

Releases affiliated with Valory have been nominated for and won awards at ceremonies including the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards, the Grammy Awards, and honors presented by trade organizations like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Songs and albums from the label's roster have received industry accolades for songwriting from institutions such as the NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), airplay awards from Mediabase, and sales certifications from the RIAA. Artists under the imprint have also been recognized with regional awards tied to Tennessee music organizations and festival honors from events like CMA Fest and Stagecoach Festival.

Category:American record labels Category:Country music record labels Category:Record labels established in 2007