Chris Daughtry and his band sign with Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Records
Chris Daughtry and his band Daughtry have entered a new chapter after officially signing with Big Machine Records. The announcement came on Monday, August 7, and coincides with the band launching a pre-save for their upcoming single, “Artificial,” which is scheduled for release on August 11. This move marks a significant partnership between the veteran rock outfit and Scott Borchetta’s label, promising fresh momentum for the band’s next era of recordings and promotion.
Scott Borchetta, Chairman and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, praised Daughtry’s vocal and artistic strengths, calling Chris Daughtry “one of the best voices in rock music” and noting the singer’s renewed intensity and focus. That kind of endorsement from a major label executive signals confidence that the group’s forthcoming material will connect with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Chris Daughtry, the band’s frontman and an alumnus of American Idol’s fifth season, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: he said he was thrilled to work with Scott Borchetta and the Big Machine team on their next record and beyond, emphasizing how energizing it is to have a team that believes in and supports his creative vision.
The signing comes as Daughtry also prepares to headline their Bare Bones Tour, an intimate acoustic run scheduled to begin on August 9 with 26 U.S. dates. The tour format—stripped-down performances in smaller venues—will give fans a direct, closer look at the band’s musicianship and Chris Daughtry’s vocal power. Select dates will feature Billboard-charting rocker Ayron Jones as an opening act, adding further appeal to the tour lineup.
Daughtry partnered with Big Machine Records to release the Lzzy Hale duet, “Separate Ways (World’s Apart)”
Recently, Daughtry released a high-energy duet with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm—a reimagining of Journey’s “Separate Ways (World’s Apart).” The collaboration debuted at No. 1 on iTunes’ All Genres chart and climbed to No. 6 on Mediabase’s Active Rock chart, while accumulating millions of streams across platforms. The single’s success highlighted the band’s ability to revitalize a classic with contemporary grit and powerful vocal performances.
That duet was released in partnership with Big Machine Records and Daughtry’s own independent Dogtree Records, a collaboration that likely aided in securing active rock radio play and broader exposure. The label partnership appears to be an ongoing relationship, now formalized by the band’s signing, which suggests further coordinated releases and promotional efforts between Daughtry and Big Machine.
In recent weeks, Chris has teased the upcoming single “Artificial” across his social channels, sharing articles and commentary on artificial intelligence. Those teasers suggest the song may explore themes about technology’s increasing presence and influence, potentially offering a reflective or cautionary angle on contemporary digital life.
Daughtry went independent after many years with RCA/19R
Chris Daughtry formed the band shortly after his American Idol season in 2006 and went on to sign with RCA Records/19 Recordings. Under that arrangement, Daughtry released five studio albums, the most recent being Cage to Rattle in 2018. After parting ways with RCA, the band chose an independent path and released Dearly Beloved in 2021 on their own Dogtree Records label.
In interviews, Chris has been candid about the band’s creative arc: at times they felt pressured to chase radio-friendly hits, which led them away from their core musical identity. Embracing independence allowed Daughtry to return to a more authentic rock sound and take greater creative control. The new deal with Big Machine appears to align with that same commitment to artistic authenticity, offering a platform with label resources while preserving the band’s creative vision.
As Daughtry moves forward with Big Machine Records, fans can expect a mixture of bold production and the raw-rock sensibility that originally defined the group. With a major-label partnership in place, a high-profile duet already connecting with rock audiences, an acoustic tour to showcase the band’s core strengths, and a new single that taps into topical themes, Daughtry’s next chapter looks positioned to balance commercial reach and creative integrity.
Watch for the single “Artificial” on August 11, and follow announcements for tour dates and future releases as the band and Big Machine roll out their collaborative plans.