I'm the CEO of Big Machine Records. I've worked with artists like Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts — here's a day in my life.

Scott Borchetta.

John Shearer

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Scott Borchetta, the 63-year-old CEO and chairman of Big Machine Label Group, based in Nashville. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I started my career in the mailroom for my dad's promotion company and worked my way up after we moved from California to Nashville. I played bass in a country band at night, where I learned about the music industry. I used that knowledge to pursue jobs at record labels.