Maddie & Tae Prep Debut Album After Platinum Success

Pictured (L-R): Back: Dot Records’ Michelle Kammerer, Kris Lamb, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dot Records’ Chris Stacey, Bernadette Gibbons. Front: Dot Records’ Mallory Allgood, Maddie Marlow, Tae Dye, Dot Records’ Brooke Nixon. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records

Yesterday (Aug. 18), Big Machine Label Group founder/CEO/pres. Scott Borchetta welcomed a crowd of industry and media to Nashville’s The Cordelle for a five-song set from newcomers Maddie & Tae in promotion of the duo’s forthcoming debut album, Start Here.

“Nashville is the best at artist development,” said Borchetta. “It’s so hard to cut through.” Once Mike Molinar, vice president of Big Machine Music Publishing, pitched the duo he had been developing along with their catchy tune ”Girl In A Country Song,” Borchetta was hooked.

Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye ended up as the first act signed to their newly formed imprint Dot Records, releasing “Girl In A Country Song.” At the album party, the duo was surprised with a pair of platinum plaques in honor of the million-selling achievement of the single. General manager Chris Stacey delivered the news. “As proud as I am that this is your first No. 1, I’m sure it’s not going to be your only,” he said after a performance of the hit single.

Although standout tracks “Waitin’ On A Plane” and “Smoke” were not highlighted in the five-song acoustic set, the girls’ songwriting was on full display.

“At a time when so much focus is on other things, these girls seem to really focus on the music,” said country star and surprise guest Lee Ann Womack. Maddie gushed about her idol, whose hometown was three hours north of Marlow’s in Texas. She talked about waiting for CMT to play Womack’s ”I Hope You Dance” video every morning before school. When the two began commuting to Nashville, they would pass Little Rock, Ark. and started singing “Little Past Little Rock,” which the two invited Womack to lead.

Pictured (L-R): Maddie Marlow, Lee Ann Womack, Tae Dye. Photo: Getty Images for Dot.

Additional tracks performed included “Shut Up And Fish,” (written when the girls were 15), “Downside of Growing Up,” (Maddie’s favorite) and “Sierra” (about the other girl), which has been available since November 2014.

“We write real music, and we are thankful Dot Records got behind us,” said the girls.

The full length album, Start Here, hits retail shelves Aug. 28. Before then, the newcomers will be making many press appearances including a TODAY visit on Sept. 1. They are also continuing their stint on Dierks Bentley’s Sounds of Summer Tour before embarking on their headlining Start Here Tour kicking off Oct. 7 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.