Rascal Flatts switches to Big Machine

The group's first disc, "Nothing Like This," is due Nov. 16. The first single, Why Wait, written by Neil Thrasher, Tom Shapiro and Jimmy Yeary, is being sent to country radio today.

Big Machine head Scott Borchetta said, "Rascal Flatts are the biggest band in Country Music and we're honored and thrilled to have them join the Big Machine Records family. While they are celebrating their first 10 years together, I selfishly can't wait to start on their next 10 years. They have made a fantastic new album, and they are completely energized and ready to take on not only the U.S., but also the rest of the world. Why wait?"

"We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Big Machine Records," says Jay DeMarcus, bassist and background vocalist for Rascal Flatts. "We believe that Scott Borchetta and all of the folks over there are a perfect fit for what Rascal Flatts is trying to accomplish over the next few years. The last 10 years have been amazing but we are even more excited about the next phase of our career; Scott understands us, he knows what we're about and it's always a wonderful thing to have someone who believes in you and your music that much in your corner."

Dann Huff produced the disc.

The Rascal Flatts catalogue will remain with the Disney Music Group.