After a very bitter public battle with his former record label, Tim McGraw and Curb Records parted ways last year just before the release of McGraw’s 11th studio album, ‘Emotional Traffic.’ The project — which McGraw often cites as his most creative album — was a rather appropriate title given the creative turmoil in his career, and the split left industry insiders speculating what McGraw’s next career move would be.

With his recent signing with Scott Borschetta and the Big Machine Label Group, the ‘Better Than I Used to Be’ singer claims he is enjoying his newfound freedom.

Of his partnership, McGraw tells Country Aircheck, “It’s a new day. I’m starting to finally figure out what it is I do and how to go about doing it. I have such a sense of artistic freedom and a vision of where I want to go and how I want to do it, and I think I’ve found a partner who really is on the same page with me, wants to help me fulfill hat vision and go down the same path together.”

He adds, “I want a partner who is going to pull the best out of me, and I feel like I’m going to pull the best out of them. I’ve known Scott for a long time and have a lot f respect for how he does business and works with his artists.”

McGraw’s musical union with Borschetta is a reunion of sorts. The Big Machine leader’s father, Mike Borschetta, actually signed McGraw to his first record deal after moving to Nashville, Tenn. more than 23 years ago. And the singer gives credit where credit is due.

“Mike Borchetta signed me and is the first guy I met at Curb Records,” recalls McGraw. “I’m not sure anybody over there wanted to sign me, and I think Mike sort of stuck his neck out on the line for me, which is why I had a record deal at all. Great guy, very passionate about music, and certainly Scott inherited that.”

Despite his new creative freedom, McGraw has no definitive timeline for new music. He continues to record with his longtime producer, Byron Gallimore, but wont project an anticipated release date. “You’ll hear new music on the road this summer, for sure. We’ll play two or three songs … I’ve already been recording,” says the superstar. “I’m looking forward to finishing up a project by the end of the summer. I don’t know if we’re going to get the stuff out this fall or after the first of the year.”

“I’m in a position with the music I’m recording that it’s kind of a watershed time for me as an artist. I don’t want to say clouds are parting, but it sort of has that feeling artistically,” shares McGraw. “There’s going to be a whole new level to what I do.”

Hoping to hear McGraw’s new material this summer? The superstar entertainer is partnering with pal and fellow country superstar Kenny Chesney for this summer’s all-arena Brothers of the Sun Tour. Click here for tour dates and ticket information.

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