Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, concluding a protracted and public dispute that began in 2019.
The 35-year-old singer-songwriter, the girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce announced the news in an emotional handwritten letter to fans on her website, expressing overwhelming joy and gratitude.
“All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me,” Swift wrote, adding that she had been “bursting into tears of joy” since learning the deal was finalized. The acquisition includes not only her songs but also videos, concert films, album art, and unreleased tracks, granting her complete control over her early work.
This milestone follows a tumultuous period that began when Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine Records, Swift’s former label, in 2019. The deal included the masters of her early albums, a move Swift publicly opposed, describing it as her “worst case scenario.”
Braun later sold the masters to Shamrock Capital in 2020. Swift declined to partner with Shamrock at the time, citing Braun’s continued financial interest in her catalog.
Instead, she embarked on a mission to re-record her early albums, releasing “Taylor’s Version” editions that achieved significant commercial success.
A victory for Swift and all artists
Swift’s successful acquisition of her masters is not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment in the music industry. Her determination to own her work has inspired other artists to seek greater control over their creations.
“I want to thank Shamrock Capital for offering me the chance to purchase my masters, calling the deal emotionally meaningful,” Swift noted in her announcement.
While she has completed re-recordings of “Fearless,” “Red,” “Speak Now,” and “1989,” Swift disclosed that she hasn’t yet begun re-recording “Reputation,” citing its emotional complexity. However, she confirmed that her debut album has been re-recorded and expressed satisfaction with the result.
Swift’s journey underscores the importance of artistic ownership and has sparked broader conversations about artists’ rights in the digital age. Her actions have set a precedent, encouraging musicians to advocate for control over their work and challenging traditional industry practices.
As Swift continues to shape her legacy on her own terms, her story serves as a powerful example of resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Now that this major chapter in her career has reached a triumphant conclusion, Swift can turn her attention to other parts of her life – including cheering on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
With her masters finally under her control, she can enjoy the upcoming NFL season with fewer distractions, supporting Kelce and the reigning Super Bowl champions as they prepare for another high-stakes campaign.
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