As Taylor Swift goes on to become the most popular pop star of the year, there is an interesting story behind her first six albums and their ownership.
In June 2019, there was a heated disagreement between the talented American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and her former record label, Big Machine Records, as well as its founder Scott Borchetta and the new owner Scooter Braun. The dispute centred around the rights to Taylor’s first six studio albums, which were the subject of much attention and media coverage.
After Taylor’s contract with Big Machine expired, she signed a new deal with Republic Records in November 2018. However, in June 2019, it was widely reported that Scooter Braun had acquired Big Machine for a staggering $330 million, with funding from various private equity firms. This meant that Scooter now owned all the master recordings, music videos, and artwork associated with Taylor’s initial six albums.
In response, Taylor revealed that she had made efforts to purchase the masters herself, but Big Machine had presented unfavourable conditions. She expressed surprise and disappointment that Scooter was the buyer, describing him as a persistent and manipulative bully. In contrast, Borchetta claimed that Taylor had turned down an opportunity to buy the masters herself.
Imagine creating a masterpiece, again. And again. And again. and again. Yet not being able to own it.
Consequently, Taylor Swift began re-releasing her re-recorded music via Republic. Fearless (2008) and Red (2012) were released in 2021 to great commercial success.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s position received widespread support from a diverse range of people, including musicians, journalists, politicians, and scholars. Many publications hailed Taylor’s response and her decision to re-record her music as significant actions that inspired other artists to stand up for greater ownership of their creative work. It became a catalyst for advocating for fairer deals and empowering emerging artists to negotiate for better control over their music.
Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) released on 7th July 2023, garnered positive reviews.