Taylor Swift recently reflected on an emotional milestone: owning her music. In May, she shared on her website that she had regained control of her first six albums. This was after a long battle over her music rights, which included her decision to re-record those albums to reclaim her work.
During an episode of the New Heights podcast, hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason, Swift became teary as she discussed how important this achievement was for her. “It’s a huge thing,” she said, describing her years of saving to buy back her music.
Swift has faced challenges before. In 2019, music manager Scooter Braun bought the rights to her songs, which was heart-wrenching for her. This led her to re-record her music in an effort to reclaim ownership.
After Braun sold her masters to Shamrock Capital, Swift and her team decided to negotiate directly. Swift emphasized that she wanted complete ownership. Instead of going herself, she sent her mother and brother to meet with Shamrock. They shared the story of her struggle to regain her music rights. Swift recalled that her mother later told her Shamrock had been “wonderful” but warned her not to get her hopes up.
Months later, while in Kansas City with Travis, Swift received the call she had waited for. “You got your music,” her mother told her. Overcome with emotion, Swift hit the floor, weeping at the news.
This moment marks a significant change in Swift’s life and career. She described it as something she thinks about daily. Now, instead of feeling wounded by her past, she feels grateful and lucky for this chance to own her art fully.
The discussion about music ownership is also a broader cultural topic. Many artists are increasingly advocating for their rights, using social media to raise awareness. Swift’s story resonates deeply with fans who support her journey.
The New Heights podcast episode touches on her recent experiences, including the success of The Eras Tour and details about her new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
For further insights on artist rights, you can check out resources from the U.S. Copyright Office.
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