Taylor Swift’s fans criticized record executive Scott Borchetta after he posted a throwback photo celebrating 20 years since meeting the singer. Despite Borchetta’s seemingly heartfelt message about their partnership, fans called out his infamous history with Swift, labeling his tribute as “desperate” and “embarrassing.” Swift was signed to Big Machine Records in 2005 at 14 years old, becoming their first artist.
In June 2019, Swift expressed feeling “grossed out” after learning that Borchetta had struck a deal with Scooter Braun for her music catalog in Braun’s acquisition of Big Machine Label Group. This $300 million deal caused drama between Swift and the executives, though she later clarified that she didn’t try to purchase her masters, opting instead for investing in her future and that of other artists.
In August 2019, Swift announced plans to re-record her first six albums to regain ownership of her music. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity to own her work and passionately stated that artists deserve to own their music. Since then, Swift has re-recorded four albums, including “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version)” released in 2021, followed by “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in 2023.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” and “Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version).” Despite the ongoing drama surrounding the ownership of her music, Swift has remained true to her promise to re-record her albums. The artist’s dedication to owning her work has garnered support from her loyal fan base, who appreciate her commitment to ensuring that artists have ownership of their music.
Swift’s determination to reclaim her music catalog has sparked a trend of artists taking control of their work in the music industry. Her decision to re-record her albums sets a precedent for other artists to follow suit and fight for ownership of their music. The ongoing saga with Borchetta and Braun has only fueled Swift’s resolve to take ownership of her art and inspire others in the industry to do the same.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s journey to reclaim ownership of her music has been met with support and admiration from her fans. Despite the challenges and drama surrounding the issue, Swift has remained steadfast in her commitment to owning her work. Her decision to re-record her albums has set a precedent for other artists in the industry, leading to discussions about the importance of artists’ rights and ownership in the music business.