By Olivia Deebel ’23
Taylor Swift, one of the biggest global music stars today, is re-recording her previous music. As of November 2020, Swift was allowed to re-record her first 5 albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, and 1989. Swift will be allowed to re-record her sixth studio album, Reputation, in November 2022.
In 2006, Swift signed to the record label Big Machine Records. She was 16 at the time, and on October 24, 2006 Swift released her self-titled debut album, Taylor Swift. She went on to release 5 more albums with Big Machine. When her contract ended in 2018, she signed to Republic Records.
In June 2019, Scooter Braun bought Big Machine Records. The label was founded by Scott Borchetta in 2005. Borchetta and Swift had developed a close relationship over the 13 years they had worked together; Swift was even the first artist Borchetta had signed to Big Machine.
When the label was sold, Swift said she had no idea the label was being sold and was upset. Braun and Swift did not have a great relationship, and Swift was not happy that all her work would belong to him. She offered to buy her music, which was estimated to be worth $140 million dollars at the time. The offer was declined.
Because of her previous contract, it prohibited the performance of her old music. Swift, who rarely posts personal information on social media, went to Twitter to discuss what was happening. It was especially important because Swift was planning on performing at the AMA’s because she was being named the Artist of the Decade.
This has been an ongoing feud, with many people taking Swift’s side, and many taking Braun’s side. But with Swift re-recording her masters, it should end up making her old albums worthless. As of right now, none of the money being made off her old music being streamed and/or bought goes to her.
Now signed with Republic Records, Swift has made 3 albums, Lover, Folklore, and Evermore. These 3 are all owned by Swift.
Swift has already dropped her first re-recording, Love Story (Taylor’s Version). Love Story was the lead single for Swift’s second album Fearless. This album was released in November 2008. Fearless won 4 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. This is the first re-recorded album Swift is releasing.
Fearless (Taylor’s Version) comes out April 9th and is now available for pre-order on her website and for pre-save on streaming platforms.