Congrats to Taylor Swift, she officially owns all her Masters! This is HUGE for any artist. For those unaware of what this means for artists, it means that the artist own the original sound recording. This is a big deal because it gives the artist full control of their music. It allows them to decide how it will be used, licensed and monetized. For those unfamiliar with Swift and her recording contract, Taylor up until now did not own the masters to her first 6 albums. This is also important because now she will receive most if not all of the revenue from the albums. Congrats to Taylor and her team! Read her full statement below.
Hi,
I’m trying to gather my thoughts into something coherent, but right now my mind is just a whirlwind. A few times in my life I’ve had the chance to stand quietly in a moment of realization and absorb all the feelings that come with it. I’m writing this post feeling similarly overwhelmed with emotion, because I have some really big news to share with you…
I’m thrilled to say that I now own my own music.
This is a huge development, and one that I’m deeply proud of. It means that all of the music I made, the words I wrote, the memories we made together, they finally belong to me. The songs I poured my soul into for over a decade are now fully and finally mine.
All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me.
And all my music videos.
All the concert films.
The vault tracks.
The handwritten lyrics.
Every bit of it.
My entire life’s work.
To say that this is a superstar’s dream come true is actually being pretty reserved about it. To my fans, you have no idea how important this has been to me — so much so that I meticulously re-recorded and released it for you. By calling them “Taylor’s Versions,” we have together proven that music can be ours. And you showed the world that they’re worth owning — that they’re worth valuing.
All I’ve ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to own and buy my music. For years I wondered if it was possible. But you proved it was.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I know, I know. What about Rep TV? Full transparency: I wasn’t able to re-record a portion of it yet. The Reputation album was so specific to that time in my life, and I kept hitting a stopping point whenever I tried to approach it. All I’ll say for now is that I have something on the horizon that’s more personal, more honest, and more meaningful than I ever dreamed.
These past few years have been the most creatively fulfilling of my life. I’m extremely heartened by the conversations this saga has ignited within our industry among artists and fans. Every time a new artist walks into their first label meeting, they should have the same opportunities I was given.
Thank you to you and your goodwill, teamwork, and encouragement. The best things that have ever been mine finally actually are.
Eternally and gratefully,
Taylor
