Taylor Swift regains control of her music, buying back first 6 albums

Taylor Swift has reclaimed ownership of her entire discography, a significant milestone in her career. In a heartfelt message on her official website, the pop star expressed her gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support in helping her acquire the rights to her music.

“I can’t thank you enough for helping to reunite me with this art that I have dedicated my life to, but have never owned until now,” Swift wrote. “The best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are.”

The acquisition of her music catalogue, originally released through Big Machine Records, was made possible by purchasing it from the private equity firm Shamrock Capital. While the financial details were not disclosed, both Swift and Shamrock Capital expressed their excitement over the outcome.

This achievement marks the culmination of Swift’s efforts to regain control of her music, which began after her former record label, Big Machine Records, was acquired by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2019. The subsequent sale of her catalogue to Shamrock Capital for a reported $300 million US reignited a longstanding feud between Swift and Braun, with the singer accusing him of harassment and bullying.

In response to the news of Swift regaining control of her music, Braun, now CEO of Hybe America, expressed his happiness for her. Despite the challenges she faced, Swift continued to pursue her goal of re-recording and releasing her early albums, known as “Taylor’s Version,” each accompanied by new music and visuals that offer a fresh perspective on her work.

Since embarking on this project, Swift has released four re-recorded albums, all of which have achieved commercial and critical success. Her most recent re-recording, “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” debuted in October 2023, solidifying her position as the woman with the most No. 1 albums in history.

Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version),” following hints dropped by Swift in various media appearances. While the singer acknowledges that she has only re-recorded a fraction of her discography so far, she remains optimistic about the future possibilities for her music.

As Swift continues to reclaim her musical legacy, her journey serves as a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. With each release, she reaffirms her artistic vision and commitment to owning her narrative.