Taylor Swift has celebrated a major milestone in her music career by regaining full control of her catalog, a victory she achieved six years after a contentious dispute involving her former manager, Scooter Braun. This complex issue arose when Braun acquired Big Machine Records in 2019, the label that held the rights to Swift’s first six albums. Swift has long asserted that she attempted to buy back her masters but faced difficulties with a convoluted contract that removed her rights.
In an emotional letter shared on her website on May 30, Swift expressed how significant this moment is for her, stating that it fulfills a lifelong dream. The letter, which fans have speculated may hint at new projects, also confirmed that she now owns every element of her career, from music and videos to concert films and unreleased materials.
Following the announcement, Braun expressed his sentiment, reflecting on their complicated history and the original respect they had for each other during their early interactions. However, the bond soured after the acquisition of her masters, which Swift publicly criticized as a form of “manipulative bullying.”
Swift’s determination led her to rerecord her older albums and release them as “Taylor’s Version,” starting with “Fearless” and “Red,” enabling her to regain control over her music. Her current work with Republic Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, has further solidified her autonomy in the industry.
Interestingly, Swift credited Shamrock Capital, which in 2020 purchased her original masters from Braun’s Ithaca Holdings, for facilitating her ability to acquire her entire body of work. She expressed pride in the ongoing discussions sparked by her situation, highlighting the importance of artists negotiating ownership rights in their contracts.
This culmination of efforts marks a turning point for Swift, who conveyed her sheer joy in the conclusion of her letter. “The best things that have ever been mine … finally actually are,” she declared. As the music industry continues evolving, Swift’s triumph serves as an inspiration for other artists aiming to secure ownership of their creations.