Swiftly reclaimed: Taylor takes back her musical legacy with early album masters
Image: Instagram.
Taylor Swift has officially regained control over the rights to her master recordings.
The significant milestone now allows her complete autonomy over her musical legacy.
In a heartfelt announcement made on her website, Swift declared that the acquisition was "more than a dream come true", reflecting on the years of struggle she faced in securing ownership of her early work.
For years, Swift's original albums, released under Big Machine Records, were entangled in corporate interests.
Following the completion of her contract with the label in 2019, Big Machine was sold to a group led by her former manager, Scooter Braun.
This marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter for Swift, as Braun sold her masters the following year to Shamrock Holdings for approximately $300 million.
Swift expressed her deep frustration at being denied the chance to bid on her own work, a predicament that ignited her passion to re-record her albums, which she referred to as "Taylor's Versions".
Having already re-recorded four of her six albums, Swift's latest acquisition signifies a significant victory, extending beyond mere commercial interests.
The artist disclosed that owning her masters, along with her music videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased songs, holds profound personal importance.
"To say this is my greatest dream come true is actually being pretty reserved about it," she shared in a handwritten note on her website.
Taylor Swift's letter to her fans.
Image: Taylor Swift's website.
"Billboard" reports that Swift paid roughly $360 million to reclaim her work, establishing her music catalogue as an invaluable asset no longer tradable by others.
This newfound control allows Swift to authorise the use of her songs in soundtracks and commercials at her discretion, solidifying her status as a pioneer in the industry.
Swift also took a moment to acknowledge Shamrock Capital, thanking them for their honesty and respect in the acquisition process, calling them "the first people to ever offer this to me".
Taking to Instagram, she shared a few pictures of her holding her albums. In the caption, she wrote: "You belong with me.💚💛💜❤️."
Swiftie or not, this is a victory worth cheering for.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Jada McGowan's 'Generations: The Legacy' debut: critics say 'action' but she delivers 'meh'
South African actress, Jada McGowan recently faced backlash after making her TV debut on Mzansi's popular soapie 'Generations: The Legacy'. Image: Instagram 'Generations: The Legacy' actress Jada McGowan has found herself at the centre of controversy after netizens claimed that they found her acting skills to be underwhelming when a short clip of an episode was shared on social media. McGowan recently made her TV debut on SABC1's popular soapie and has faced public backlash for her acting skills. In the video, McGowan appears to be shocked after seeing that her R17 000 camera has suddenly disappeared after she put it on a shelf. The young actress, however, failed to convince netizens with her acting skills, and many have mocked her online. @ wrote: 'Ke acting nthwe? (Is this acting?)' 'Mind you, this is my first impression of Generations this year,' @corry said. While @prettykhanyi_ added: 'Aowa (No) this can't be acting.' McGowan, however, isn't fazed by the online criticism after she shared a video on TikTok as she celebrated her TV debut with her loved ones. She captioned her post: 'From prayer to screen - my debut on 'Generations The Legacy'. All glory to God for opening this door for me. I'm just getting started!' In the comment section, McGowan replied to several online users who asked her multiple questions about what people are saying and how she got the role. One user asked her if she saw the comments on the official TikTok account of the soapie in which the actress replied: 'Yes chomi, I did, but I'm not bothered.' Another user commented that they wish her all the best and that she should not listen to the internet trolls. McGowan replied: 'Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it. I promise I could never fold, I'm way too strong for the trolls.' This is not the first time that 'Generations: The Legacy' faced backlash for its actors, with fans claiming that some of them cannot act.
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Reality TV star Wandi Ndlovu to appear in court this week after uncle's stabbing
Wandi Ndlovu, a reality TV star, and her mother and sister have been arrested after a violent altercation that led to her uncle's death in Katlehong. Reality TV star Wandi Ndlovu is set to appear in court this week after an incident involving her uncle's stabbing in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, along with other family members. The self-described sugar baby and personality on Showmax's controversial show This Body Works for Me is drawing public attention with the case. The 26-year-old, her mother, and her sister, Ntombifuthi Ndlovu, are being held behind bars following an alleged violent family altercation in Katlehong. This altercation left her uncle, Linda Ndlovu, dead. The trio is expected to make a court appearance tomorrow at Palm Ridge Court as investigations continue. This week, South Africans will learn more about Ndlovu's uncle's stabbing. Wandi Ndlovu to appear in court after uncle's stabbing The incident took place in the early hours of last month. Speculation says it allegedly involved a dispute over loud music. Police are investigating as details emerge. The incident has gained significant social media responses and coverage. Wandi Ndlovu. Picture: Instagram According to police sources and insider reports, the violent incident took place between midnight and 3am from Friday into Saturday. It was allegedly sparked by a noise complaint from Wandi's mother. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini sues MacG and Sol Phenduka for R2.5 million over podcast remarks The uncle, Linda, lived in a backroom on the family property. He was reportedly playing loud music when his sister (Wandi's mom) went to ask him to lower the volume. An argument broke out, and Linda allegedly struck his sister on the head with a golf club. Bleeding and injured, she returned to the main house. That's allegedly when Wandi, her sister Ntombifuthi, and another sister, who is currently in Grade 11 allegedly went to confront their uncle. 'One of them stabbed the uncle during the confrontation,' said a family insider. When paramedics arrived, it was too late to take him to the hospital. The Grade 11 sibling, who is a minor, has since been released from custody. Minor sibling released from custody Meanwhile, Wandi, her mother, and Ntombifuthi remain in custody at Sun City Prison pending further investigation. Police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Wandi Ndlovu. Picture: Instagram The tragedy has caused a stir in the Katlehong community. This is especially after a voice recording surfaced online, allegedly of Wandi's aunt (her mother's sister), who was an eyewitness to the entire incident. The late uncle Linda is believed to have been the breadwinner. Wandi relocated and is mostly based in Nigeria and claimed she got married. He was living in the back room and was said to be providing financial support to some members of the family. The house was reportedly newly built by Wandi after her return from Nigeria. She was working as an adult entertainer and had recently BBL surgery and other changes. While South Africans await official police comment, many have taken to social media. They express anger, disbelief, and sorrow over the killing.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
R'n'B shake-up: Tank cancels, but Donell Jones is ready to serenade South Africa
US singer Tank annouced the cancellation of his Ndlala Mall launch performances. He has now been replaced with American singer Donell Jones. Image: Instagram US R&B singer Tank has announced the cancellation of his shows in South Africa, which were scheduled for August 2 and 3. The 'Maybe I Deserve' singer announced in a video message shared on Instagram and explained the reason behind the cancellation, describing it as 'things falling apart business-wise' without giving in-depth details. 'South Africa, what's going on? As much as I was looking forward to coming out there and performing for you guys, it's been over 10 years. 'But some things have fallen apart business-wise that will keep me from being able to fulfil my obligations to you,' said Tank. The seasoned R&B star also apologised to his fans and those who were making plans to attend the show. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I first want to apologise to the fans and everyone who was making plans to pull up and enjoy the R&B music. Hopefully, things can be resolved, and I can get out there and do what I love to do.' 'I love going to new places and meeting new people to give them the R&B experience that is me. South Africa, I don't want to leave you out of that. I want to figure out how to get this done, so until next time. I won't be there this August 2nd and 3rd, but we'll figure out how to make it happen,' he concluded. In July, the singer-songwriter took to his Instagram in excitement to share the news with his fans. 'South Africa PULL UP ON ME!!!... Aug 2nd and 3rd, I'm performing live in Pretoria at the Ndlala Mall grand opening,' he wrote. Known for hits such as 'When We', the 49-year-old hitmaker was set to serenade his South African fans with his sultry vocals this August as he was booked to perform live in Pretoria at the Ndlala Mall grand opening on August 2 and 3. However, Ndlala Mall has not confirmed or commented on the cancellation of Tank's performance, as they still have the announcement poster up. Additionally, the launch has been pushed back to August 23, with American singer Donell Jones now joining the line-up.
