Latest news with #musicownership
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Sound Of Money: From Fans To Stakeholders
Charles Morey, CEO, MobilEyes Inc. The Silent Revolution That Will Redefine Music Ownership Forever For more than a century, the music industry has been defined by its gatekeepers. A select few labels, executives and institutions controlled what was heard, who succeeded and who profited. Fans consumed what was distributed. Artists traded away ownership for the promise of exposure. Wealth concentrated at the top, while creators and consumers were left with little influence and even less reward. That era is ending. Behind the scenes, a revolution is quietly unfolding—one poised to upend the traditional structures not only of music but of ownership itself. At the center of this transformation is tokenization, a technology powerful enough to reorganize the flow of value, dissolve legacy hierarchies and rebuild the industry around something far more enduring: direct participation. The Collapse Of The Old Model For decades, artists had few options. Recording deals meant sacrificing control over masters and royalties. Revenue streams passed through layer upon layer of intermediaries. Even with the rise of streaming, artists earn only fractions of a cent per play, while rights remain entangled in complex legal frameworks built for another era. This system has worked well—for those at the top. For everyone else, it has produced diminishing returns. Tokenization offers a different path. Instead of surrendering ownership, artists can now fractionalize it, offering fans the ability to directly participate in the financial success of their music. Through blockchain-based tokens, royalties, rights and exclusive experiences can be distributed not as merchandise or fan clubs but as digital assets with real, tangible value. Fans are no longer mere listeners—they are investors, stakeholders and participants. This is not theoretical—it is happening now. In 2021, the artist 3LAU sold a collection of music NFTs for $11.6 million. The offering granted holders access to exclusive music and private experiences, turning fans into partners. Platforms like Royal and Polymesh allow artists to tokenize a percentage of future royalties. Legendary rapper Nas embraced this model, selling streaming rights to his music directly to fans, who now share in the upside. This is not just about new income streams. It is about dismantling the centuries-old distinction between creator and consumer. A New Music Economy Is Emerging Beyond simple ownership, tokenization unlocks entirely new business models. Artists can now finance albums by offering tokens backed by future royalties. Fans can resell these tokens, creating liquid secondary markets. Communities can coalesce around collections of music tokens, voting on new releases, collaborations or tour destinations. Platforms like Audius are decentralizing music streaming by enabling artists to distribute directly to fans and rewarding both with native tokens for participation. Opulous is building financial products specifically for musicians, allowing them to access capital by collateralizing their music rights. These innovations are not abstractions. They are live systems that are scaling and reshaping the economics of an industry that has long resisted disruption. Music tokenization is quietly turning creativity into an asset class—something fans can own, trade and invest in. For artists, it creates new revenue models not tethered to traditional intermediaries. For fans, it transforms loyalty into literal equity. The Return To Sound Money Principles While the focus remains squarely on music, tokenization is subtly aligning the industry with the principles behind SoundMoney Protocol—scarcity, transparency, verifiability and decentralization. Music tokens are digital assets tied to real revenue streams. They live on decentralized blockchains, are governed by immutable smart contracts and are free from the manipulation that defined past financial structures in music. In the same way that sound money protects against inflation and hidden costs, tokenization ensures that creative value is fairly distributed and securely owned. Without fanfare, music is adopting the same foundational ideals that are reshaping finance and digital ownership worldwide. Traditional Institutions Are Taking Notice At first, the major labels and legacy institutions dismissed tokenization as a passing trend. That is no longer possible. Warner Music Group's partnership with OpenSea and Universal Music Group's creation of Kingship, a virtual band comprised of NFT avatars, signal a clear acknowledgment that tokenized assets are here to stay. These moves reveal a broader truth: The traditional business model, built on control and scarcity of access, cannot compete with a system where access is democratized and ownership is distributed. Tokenization does not merely challenge the incumbents—it renders much of their advantage obsolete. Challenges Are Real, But So Is Momentum Of course, tokenization is not without its hurdles. Regulatory uncertainty lingers, particularly around the classification of tokenized royalties as securities. Taxation frameworks are underdeveloped. Mainstream adoption is hampered by technical complexity and blockchain's intimidating learning curve. A Deloitte report identifies scalability, regulatory clarity and user experience as critical challenges to widespread blockchain adoption. But technological evolution rarely follows a straight line. It moves in waves—slow adoption, then sudden acceleration. Given the forces in play—greater transparency, more equitable economics, direct engagement between artists and fans—the momentum behind tokenized music assets is undeniable. Why This Matters The implications stretch far beyond music. Tokenization reimagines the fan-artist relationship as a partnership. It liberates creators from legacy contracts and intermediaries. It turns creativity into a verifiable, tradable asset that grows in value over time. In the coming years, I believe we will see not just a handful of artists adopting tokenization but an entire generation growing up expecting to own part of the culture they consume. Music will not merely be streamed; it will be held, staked and shared—an asset class for a new era of ownership and decentralization. Conclusion Music has always reflected broader societal transformations. From vinyl to streaming, from radio to the internet, each leap reshaped the culture. Tokenization is more than a technological shift. It is a fundamental redesign of ownership itself, quietly building a more equitable, decentralized foundation for the next generation of artists and fans. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift buys back her power, ‘greatest dream come true'
The post Taylor Swift buys back her power, 'greatest dream come true' appeared first on ClutchPoints. Taylor Swift has finally regained ownership of her first six albums, bringing a long-running battle over her music to a triumphant close, per Billboard. In a major deal with Shamrock Capital, Swift purchased the masters and all associated materials for a nine-figure sum. While the exact number hasn't been confirmed, she described the terms as fair, respectful, and without strings. These are the same albums first released through Big Machine Records, which were later sold to Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings in 2019. That controversial transaction happened without Swift's involvement, and it sparked a very public fight over artistic ownership. Braun later flipped the catalog to Shamrock in 2020, though he no longer profits from it. Swift broke the news with a handwritten message to fans, filled with emotion and relief. 'All the music I've ever made… now belongs… to me,' she wrote. The deal covers not just the albums but also videos, album art, concert films, and even unreleased material. It's a sweeping reclamation of her early legacy, and one she's been chasing for over two decades. Even with the originals now under her control, Swift confirmed that her re-recorded 'Taylor's Version' editions will remain available. Two of them, including 'Reputation' and her self-titled debut, have yet to be released. In the message, she admitted that re-recording 'Reputation' had been emotionally complicated, but she left the door open for those vault tracks to emerge in time. Beyond her own career, Swift sees this as a shift in how artists think about ownership. She said newer musicians have started negotiating for their masters from the start, inspired by her fight. This, to her, is one of the most meaningful results of the saga. Swift also praised Shamrock Capital for treating the process with integrity. While she joked about getting a shamrock tattoo, her gratitude was clear. They offered her something no one else had — the ability to buy her work outright. Now, with her catalog finally in her hands, Taylor Swift can move forward with clarity, confidence, and the legacy she spent a lifetime building.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Do Taylor Swift's $36,000 Diamond Earrings Have a Deeper Meaning?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Taylor Swift was always going to shimmer for her first public appearance since buying back her masters after years of negotiating. She finally had complete ownership of her life's work; she was going to dress like it. Sure enough, the singer leaned on her preferred loud luxury formula when she met up with Selena Gomez for a celebratory dinner on May 31. First, the pop star (and her stylist, Joseph Cassell Falconer) selected a black Gucci skirt set lined in silver crystals, paired to metallic platform sandal heels and a matte bamboo bag by the same designer. Then, she twisted her curls into a low bun—the better to show off a familiar, $36,000 pair of DeBeers diamond earrings. This "Arpeggia" set—a riff on "arpeggio," the musical term for a chord's notes played in succession—features sixty diamonds stacked into a single line on an 18-carat white gold drop silhouette. Twelve larger, prong-set diamonds contrast the smaller stones, meant to resemble "musical notes on a score," per DeBeers. More than her diamond-crusted Cartier watch or her symbolic Jacquie Aiche Evil Eye ring, this pair is lately Taylor Swift's favorite way to look "Bejeweled" on special occasions. She's selected it at least five times over the past year, including for moments toasting her musical career. Knowing Swift's attention to detail, picking chord-inspired jewelry for major career moments isn't an accident. View Deal The DeBeers diamonds first emerged at the 2024 Golden Globes, where Swift arrived in a floor-length Gucci gown. That night, she had been nominated for a newly-created award: "Cinematic Box Office Achievement," earned for her record-breaking Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour documentary concert film. She didn't take home the golden trophy that night, but that didn't dim her outfit's shine. Her earrings referencing the notes making up her catalog of hits, and a green dress bringing both her debut's color scheme and serpentine Reputation styling to mind, were enough to top the best-dressed list. Several months went by until Swift decided to bring out her DeBeers diamonds once again. They rejoined her jewelry rotation in a celebratory mode: first, for back-to-back dinners at New York City's Chez Margaux. One outing came with boyfriend Travis Kelce, where she paired $70,875-worth of date night jewelry to a crystal-coated Simkhai coat and Fleur du Mal mini dress. Swift had been officially declared a billionaire by that point in 2024, earned entirely from her music and affiliated business pursuits. Her off-duty wardrobe read "pop royalty" with every diamond. A few weeks later, Swift returned to the same NYC hotspot for a girls' night out with Gigi Hadid. She traded her shimmering outerwear for a long-sleeve bubble dress by Simkhai. Her earrings, however, were the exact same DeBeers diamonds—this time paired to a crystalline Dôen bag and Gucci pumps. The last DeBeers diamond outing of 2024 was Swift's most celebratory. Kelce planned a surprise Eras Tour-wrap-meets-birthday-party to celebrate the singer's 35th, complete with surprise visits from her close friends and props referencing all eleven of her albums thus far. In party photos shared by Brittany Mahomes and Ashley Avignone, Swift pairs a little black Balmain party dress with a stack of friendship bracelets and her go-to diamond drop earrings. Swift has worn little black dresses and diamond jewelry for several recent birthdays. Her 35th, however, aligned with the end of a tour grossing more than $2 billion in ticket sales. Naturally, her party jewelry paid homage to the notes she sang to break records and make music history. Some Swifties have no doubt counted the glistening oversize stones in her repeat earrings and deduced that album twelve is on the way. (Fans have also counted up twelves in her masters acquisition announcement and across her social media captions.) But there's a catch: Swift began wearing her DeBeers diamonds in January 2024—before she had even announced The Tortured Poets Department, her eleventh album. Declaring an item to be an Easter egg is sometimes an invitation to be proven wrong by Swift herself. (How many Reputation outfit theories did I write over the last year—only for the singer to share she isn't releasing a re-recording?) So for now, fans can interpret the singer's $36,000 earrings as a dazzling reward for her year of hard work. And if Swift does in fact announce new music while wearing these earrings, just remember where you first read about them.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ilona Maher and Sisters Shut Down Taylor Swift ‘Scammy' Claims
Ilona Maher and Sisters Shut Down Taylor Swift 'Scammy' Claims originally appeared on Parade. U.S. rugby star and Olympian Ilona Maher and her sisters Olivia and Adrianna are not here for the Swiftie skepticism. On this week's episode of their podcast House of Maher, the trio dove headfirst into the cultural firestorm surrounding Taylor Swift's long-awaited victory of reclaiming ownership of her music. After a years-long public feud with Scooter Braun — who bought the rights to her first six albums in 2019 when his company acquired Big Machine Records from Scott Borchetta — Swift now owns everything. 'Very good. Happy for her,' said Ilona, 28. 'All my respect to T-Swift. All of it.' The sisters weren't just supportive. They were stunned that anyone could view Swift's move as controversial. 'I think the touch grass element of this is that people called this move 'scammy' by her,' Olivia said. 'That it was scammy for her to do, which I'm like, what are you talking about?' Added Adrianna, 'Because she had her 'Taylor's versions.' They're saying that she made so much money off of releasing 'Taylor's versions' of her stolen albums, that her buying them back is 'scammy' because other people bought those bodies of work.' To recap: When Braun's Ithaca Holdings purchased Swift's master recordings — spanning Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation — Swift vowed to re-record the albums herself. The result was a series of 'Taylor's Versions' that not only reasserted her creative control but reshaped the music industry playbook for artists fighting to own their work. Then, on May 30, Swift announced that it was all hers. 'I've been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening. I really get to say these words: All of the music I've ever made... now belongs... to me,' Swift wrote on her website. 'And all my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life's work." For Olivia, that legacy now lives in stereo. 'Now there are two beautiful bodies of work,' she said. 'Because those versions are slightly different.' Ilona, not (yet) a full-on Swiftie, is ready to make the leap. 'I have a lot of respect for her,' she said. 'I listen to a little bit of everything. I want to get on the Taylor Swift bandwagon because people who love her, love her.' Ilona Maher and Sisters Shut Down Taylor Swift 'Scammy' Claims first appeared on Parade on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Taylor Swift just took full control of her music - here are 11 merch picks to celebrate her power move
It's official, Taylor Swift finally owns 100 percent of her music. After having the masters to her first six studio albums sold without her permission in 2019 by her former record label, Big Machine Records — Swift has been on a lengthy journey of fighting for her rights back. Over the last four years, Swift has been re-recording her original six albums in order to own her music in full officially. Fans, of course, backed the singer in full with the phrase 'We only listen to Taylor's Version' becoming wildly popular. But the world-famous singer has surprised everyone with her latest power move — buying back her original masters for good. Fans are elated at the news, finding out through the singer's heartfelt letter to the public, despite their initial disappointment that at this time she will not be re-recording her sixth album, 'Reputation.' In honor of the global phenomenon's achievement, we invite all Swifties to check out the 11 best Taylor-inspired finds on the internet, from cookbooks to coasters! The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive) Taylor Swift closed out her Eras Tour in 2024, but not before giving her fans something to look forward to! This (official) book recaps all of the best moments throughout her revolutionary tour, from her iconic outfits to her most touching fan interactions. Whether you attended the highly sought-after tour or not, this is a must-have coffee table book for Swifties of all age. $40 Shop Taylor Diamond Art Coasters Kits Swifties! Make your next 'girls night' a hit with these insanely fun coasters. Diamond Art is a popular new DIY activity that involves bedazzling over images. This unique Taylor inspired set comes with eight coasters for you to create and they are all images from Taylor's album covers. If you ask us, this is the coolest Swiftie home decor we have yet to find! $13 (was $14) Shop Shake It Up: Delicious Cocktails Inspired by the Music of Taylor Swift Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake... shake up a delicious cocktail! For all the 21+ Swifties out there, this unique cocktail book holds recipes inspired by the pop icons hit songs. Enjoy whimsical creations, including a 'Last Great American Daiquiri,' and bring the singer's spirit into well, your spirits! $17 Shop Taylor Swift Slippers One thing you need to meet Ms. Swift at midnight? Slippers! Taylor fans have obsessed over these plush slippers on Amazon inspired by the singer's 10th studio album 'Midnights.' They include multiple references throughout the singer's music video such as the infamous clock. But you can also shop other inspired slippers such as a 1989 pair and a 'Taylors Version' pair. $16 (was $17) Shop Taylor Swift - folklore (Target Exclusive) This is us trying... to convince you that you need this Target Exclusive vinyl! Swift released her eighth studio album 'Folklore' (which turned out to have a secret sister album 'Evermore'!) back in 2020. The whimsical album has continued to be a favorite for fans with its black and white imagery, woodsy sound, and gut wrenching lyrics. You can bring home this sleek, bold red vinyl duo set from Target to enjoy on your record player or hang as wall art. $25 Shop Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet Kit By Katalin Galusz Taylor Swift but make it crafty! Throughout her Eras Tour, Swift's surprise acoustic set each night became a fan favorite! This adorable crochet kit is one of the most unique fan finds out there and it leaves you with a forever (stuffed!) Tay. Learn a new skill and enjoy an Eras Tour Taylor afterwards, dressed in her blue acoustic set outfit that fans have become so accustomed to. $23 Shop AMYO Script Engraved Ring Taylor Swift Ring Have a favorite Taylor Swift lyric? Of course you do! Who doesn't? Bring your favorite words from the fiercely feminist singer's songs to life with this customizable ring from AMYO. This brand is editor-approved and a great gift idea for any Swiftie! Find some lyrics ideas below: 'Casually Cruel' 'Karma is a cat' 'Invisible String' $58 Shop Taylor Swift Album Tote Need a Tay-Tay pick me up? This adorable tote bag not only features a bookshelf of nods to several of the singer's albums — but it also has affirmations! There are over 10 unique pieces of wisdom all in the form of lyrics. From famous 'Reputation' lines to soulful 'Folklore' finds, there is food for thought in every single song. Carry your books, laptop, snacks, and beyond in this simply $10 canvas tote off Amazon now! $10 Shop Taylor Swift - Lover (Target Exclusive, Vinyl - 2-Disc Color Set) Taylor might never walk Cornelia Street again — but we will! One of the pop stars biggest albums was 'Lover' which is her 7th studio album. This album opened up her famous Eras Tour with a few of its most celebrated songs, including Cruel Summer. We can not get enough of this Target Exclusive vinyl set that comes with both a baby pink and teal disc (the cotton candy combo of our dreams!). $38 Shop Flowers Piano iPhone Case Taylor's Eras Tour consisted of many sets but perhaps one of the most memorable was her rich wooden piano that was hand painted with bright florals. The singer pulls out this piano during her 'surprise' acoustic set during every show enticing fans with piano covers of her songs. You can pay homage to the stunning piano with this detailed phone case we found on Redbubble! $27 (was $36.43) Shop Taylor Glass Tumbler with Straw You may be the problem — but this adorable tumbler isn't! Themed after Swift's radio hit 'Anti-Hero,' this glass drinking cup is as cute as it is practical. Drink iced coffee, water, juice, or any other beverage from this tempered glass jar that comes with a straw too. Right now the top-rated Amazon find is $1 OFF! $15 (was $16) Shop
