Pop icon Taylor Swift announced on Friday that she has acquired the master recordings of her first six albums, gaining full control over her music following a disagreement with her former record label.
In 2019, Swift’s masters were sold, and she claimed she wasn’t offered a chance to purchase them at that time. She later re-recorded four albums, adding the subtitle “Taylor’s Version.”
Swift bought the original recordings from current owner Shamrock Capital, describing the acquisition as her “greatest dream come true.” The financial details remain undisclosed.
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“I’ve been randomly bursting into tears of joy ever since realizing this is happening,” Swift shared in a statement on her website. “I can finally say these words: All of the music I’ve ever created now belongs to me.”
The ‘Fortnight’ singer also mentioned she has re-recorded her 2006 debut album and parts of her 2017 release ‘Reputation.’ She plans to release them “when the time is right, if it’s something you guys are excited about.”
Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, including an unprecedented four Album of the Year awards, recently concluded the highest-grossing tour ever.
The 35-year-old artist recorded her first six albums, featuring hits like ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘You Belong With Me,’ with Big Machine Label Group before transitioning to Universal Music Group in 2018.
In 2019, music executive Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine, and Swift accused him of bullying and denying her the opportunity to buy her original recordings. In 2020, Swift stated that BMG sold her music to Shamrock. Reports then valued the deal at over $300 million.
Braun’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment.
Swift praised Shamrock executives, founded by Walt Disney’s nephew Roy E. Disney, as “honest, fair, and respectful.”
“My first tattoo might just be a giant shamrock on my forehead,” she joked.
