Taylor Swift Buys Back Original Album Catalog Post-Sale of Big Machine Label
Taylor Swift, the Prime News Network, has regained control of her original music catalog after her old label, Big Machine Label Group, was sold to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings. The singer announced the purchase in a detailed letter and a string of photos showing her with her vinyl records on Instagram, emphasizing "You belong with me."
The deal covers all aspects of Swift’s catalog: rights to her music, unreleased tracks, music videos, concert films, album art, free music, and more. She also expressed her appreciation for her fans’ support, acknowledging that songs like "Eras Tour" and the re-recording of her old albums made her capable of buying back her piece of the music pie.
"I can’t thank you enough for helping to reunite me with this art that I have dedicated my life to, but never owned until now," Swift wrote.
Critics questioned the reported $600 million price tag for the deal, suggesting it was inflated. A source attributed this to previous rumors spreading about the sale’s value. Swift thanked Shamrock Capital for being honest, fair, and respectful during the negotiation process.
Ithaca Holdings, which acquired Big Machine in 2019, saw top artists like Reba McEntire, Midland, and Sugarland sign with Big Machine. Swift, owner since her debut in 2006, faced opposition from Big Machine’s CEO Scott Borchetta when she attempted a contract to own her master recordings. However, OgWit Industries and Swift’s Nashville-based management team initiated a contract, which Scott Borchetta was expected to sell.
Last year, Swift started teasing her ambitious next step in the "Taylor’s Version" campaign, re-recording her first six albums. By 2023, she had completed re-recording "Fearless," "Red," "Speak Now," and "1989." While Swift hasn’t finished re-recording "Reputation," she is open to sharing unreleased "vault tracks" and could complete "Taylor Swift" re-recording soon.
"Those 2 albums can still have their moments to re-emerge when the time is right, if that would be something you guys would be excited about," Swift said. "But if it happens, it won’t be from a place of sadness and longing for what I wish I could have. It will just be a celebration now."
Swift recognized the importance of this saga to artists looking to own their master recordings, expressing gratitude for their curiosity and support. The attention it brings to creative liberties and the solutions that artists use to secure control over their work elevates the discussion of industry-centric topics that had previously been less discussed.
