Still, many fans remember the tension vividly, including Swift’s claims that she was offered a deal to “earn” back each album, one by one—a proposal she firmly rejected.
Why Master Ownership Matters
In the music industry, owning master recordings gives the holder control over how songs are used commercially. Artists typically retain rights to their lyrics and compositions, but labels often own the actual recordings.
Swift’s re-recording strategy and ultimate repurchase have been viewed as a masterclass in regaining power over her work.
Artist Empowerment
The Eras tour created unprecedented public demand. There were record-breaking ticket sales and attendance. It also bolstered economies, businesses, and tourism worldwide, while dominating social media and news cycles.
The tour featured her re-recorded albums Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in 2023. She added of Midnights (2022) and The Tortured Poets Department during the tour. The music videos of “Karma“, “I Can See You“, “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart,” and “Cruel Summer” were also released.
