Key Points Summary – Swift Buys Back Music

• Taylor Swift finally owns her first six albums after buying back her masters
• Her battle with Scooter Braun over ownership began in 2019
• Swift re-recorded old albums to undercut Braun’s control
• Her fans rallied behind her, boosting “Taylor’s Versions”
• Scooter Braun sold the catalogue without Swift’s knowledge—twice
• Swift calls the moment a dream come true after 20 years of struggle
• Her move inspired other artists to negotiate for their masters

The Moment Swift Took Back Control

Taylor Swift has reclaimed what many thought she’d never own again—her music. In a tearful statement posted online, she announced she now holds the rights to her first six albums. “All of the music I’ve ever made now belongs to me,” she wrote.

Swift’s words echoed with relief and triumph. She had chased this goal for nearly two decades. Her emotions spilled out as she thanked fans who supported her through every twist.

The Fight Began With Scooter Braun

It all started in June 2019. Scooter Braun bought Big Machine Records, Swift’s former label. Along with it came the masters to Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. Swift was blindsided.

Worse, she believed Braun had enabled the very public bullying she suffered from Kanye West—one of his clients. Outrage followed. Swift called the deal an act of betrayal. She said she wasn’t even given the chance to buy her own music.

Reclaiming Her Voice, One Track At A Time

Instead of backing down, Swift fought fire with music. She vowed to re-record each album, rendering the originals less valuable. Fans embraced “Taylor’s Versions,” pushing them to chart-topping success.

Swift now holds the masters to four of the six albums. The others are in progress, though Reputation has hit delays. Swift said it was “too specific” and emotionally raw, making it harder to revisit.

A Symbolic Victory Over Braun

Braun sold Swift’s catalogue to Shamrock Holdings in 2020—again, without notifying her. Although Swift considered working with them, she walked away after learning Braun would keep profiting.

She called the repeated sales of her art “soul-crushing.” But that pain has now turned into power. By regaining control, she not only rewrote her legacy but also reshaped the industry.

What Masters Really Mean

Whoever owns a master recording decides where and how it’s used—from ads to soundtracks. Artists without control often watch others profit from their work.

Swift always owned her publishing rights. But now, she can finally stop others from exploiting the original recordings. “I only want that if I own it,” she said in a 2019 interview.

The Cost Was High—But So Was The Reward

The masters originally sold for $300 million. Rumors suggest Swift may have paid far more to win them back. But for her, the victory was priceless.

She posed with the vinyls of her original albums, beaming. Her smile said it all—this was more than a business deal. It was personal. A reclaiming of voice, art, and agency.

An Industry Changed Forever

Swift’s fight isn’t just about her. Many rising stars now demand ownership of their recordings, inspired by her example. The Eras Tour, which grossed over $2 billion, was fueled by the emotional power of her story.

Her music isn’t just popular. It’s hers. And it’s a symbol of resilience.

As Swift said, “Every time a new artist tells me they negotiated to own their master recordings because of this fight, I’m reminded of how important it was.”

Swift buys back music—and in doing so, rewrites the rulebook.