Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six studio albums — a groundbreaking moment in the music industry and a deeply personal triumph for the global superstar.
At just 15 years old, Taylor Swift signed with Big Machine Records, a move that launched her career but also meant the label retained ownership of her master recordings. These included her self-titled debut, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. In 2019, music executive Scooter Braun acquired Big Machine Records, and with it, Swift’s masters — a development she publicly condemned.
Swift claimed she was not given the opportunity to purchase her masters and was blindsided by the sale to Braun, whom she described as an unwanted figure in her professional life. The controversy sparked a heated industry debate about artist rights and music ownership.
Taking Back Control
Rather than accept defeat, Swift launched a revolutionary plan: re-recording her first six albums. These reimagined versions, titled “Taylor’s Version,” began with Fearless in 2021 and followed with Red, Speak Now, and 1989. Each re-release achieved massive commercial success, proving her fanbase’s loyalty and her enduring musical influence.
This creative and business strategy allowed Swift to reclaim the value of her catalog while giving fans a version of the music that she fully owned.
The Purchase from Shamrock Capital
In 2020, Braun sold Swift’s original masters to investment firm Shamrock Capital. Initially wary of this deal due to Braun’s financial connection, Swift chose to continue focusing on her re-recordings. However, in a surprise development, she entered negotiations with Shamrock.
On May 30, 2025, Swift announced she had successfully bought back the masters of her first six albums. The deal, reportedly worth around $360 million, marks the end of a multi-year battle and the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
In an emotional message to fans, Swift said the moment was a dream come true and thanked her supporters for standing by her throughout the ordeal.
A Turning Point for the Industry
Taylor Swift’s journey to reclaim her masters has ignited a broader conversation about artist rights and the ethics of music ownership. Her bold actions have inspired many other musicians to reconsider their own contracts and fight for greater control over their work.
This victory not only restores ownership of her past to Swift, but it also sets a powerful precedent. In an industry long dominated by labels and executives, her story serves as a blueprint for future artists seeking to own their creative output.