If you’ve been keeping up with the Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun drama over the past five years, you’ll be happy to know Swift now owns the rights to the original recordings of her first six albums. Braun sold the masters to private equity firm Shamrock Capital in 2019 for $300 million, but on Friday, Swift shared the news with fans in a letter—her masters (along with videos, concert films, album artwork, photos, and unreleased songs) are finally hers.
The letter on Swift’s website is a little tough to read (thanks a lot, tiny cute font!), but she makes it clear how thrilled she is to own her work again. She writes: “All I’ve ever wanted was the chance to earn back my music—no conditions, no partnerships, just full control. I’ll always be grateful to Shamrock Capital for being the first to give me that opportunity.” Swift now joins a small group of female artists who own their masters, like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, and Olivia Rodrigo.
As for her planned Reputation re-recording? Don’t hold your breath—it’s on hold for now. Swift explains: “That album was so tied to a specific moment in my life. All that defiance, wanting to be understood while feeling deliberately misunderstood… Honestly, it’s the one album from those six that I didn’t think could be improved by redoing it… so I kept delaying it.” And honestly? Fair. She owns her work again—she can take her time! Pour yourself a mimosa and celebrate the downfall of terrible men in music!