Music
Why is Taylor Swift re-recording her albums? Which is next?
Ahead of the upcoming ‘The Eras Tour’ the pop sensation is releasing new versions of her records. Here’s why...
Tayor Swift is undoubtedly one of the most successful artists of her generation and has a vast back catalogue of hugely successful albums. In 2021 she became the first female to win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, but she is in the process of re-recording most of her previous records.
The 33-year-old already has 10 studio albums that she is aiming to re-record in the coming years. So far Taylor Swift has released the re-recording of her 2012 album ‘Red’ and her 2008 album ‘Fearless.’ She has announced that ‘Speak Now’ will be the next re-recorded album.
She released those previous efforts in 2021 and both albums have been at least as successful as the original release. Along with the rereleases, Swift has also released previously unheard or unreleased tracks, adding to the appeal for long-time fans.
Who is Scooter Braun?
The ‘You Belong With Me’ singer is re-recording her old records after her former record label sold her back catalogue of music for a reported $300 million. According to the artist, her old manager Scooter Braun bought the ownership of her first six albums back in 2020.
Swift has made several attempts to purchase back the ownership of her previous albums. She technically never had ownership of those tracks due to a clause in a record deal signed when she was just 14, which relinquished her masters’ rights.
According to Swift, Braun has been bullying her for years and believes he is out to “dismantle” her work.
“Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter,” Swift said when explaining the situation.
She continued, “Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.”
In 2018, Swift signed a deal with Republic Records allowing her to keep the rights to her new music. Since 2018 she has released three new albums and two re-recorded albums.
This has allowed Swift to regain ownership of her old music, as the re-recordings are covered under her new contract. Now, when the new versions are streamed, bought or used in advertisements, it is Swift who will profit.
How many albums will Taylor Swift re-record?
Swift has already re-released two of her previous albums and fans can expect many more from the artist. According to Capital FM Swift will be re-recording four more of her previous albums, taking the total number of re-records to six.
The ‘Lavender Haze’ singer is set to re-record her albums ‘Taylor Swift,’ ‘Speak Now,’ ‘1989,’ and ‘Reputation,’ which were all released between 2006 to 2017 under her previous record contract.
Swift has also made sure to release the old albums in a random order, leaving fans constantly guessing which album she will be releasing next.