By entering into the music industry in 2006, singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift has been fighting for the right to own her music for the last 15 years. 

Making a name for herself by signing with Big Machine Records in 2005, Swift released multiple hits that resulted in sold-out concerts and fans worldwide. Because of this popularity, many problems with agencies and record deals followed. By speaking about her past,  Swift hoped to show people the issues in the music industry and explain the importance of fighting for what is right. According to Seventeen, “Music manager Scooter Braun acquired Taylor’s old recording company, and with it, the masters for Taylor’s first six albums. So, by owning those, Scooter owned Taylor’s music.” By not owning any of her own music, Swift was not able to get credit for all the hard work and time she put into all her years of writing. 

In a 2019 interview with Good Morning America, Swift stated, “My contract says that, starting next year, I can record albums one through five all over again.” When talking about Swift’s old music, senior Alexa Yachanin said, “Taylor’s recent music can not compare to the impact of her old songs.” By bringing back music from the beginning of her career, she gained back some of the audience that were fans in the early 2000s. 

By re-recording her 2008, ‘Fearless’ album, Swift had a few goals in mind. According to NME Blogs, “She vowed to regain control of her music, and the income from it, by re-recording everything from scratch.” When asked about her opinion on the re-recorded album, junior Emilia Ratkovic said, “I think it’s going to be amazing that she is finally able to own all the rights to her songs after all these years.” In the year 2021,  Swift hopes to continue her singing career as an independent artist who receives all credit for the work she’s done.