Swift gains full ownership of her masters

Taylor Swift discusses owning all her master recordings after years of battles with Scooter Braun and label owners.

Swift completes ownership of her masters after Braun dispute

Taylor Swift revealed she now owns the rights and masters to her first six albums, a milestone she has pursued for years after Scooter Braun initially acquired her catalog. The confirmation follows a long arc that included her decision to re record songs she did not own and a final purchase from Shamrock Capital after Braun sold the rights. On the New Heights podcast, Swift tears up as she recalls the moment her team delivered the news and the lasting impact of finally owning her music.

The emotional account underscores the personal stakes in catalog rights. Owning the masters gives Swift control over how her work is presented and monetized, while signaling a shift in how artists can pursue ownership in a landscape shaped by private equity and label deals. The development arrives amid continued momentum from her Eras Tour and ahead of a new project, The Life of a Showgirl.

This case highlights a growing trend where artists seek full ownership as a shield against future catalog disputes and as a way to directly capture the value of their work. It also shows the financial friction behind such moves, with private equity firms like Shamrock Capital involved in major catalog deals. Swift’s path—owning the full catalog rather than taking a minority stake—could set a precedent for other artists who feel price tags on their work are worth fighting for, even when it requires long timelines and high-stakes negotiations.

The moment also reframes the conversation around how fans experience the music. Ownership changes the terms of storytelling, marketing, and even how a legacy is preserved for new generations. As the industry watches, the real test will be whether more artists can replicate this model without the same level of financial backing, or whether Swift’s success remains a unique blend of timing, brand power, and public support.

Highlights

Ownership is reshaping the power dynamics between artists and the business side of music.