Background
In the early 2000’s, Taylor Swift signed a deal with Big Machine Label Group at just 15 years old. She owned the rights to her songs (music and lyrics), but not the actual recordings.
In 2018, when Taylor left Big Machine, she tried to buy her recordings, but the label sold her old recordings to someone else. This person could use her songs however they wanted, without her permission.
She was prevented from using her recordings in her documentary and in some performances.
An old unreleased recording from 2008 was even released without her consent.
What gave the record company the right to do this?
They owned the exclusive rights to the sound recordings – Taylor didn’t. This gave them the power to sell, stream, and license Taylor’s old recordings without her permission.
As a result, Taylor had no control over how her recordings were used—meaning they could be broadcast or included in projects without her permission
Taylor's solution?
Taylor re-recorded her music, calling it Taylor’s Version. She encouraged her fan base to listen to her new versions. These recordings have now outsold the old ones.
By doing this, she:
- Has control over her new recordings— she owns them.
- Makes money directly from streams, sales, and licensing.
- Encourages businesses to stop using her old recordings, as most now prefer to get her approval and use Taylor’s Versions.
Why Does This Matter for Songwriters?
Taylor’s story shows that songwriters and performers need to understand their rights.
Young artists sometimes lose control of their recordings when signing contracts, so it’s important to understand your rights before you sign.
