Taylor Swift Reclaims Masters for First Six Albums in $360M Deal.
In a landmark moment for artist rights and creative ownership, Taylor Swift has officially regained her master recordings from Shamrock Capital, reclaiming control of the music that launched her into superstardom. The deal marks the end of a long and emotional journey that began in 2019, when her early catalog was sold without her knowledge — not once, but twice.
On May 30, Swift announced the triumphant news on her website, revealing she had purchased her masters back from Shamrock, the private equity firm that acquired them from Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in late 2020. The deal, reportedly close to the $360 million Shamrock paid for the catalog, returns to Swift full control over her first six studio albums, associated music videos, concert films, and unreleased songs.
In a heartfelt message, Swift shared her overwhelming joy with fans:
“All the times I was this close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through. I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away. But that’s all in the past now… I really get to say these words: All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs to me. All of my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life’s work.”
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Swift also praised Shamrock Capital for their role in the transaction, thanking them for their integrity and empathy.
“My memories and my sweat and my handwriting and my decades of dreams,” she wrote. “I am endlessly thankful. My first tattoo might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead.”
Her emotional statement underscores just how personal this victory is. It’s not just a business deal — it’s the restoration of her autonomy as an artist. Swift’s battle over her masters began when Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine Label Group in June 2019, taking ownership of Swift’s original recordings. In response, Swift began re-recording her early albums under the moniker Taylor’s Version.
That effort, backed passionately by her fans, proved to be a remarkable success. Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version), Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) all topped the Billboard 200 and outperformed their original counterparts in streaming and sales, according to Luminate data. The re-recordings became not just a commercial triumph but a cultural moment — a statement about artistic self-determination.
As Swift explained in her letter:
“All I’ve ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to one day purchase my music outright with no strings attached, no partnership, with full autonomy.”
Swift was not involved in Shamrock’s 2020 acquisition of her masters and had voiced frustration at learning of the deal after it was finalized. Despite that rocky beginning, the mutual respect between Swift and Shamrock grew, leading to this historic resolution. While the firm made modest profits during their ownership, industry insiders suggest they ultimately prioritized artist respect over financial maximization — a rare occurrence in the modern music business.
The deal also opens the door to further creative possibilities. Swift revealed that she has completed re-recording her debut album and hinted that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) — the only remaining unreleased re-recording — may eventually come, but only when the time feels right:
“It’s the one album in the first 6 that I thought couldn’t be improved upon by redoing it… But if it happens, it won’t be from a place of sadness and longing for what I wish I could have. It will just be a celebration now.”
Swift’s fight has had a ripple effect across the industry. New and emerging artists are increasingly negotiating to retain their masters in contracts, thanks in large part to her very public and principled stand.
In her final words to fans, Swift expressed profound gratitude for the role they played:
“Thanks to you and your goodwill, teamwork and encouragement, the best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are.”
Taylor Swift’s determination, transparency, and business acumen have made her more than a music icon — she’s become a beacon for creative ownership in the modern age. Her journey proves that artists can, and should, fight for control over their own work. By boldly challenging outdated industry norms and reclaiming what was rightfully hers, Swift has paved the way for future generations to not only protect their art, but to own it — fully, proudly, and forever.
