Taylor Swift has discussed the importance of ‘ownership’ as she graced the cover of January’s British Vogue, amid her master recordings feud with Scooter Braun.
In June, the Love Story hitmaker, 29, claimed the music executive, 38, had purchased Big Machine Label Group from Scott Borchetta, which released all of her studio albums and owns her masters, in a $300 million deal without her knowledge.
And now the singer has shed light on the significance of possessing ‘what you do or make’ in the industry, insisting: ‘I think [writing] is really important – also from the side of ownership over what you do and make.’
Candid: Taylor Swift has discussed the importance of ‘ownership’ as she graced the cover of January’s British Vogue, amid her master recordings feud with Scooter Braun
The chart-topping songstress was finally allowed to perform her songs at the American Music Awards following a disagreement with her old record label and production company.
On trying to include herself in the entire musical process, Taylor added: ‘Even if you aren’t a natural writer, you should try to involve yourself in the messages you’re sending.’
The Our Song musician recently collaborated with Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, 71, to create a new single called Beautiful Ghosts.
Speaking about starring in an adaptation for the impresario’s 1981 production, the media personality drew parallels between producing records for musicals versus live performances.
Not holding back: In June, the Love Story hitmaker, 29, claimed the music executive, 38, released all of her studio albums and owns her masters without her knowledge
Speaking out: ‘Even if you aren’t a natural writer, you should try to involve yourself in the messages you’re sending’, Taylor said on trying to include herself in the entire musical process
In her element: Sporting vintage Chanel, the media personality looked classically chic in the high-fashion shoot, captured by Craig McDean
In a conversation with Andrew, Taylor explained: ‘I was really singing a lot at that point – I’d just come from a tour, and then did Cats, which was all based on live performances – so a lot of that album is nearly whole takes.
‘When you perform live, you’re narrating and you’re getting into the story and you’re making faces that are ugly and you’re putting a different meaning on a song every time you perform it.’
The remake – which also features the likes of Idris Elba, Ian McKellen, Jason Derulo and James Corden – follows the story of a tribe of cats, Jellicles, who decide which feline will visit the Heaviside Layer and return to a new life.
On whether her role as Bombalurina has fuelled her interest in acting, she explained: ‘I have no idea. When I was younger, I used to get questions like, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
‘I’d try to answer. As I get older, I’m learning that wisdom is learning how dumb you are compared to how much you are going to know.
‘I really had an amazing time with Cats. I think I loved the weirdness of it. I loved how I felt I’d never get another opportunity to be like this in my life.’
Victory: The singer was finally allowed to perform her songs at the American Music Awards (pictured at the ceremony last week) following a disagreement with her record label
Speaking out: Last month, the blonde claimed her record label owners have banned her from taking to the stage with her old songs
Earlier this year, the Shake It Off singer shocked fans when she claimed she learned that Scooter bought Big Machine Records, her record label of 12 years, and therefore her music catalog in the press.
She went on to accuse him of ‘manipulative bullying,’ and since the sides, through friends, have publicly had a he-said-she-said.
A source recently told People that Taylor has ‘no regrets expressing her thoughts about Scooter acquiring her music catalog. She wanted to share her truth with her fans.’
While people on Scooter’s side have denied her claims she was unaware of the sale, her lawyer explained: ‘Scott Borchetta [former owner of Big Machine Records] never gave Taylor Swift an opportunity to purchase her masters, or the label, outright with a check in the way he is now apparently doing for others.’
Keeping busy: The songstress has collaborated with Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, 71, to create a new single called Beautiful Ghosts (pictured with wife Madeleine last month)
It seems like the superstar ultimately is getting the last laugh, since Forbes announced that she has topped the list of highest earning celebs in 2018.
Her Reputation tour became the highest earning tour of all time, grossing $266 million, and her upcoming album, Lover, is poised to help her land on the list next year as well.
She has already released two songs from the upcoming LP, Me! and You Need to Calm Down, the first of which has the biggest single week jump on the Billboard Hot 100 ever, going from 100 to 2.
The January 2020 issue of British Vogue is available via digital download and newsstands on Friday.
‘I have no idea’: The chart-topping musician touched on whether her role as Bombalurina in the musical has fuelled her interest in acting
