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Swift’s predicament underscores a longstanding issue in the music industry: artists often lose control over their masters when labels or investors acquire rights. In this case, Braun’s firm bought her masters for $300 million and then sold them to Shamrock Holdings. Being the owner of her original recordings meant Braun and his affiliates could control how and when her music was used.
In response, Swift announced her plan to re-record her first six albums, starting with Fearless and Red. This strategy allows her to create new versions that she owns outright, effectively giving her control and the ability to direct her music’s future usage. Her re-recordings have become a form of protest and a means of reclaiming her creative legacy.