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Beato suggests that the owners of Swift’s original recordings may have miscalculated her influence and determination. They perhaps did not foresee her ability to mobilize her fanbase and improve her catalog, turning her re-recordings into hits that potentially overshadow the originals.
This situation serves as a cautionary tale for artists and investors alike. The practice of buying rights to control artists’ catalogs has historically led to conflicts, as seen in cases involving icons like The Beatles (who lost rights to Paul McCartney), Michael Jackson’s purchase of The Beatles’ catalog, and others. Swift’s bold re-recording strategy signifies a shift: artists gaining leverage through their fame and fan engagement, creating alternative versions that could dominate the commercial landscape.