Timeless advice for creators
The life of a creator can feel lonely. But you are part of a long history and thriving community of creators—writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists. In these articles, I share examples, principles, and frameworks to help you become a better creator. Sign up to get these sent to your email each week.
What Every Indie Artist Can Learn from Taylor Swift’s Masterstroke
Whatever you think of her music, you have to respect Taylor Swift as a creative professional.
Last week she pulled off something no one thought was possible.
Back in 2005, Swift signed a six-album deal with Big Machine Records when she was just 15. The deal gave the label ownership of the master recordings for all six albums.
When her contract ended in 2018, she walked—signing with Universal instead. And that’s when things got messy.
She wasn’t even given the chance to bid on her own recordings. Big Machine’s founder Scott Borchetta sold the masters to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings. Braun then sold them to Shamrock Capital for a reported $300–$405 million.
That’s when Taylor did something no one saw coming.
Instead of rolling over, she got to work.