By Devon Langley
From concert movies to documentaries to animated films, from Grammy Award-winning albums to record-breaking singles, there’s only one artist described so frequently on TikTok as the “entire music industry” all in one person. The artist in question is none other than Taylor Swift.
It’s been a long time coming…
The latest of Swift’s endeavors is her earth-shattering Eras Tour, which currently includes 146 shows across five continents. In each city Swift’s crew entered, the economy boomed, as the concert drew in not just local Swifties, but also fans from across the country. The travel and hotel industry thrived, and local businesses and restaurants were overwhelmed—in a good way– with all the extra revenue rolling in. Many cities showed their gratitude by re-naming their cities for the day (Glendale, Arizona? Try Swift City) or offering Taylor Swift the ceremonial key to the city.
But the boost to the local cities wasn’t just a happy accident. It is reported that Swift went out of her way to donate to local charities as she danced across the United States with her crew. And speaking of her team—Swift also gave generous bonuses of thousands of dollars to each of her truck drivers throughout the American leg of the tour.
And they said speak now…
Taylor Swift has never shied away from pouring everything she had into her music, and this has allowed her to connect with her fanbase. The raw emotion she weaves into her prose is a huge reason Swifties come back over and over again with renewed enthusiasm.
One of Swift’s first hit songs was titled “Tim McGraw.” This song is a nostalgic reminiscence of a past romance. One of the lyrics is “When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me.” This lyric encapsulates a perfect full-circle moment Swift is now having among her young fans on TikTok.
There is a popular sound that goes “When you think Taylor Swift, I bet you think about me.” The sound is a combination of “Tim McGraw,” Taylor saying her name, and a later song of Swift’s entitles, “I Bet You Think About Me.”
Fans lip-sync to it to show their dedication to Taylor and how being a Swiftie encapsulates their entire personality.
My mind turns your life into folklore...
There are very few in the history of the music industry who were able to switch from country to pop and continue to grow. But Taylor Swift did it with ease. After releasing her album Red, which was a country-pop fusion, she was disappointed when she didn’t win a Grammy. Swift later said that as a young artist, she was constantly feeling pressure to win awards. She felt at the time that it was what proved her worth in the music industry. She felt that she needed a change, so that is exactly what she did.
Swift completely reinvented herself with the release of her album 1989. Her world tour for the album became one of the highest-grossing tours, setting a new record that Swift herself would break again in the years to come. The elaborate stage design was praised, but again, Swift would continue to out-do herself on later tours.
You hear my stolen lullabies...
It’s no secret that Swift is now re-releasing her older albums (all those that preceded Lover, her 2019 album). But the reasons behind it are complicated.
Scooter Braun’s company, Ithaca Holdings, bought Swift’s discography, including her master recordings, when Big Machine Label Group—Swift’s record label—was looking to sell them. Swift was deeply upset by this, as she had not been offered to buy the music herself. Swift reached out to Braun in an attempt to buy the record, but he had many requirements that Swift and her legal team deemed unethical. One such action Swift had a problem with was that Scooter Braun attempted to get Swift to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they began negotiations. This is an uncommon practice that Swift opposed.
Now, as a passionate advocate for artists owning their work, Swift is re-recording her albums so she will be the one to own them. Fans are currently awaiting 1989 (Taylor’s Version), which will release later this month.
If I was a man...
Swift has repeatedly shown light on the complex double standards within the music industry. In an interview with CBS, she lays out the difference even in the vocabulary used when discussing male versus female artists.
“A man does something, it’s strategic. A woman does the same thing, it’s calculated. A man is allowed to react. A woman can only overreact,” Swift explained.
Through her music, Swift directly calls out these stereotypes. She sings about independence, self-discovery, and many other complicated human experiences from a point of view that empowers women. Through featuring other artist on her songs, picking people for her music videos, and choosing opening acts, Swift always ensure to pull in new female voices so she can give them a platform to shine. As many TikTok users say, she is a “girls’ girl.”
Can you just not step on his gown...
Swift’s allyship does not end with her feminist actions. She is also an avid ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Some even entertain the possibility that she may be part of the community herself. But either way, Swift’s dedication to the community is strong. She has written letters to her senators, registered tens of thousands of new voters, and spoken up in favor of bills such as the Equality Act.
She also raises minority voices here, as well. One of the most notable ways is by hiring queer and transgender actors in her performances and music videos.
The kingdom lights shine just for me and you...
Taylor Swift has brought together generations of people who connect through her music. At concerts, fans hold each other, cry, and trade friendship bracelets, even with people they don’t know. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to be a Swiftie, and one that is not to be replicated any time soon.
