I’ve known this for a while, but it’s worth repeating: Taylor Swift is an excellent businesswoman. She’s smart, she knows her audience, she has a gift for marketing and PR and she thinks a lot about her music, her image and her fans. While I have issues with Taylor’s personal and romantic journey, even I have to give this to her: she’s one of the smartest pop stars we’ve ever seen. She’s right up there with Madonna when it comes to branding and capturing cultural zeitgeists. Swifty has a new interview with Yahoo and it’s ALL business. It’s all about how Taylor wants to get PAID for her music and she has no apologies about that. It’s about her business model and how she’s carving out success after success in an industry that doesn’t know where it’s going. You can read the full piece here and here are some highlights:
On her album having the highest first-week sales since 2002: “Well, my huge dream in this whole thing, which I was told many times was an unrealistic… I was told many times to keep my expectations in check, so I did. But the ultimate dream was, “Can we ring that bell? Can we get a million; can we do this for the third time?” Because we were all very well aware that if we sold a million records this time, it would be the only time in history that someone had done that three times. That was the most insane thing, when we got the first hint that we might end up actually getting to do it. And then my second biggest hope was, “Hey, wouldn’t it be insane if we topped what we did with Red?” And then the fans ended up making that happen, so it’s been just kind of like a dream scenario all the way around. And I just feel so lucky that people seem to understand what I was doing with this album and loved the new direction of it.
Why she didn’t offer the new album for free: “If I had streamed the new album, it’s impossible to try to speculate what would have happened. But all I can say is that music is changing so quickly, and the landscape of the music industry itself is changing so quickly, that everything new, like Spotify, all feels to me a bit like a grand experiment. And I’m not willing to contribute my life’s work to an experiment that I don’t feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists, and creators of this music. And I just don’t agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free. I wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal this summer that basically portrayed my views on this. I try to stay really open-minded about things, because I do think it’s important to be a part of progress. But I think it’s really still up for debate whether this is actual progress, or whether this is taking the word “music” out of the music industry. Also, a lot of people were suggesting to me that I try putting new music on Spotify with “Shake It Off,” and so I was open-minded about it. I thought, “I will try this; I’ll see how it feels.” It didn’t feel right to me. I felt like I was saying to my fans, “If you create music someday, if you create a painting someday, someone can just walk into a museum, take it off the wall, rip off a corner off it, and it’s theirs now and they don’t have to pay for it.” I didn’t like the perception that it was putting forth. And so I decided to change the way I was doing things.
Why she wants to sell albums, not just singles: “I guess it’s just a personal decision from artist to artist. But I’d really much rather write a novel than a bunch of short stories. I’d rather be known for a collection of songs that go together and live together and belong together. These are essentially installments of my life, two years at a time, and I work really hard to make sure that those installments are good enough to also apply to other people’s lives in two-year periods of time. Albums defined my childhood, and they’ve defined my life. I just hope that they will continue to define people in newer generations’ lives. I’m so proud of my fans for going out there, over a million strong, and proving that albums still matter to them and that art is still viable to them.
She also talks about how “the most profound relationship I’ve ever had” is with her fans and she feels she has to nurture that relationship and never take her fans for granted. It’s pretty smart. As for Taylor’s thoughts on why music should not be free… I get it. The guys from Metallica believed the same thing years ago and they lost a lot of fans because of it. I do think Swifty has found a model that works for her, but the thing is… it pretty much JUST works for her, because she’s so smart about how she markets, promotes and curates her fandom. Her successful path cannot be replicated with any other pop stars.
Photos of Swifty arriving in Japan this week, courtesy of WENN.
No.
I second that no. We should all bow down to the real genius behind Tay Tay. That meta thinker, that fully paid-up club member of Famewhores Is Me, Kanye Kardashian. Without his toddler antics and mic-yank, she would just be….another Pop Tart.
I LOVE Kanye, but come on. That was over five years ago. She’s put out, what, three massive hit albums since then? She was already a star when that happened, and she would have broken through another way if not at that moment.
Her career and muzak IS one big commercial/ marketing extravaganza. Give credit where it’s due. Marketing=Swift. Poetry=Dylan.
Kiddo=Kommittee Kicker Offer.
That sounds like I’m offering kicks to Kommittees. Half price/this week only!
I accidentally googled clowns so I could freak you out, but um, wow. That backfired.
mimif, Clowns are from hell.
http://purgatorymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/American-Horror-Stories-Clown.jpg
Yeah, but some of them are somewhat sexy.
http://unrealitymag.bcmediagroup.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/1.jpg
True. Is he expecting a junior clown?
Why are they so scawy?!! And why have you done this to me? This is like worse than moobs+MM+Swifty’s muzak x wax Kurls -/- emoting eyebrows.
http://www.whyifearclowns.net/image/clown/small/1303/think-should-demand-paternity-test-evil-demon-baby-clown-sil-clown-1364060334.jpg
That will haunt me. Off to Google my boring ass, accidentally, to avoid trauma.
yes, a thousand times, she is no role model for anyone, and no “musical” genius; I am astounded that the media generally is so easy on her; compare her interviews with this months article in Guitar mag with Slipknot – those guys know music, guitars, gear; swifty gushes celeb vapidity.
Amen Mimi! First comment of winningness and truth-telling. The countless PR, managerial, and marketing people behind her deserve all the credit. I seriously can’t believe that anyone thinks this chick is a girl wunderkind. Just. no. She’s a corporate schtick in a system that has become winner-take-all, just like the rest of America. It’s like she won Hunger Games and now we all have to listen to her shriek and warble for the rest of her life.
Lol your last sentence killed me. Yeah, I’m not saying she doesn’t have game but she’s not a game changer IMO. Joni Mitchell was a game changer, Swifty is just a well orchestrated player.
@We Are All Made of Stars, marketing genius you have there. “Shriek and Warble” should be the name of her next album. It’ll be the antithesis of “Court and Spark”.
Help me, I think I’m falling
Into a special place in hell…
Oh, thank you Kiddo! It also occurred to me that it would be a good name for a line of clothing sold at Urban Outfitters. Silence and Noise, as I do recall, was my old time favorite.
As an aside, did anyone hear that the CD was being sold with one of 5 collectible Polaroid pictures of Swift? There’s a quote from a higher up at Target stating that they’ve anecdotally heard (from Twitter, etc.) that stans are going out and buying five albums to collect all the pictures. So the sales numbers are being inflated by crazy children. And I thought attaching your album to a pizza box was as nuts as you could go.
Um, y’all need to watch this immediately.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6116400
@mimif, Even their gloriously glamorous moves and style can’t pull this out of the trashbin, for me.
“they say I go on too many dates”…That’s some depth I just can’t reach down to feel.
Oh whoops, sorry Kidoo, I forget to tell you to watch it on mute. My bad.
Jealous much .
As if “riding my surfboard , surfboard, surfboard ” is such depth, ” breastest in the morning” …” Umbrella Ella, Ella, Ella ” such depth.
Taylor Swift doesn’t only out sell everyone in music today , but unlike Timberlake, Jacket Jackson , Beyonce, Rihanna, Perry , Madonna she actually won Best album of the Year at the Grammy’s ( equivalent to winning a Oscar for best actor ) and is the young artist in history to win , that wrote every song on her award winning album with no co – writers …
Lol “she doesn’t write her songs” , there’s a bunch of Gremlins writing music locked in her basement but it’s Beyonce who keeps getting sued for coping right infringements , like latest lawsuit for the song XO .
Ava, I’m not sure if you were responding to me, but I really dislike Swift’s latest album. You can dislike something without experiencing even the slightest bit of jealousy. I don’t like meat, don’t eat it, but I’m also not jealous of it. My depth comment made no mention or comparison to of any of those artists you mentioned.
I gave credit to Swift for marketing. I don’t think anyone here said she didn’t write her own songs. She has success, so good for her.
Popularity is not always the strongest indicator of quality and it’s also not a requirement to like something simply because most or many people do.
Kiddo, I knew I liked you for a reason. You’re a smart chick, you are. I hate when people use the word jealousy as their comeback for a response. It makes no sense and I love all of your examples proving it. Some folks get too wound up with their love of celebrity. I’m learning what threads not to go on since I get attacked if I don’t agree with some of the regular residents! Anyway, good job, happy meatless and taylorless weekend!
This is sheer songwriting gold, I mean the complex layers and inference are downright amazing. I’ll admit, I’m very jealous of her skillz.
‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Just WOW.
Kiddo I guess you didn’t read my post… Not only does she beat sales records but she’s also critically successful and has won every award in her industry .
To be nominated for album of the year that means every genre of music has to vote for you and then to win and as the youngest ever , on a album she wrote every song, shm
She won album of the year with Speak now and nominated for Red.
If you don’t like Adele music that’s fine but after selling more albums then most winning best album of the year at the Granmy’s and numerous other awards.. You wouldn’t just call her marketing success, even though her album was marketed as a break up album.
Ava, Winning awards depends on many things, aside from talent, including but not limited to: whatever the existing competition is (you could appear much greater in comparison to their suckiness), what connections you have, and again, popularity. Award shows and award givers are not immune to pandering to the masses rather than digging deep for the best. The music and academy awards don’t always get that right.
Again, I don’t have to like it, or think it good based on awards or any of the parameters you’ve set. I still greatly dislike her new album. Telling about other people who like it still doesn’t change my opinion. Nor would it change my opinion if a Beard Award recipient said the greatest entree is beef. Get it? And I still wouldn’t be jealous of the beef or Swift. I think her greatest accomplishment is her marketing strategy, rather than being a pioneer in truly great music or genre, or having the best vocal range or talent.
@Mimic , your right it does take song writing skillz to write a simple catchy hook, that will respond with audiences and I tip my hat to her that she also had one with a message …. Better then repeating you have a “Umbrella “, or your going to “roar like a tiger ” or “ride your surfboard” or going ” Vogueing ” or ” Beat it”
Really I won’t wast my time and post the lyrics of popular songs for most of the last 5 decades in pop and show how simple and repetitive they are, especially the chorus , which is what you highlighted of Taylor Swift latest hit song.
But if you want to be such a critic of a Taylor Swift’s writing at 24 she’s released 5 albums , the first 3 solo writing and written or co written every song on her last 2 albums
… So that’s over 60 songs for you tho choose from, you know because you know so much about song writing skillz.
Ava, you can say that Taylor is a lyrical wordsmith motherfuc*in’ voice of a generation ’til you’re blue in the face, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. Pop stars are not known for the quality of their material, they’re known for their ability to entertain. Not everyone thinks Taylor is oh-em-gee the best. Cope.
Regardless of what you think about him personally, I would argue that Michael Jackson, as a pop singer, was a game changer in terms of both music and being an entertainer. He broke ground on combining genres and also examined different subjects lyrically. Yes, that is high threshold to meet, but that is just the type of thing one should consider when evaluating awards. Is his Grammy the equivalent of all other pop Grammys? Are all the actors who received Oscars of the exact same caliber in acting? I don’t think so.
I just wanted to add that I wasn’t arguing that Swift, or any of the other people mentioned, are talentless. I didn’t say that at all. Their talents are different and not necessarily comparable, or on the same level of quality.
My daughter adores Taylor. Some of T’s music is decent, but I feel her career is driven by a relentless marketing machine.
Taylor’s career seems like a non-stop, calculated commercial appealing to mostly 7 – 20 year old women.
Taylor has tried to overhaul her image, seems done with men. Recently was seen holding hands with Karlie Kloss at a basketball game.
Taylor just creeps me out-who the hell is she now?
Perhaps the NY Times should interview T’s Scottish fold cats Olivia Benson style to uncover the truth. Meow.
.
“Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it”
Now that’s sheer song writing gold, especially when it’s barely English .
This hits even better.
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)
Ella ella, eh eh eh eh, eh eh
It’s raining, raining
Ooh baby, it’s raining, raining
Baby, come in to me
Come in to me
Just wow , especially like the porn references .
And it took 4 people to write that song and Rihanna wasn’t one of them.
And funny enough it was the same 3 people who wrote ” Single Lady” but instead Jay’z name Beyonce 4th fill in blank name…. at least Rihanna doesn’t force them to give her song writing credit .
@lucy.
That was Rihanna’s biggest hit and propelled her into fame , can’t believe lyrically what a crap song it was and sexual , god my niece at 5 wouldn’t stop singing that.
But then if I think of my favourite songs in my youth Michael Jackson’s “Beat it”, Lol repetitively telling you to beat it, or Madonna’s like a Virgin, repetitively singing ” touched for the very first time “, ” like a virgin”… No wonder parents love Taylor Swift.
“Singles Ladies ” came out on 2009 isn’t that the song/Video that Kanye made a ass of himself on stage interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech .
Let’s see 5 years later where are they now.
Taylor Swift . Biggest POP star
Beyonce . Hasn’t had a # 1 hit since
Kanye Has become a Kardashian
Taylor Swift really is just a evil genius . Reading the article, she’s so intelligent and grounded, it’s obvious she is the force behind her career, if you think she started doing this at 16 , she does not talk like a 24 year old, besides one who has been famous her whole life.
Can’t wait for the Spotify break up song.
100mg of Swiftamine, STAT!
LOL! I loved that sketch.
Will it make her go away? Then, oh sure, why not?
Yes!
I disagree. I don’t see why other artists can’t replicate her model, offering more to fans in terms of meet and greets, access to “personal” moments via platforms such as twitter and Instagram, and just general respect. I do agree her particular branding/twee nature is unique. Honestly didn’t like the new album much as it sounds like 80s synth, but hey when you love Taylor you’ll buy anything?
It can absolutely be replicated with a tweaked formula, I agree. Look at One Direction, it’s the exact same thing. Their marketing is genius and while I don’t think these 5 boys or Taylor are the (only) brains behind the operation, they know what they’re doing and they’re playing their part perfectly. The music is standard pop but they’re all putting their own spin on it, emphasizing how involved they all are in every aspect, even writing. It’s all very well thought out and a great formula for making insane amounts of money. If that’s your objective, this is the way to go.
I agree, Amelia.
The thing is….people younger than 25 aren’t buying music anymore. They think they should just get it for free, yet some how, Taylor has made something that people actually want to spend money on. I think people that dismiss her will overlook the larger lessons that are in there. I think the “personal” moments that you mentioned are what make the difference.
The thing is, it’s not Taylor’s formula. The stuff with the photos and connecting to fans is what Korean pop acts do. She’s taken the KPop formula and worked it into the US market.
The people that should be lauded for this marketing campaign are her father and the marketing and PR team he assembled to promote this tween garbage. I will say that Taylor is very disciplined and follows the marketing plan. How often have we’ve seen PR campaigns for pop stars blow up because the pop star goes rogue with excessive parties,verbal gaffs,etc..and the entire PR campaign that attempts to construct an image gets sabotaged by the popstar.
I honestly do not see how 1989 is any better than Pink’s album FunHouse or Katy Perry’s,California Gurls. Pink I think,is far superior to Taylor Swift in writing and performing as well as singing. Pink has a powerful voice.
That is what makes her smarter than most other stars today. She has the sense to appreciate her fans and she’s very much a real life goody two-shoes in comparison to other pop stars who think sex is the only thing that will sell albums or who go on a downward spiral with drugs and alcohol. She hasn’t allowed her fortune to go to her head – she is pretty much following the same path she has always been on without using money as an excuse to let her image fall to the wayside. She’s doing her job well and whether her music is actually good or not is completely irrelevant to her winning image and marketing strategy.
Yes. She’s spot on.
First of all…. I want her purse.
I dont blame artists for not wanting to give their stuff away, they dont make sh*t off singles/cds any more. I also get what she’s saying about being a singles artist vs releases good cds. the singles thing is what most pop tarts do these days. sure the singles are hot for a few months but then they’re either forgotten or so over played on the radio that you can’t stand to here them any more. No one buys the CDs b.c the marketing is all geared towards that single ‘radio hit’ and the rest of the CD is usually just filler stuff that no one would pay attention to anyway. That said, I also think Taylor has brilliant PR people behind her directing everything she does.
Macey, just wanted to let you know that you can have her purse if you have $50 and it’s not sold out because of Taylor. It’s by Aldo and the style is called “frattapolesine.”
Here you go. One left at $39.99 in the same color. http://www.6pm.com/aldo-frattapolesine-oxblood
In black or yellow: http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/handbags/satchels-%26-handheld-bags/c/342/FRATTAPOLESINE/p/95127505-96
omg Thank you!!!
It says only one left in stock for the same color one.
She may be smart, but the brains behind the Taylor Swift industry are the savvy and experienced big business executives. They realize what she hasn’t yet figured out. That she is the product, not just the music. She’s beautiful pop star material. She’s drinking their koolaid for sure.
Having spoken and worked with a number of music industry types in Nashville, I will say that, sure, she has plenty of help, but she also is instrumental in many of decisions that are made. She is extraordinarily prepared and professional in everything that she does and involved in all aspects of her career. She’s not an idiot.
Granted, you are a random commenter on the Internet and I’m not supposed to believe you just ’cause you said so. But because what you have to say affirms my beliefs, +1!
I think it sold for $0.99 on some platforms. Does it count? Cos I think any major artiste would do well too if their album were that ‘cheap’
It sold for 99 cents on Xbox.
Lady Gaga did something similar with the Born This Way album and she did similar sales. It’s very smart actually.
Billboard & Sound scan for them to count it as a album sale it has to sold for 3.99 or higher for the first 5 weeks of release … All because of a lady Gaga’s 99 cents move from a few years ago.
And Microsoft has been doing deals every week for their new xbox paid thing their doing now , Microsoft took the lost on her albums to sell them that low to get people for their paid music site, it wasn’t a deal with Taylor Swift’s record company.
I think she genuinely cares about her fans and doesn’t treat them like a business transaction. When that happens, it comes across clearly and she makes her fans feel empowered, loved, and appreciated.
+1. I think this is a great reflection of 1) why she is way shrewder and in more control than people here are giving her credit for and 2) why she’s been so successful. I don’t think she’s disingenuous in that she’s *only* doing stuff for her fans for the PR. Rather, I think she genuinely wants to but also sees the immense value in it so she doesn’t ever give in to the *I’m tired I’ll just skip my fans tonight.* So it comes across as genuine, because it is to some extent, which is very important to fans, but there’s also the strategic decision to never give that aspect up, even if she really feels like it on a given day. Don’t we usually applaud that kind of work ethic and passion?? I think people here are being too black and white; because they may not personally like her then there can’t be anything they might admire about her.
I know someone who worked for a late night talk show and was told she was the only celebrity that stayed for 2 hours outside the studio autographing for all of her fans. What other corporate puppet does that? Most these days don’t even say hi (cough Ariana Grande cough).
Give Taylor Swift credit. I still don’t know why there’s such negativity towards her on this site/comments. I’ve never been a fan of the girl, but I never disliked her. Her dating habits were funny, but so is every woman at certain phases in their young life. Hers was just photographed for the world, instead of your classmates, to comment on. It’s just weird, especially when the term “slut-shamed” is thrown about so willy-nilly here.
Taylor deserves all the credit. Beyoncé deserves all the credit. And women like them need to be better celebrated on “feminist-friendly” sites.
True. There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.
+1
And @mimif, I’ve said this before, but besides Taylor Swift, the only other entertainer that has absolutely no sense of humor about herself/career is Beyonce (remember the photo she tried to erase from the Internet?)
The photo that launched a thousand epic memes? How could I forget? 😀
Never Forget! http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/495/327/a11.png
I could do this all day. 😀
http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/masonry/000/496/053/638.gif
Why is there a pad on the thigh? Did it slip from the knee area?
@MCraw, I agree. I don’t get why people hater her. She seems harmless.
I used to have some issues with Taylor Swift and her admirers, but I do like some of her songs off of red and I do respect her as an artist, especially considering the way she seems to be maturing. I think she’s in control of what she’s doing. I respect Beyonce too, think she’s in control and like some of her songs. She’s more talented than she’s given credit for (I’ve watched her on youtube) and ever since she’s been getting sh-t from both Bill O’Reilly types and the feminists who are eager to discredit her as one based solely on image I’ve kind of been on her side.
Somebody is the equation knows what they’re doing, I’m just not convinced it’s Taylor. She’s not smart enough to leave her cat inside when she walks to the car for christ’s sake, how could she possess the mental aptitude of a genuine “marketing genius”?
I think that’s what she wants you to think.
But look at Taylor’s peers right now. They’re all wallowing in drugs or bad relationships or whatnot. How is it that Taylor is magically the only one killing it? I think she’s a lot shrewder than people give her credit for. The music industry would’ve eaten her alive if she was really just some crazy naive cat lady. Even Lady GaGa, who came onto the scene seeming very in control of her career and with loads of raw musical talent (moreso than Taylor, at least), fizzled out quite fast and no one cares anymore.
Not saying Taylor doesn’t have help or corporate backing – they all do – but I think there are many indications that she’s the one steering the ship.
Oh, I don’t think she’s completely naive, I think she’s cold and calculating and forever stuck in her Princess Privilege role from childhood. With that said, it is laughable that anyone could look back on eight years that began in her teens, when this puerile and uneducated woman came out, and think that she was/is a business savant that was orchestrating the whole thing from the getgo. I mean, this is a person who just figured out at nearly 25 years old that another woman can’t steal your boyfriend if he doesn’t want to leave. She apparently didn’t oversee Tourwrecker Perry’s dancers’ contracts. She has. never. demonstrated an iota of awareness of anything outside her own childish sheltered world.
Also, can we please stop holding her up against strawmen as the virginal wholesome princess? “All her peers” are NOT Linsey Lohan. I get so sick of hearing all women negatively compared to her imagined purity.
Haha, I take your point but yeah, I don’t think she had her master plan at age 15 and has been sitting in her chair petting her cat a la Dr. Evil this whole time. I think she’s had a goal and been able to adjust very well throughout her career. Definitely had a lot of help getting to where she is, but I think she has always had a good head on her shoulders in terms of her career and is now becoming quite the business savant.
When have pop stars *ever* been aware of things outside of their sheltered world? Usually it’s their downfall but Swifty has made it work for her. I don’t think she’s completely fake, I just think she’s been very adept at looking at what’s going on in her life and then exaggerate it and turn it into a story for her brand. Always with the eye on the prize and knows how to act to get herself there. We see very different things, but the fact is she’s more like Beyonce than Selena Gomez. They all have help, but that doesn’t mean some aren’t smart and have more control.
@We Are All Made Of Stars..Can we be best friends? I agree with you x10000000.
I think she is at the top of the pile of stale pop tarts because she is mediocre and the others are outright bad. Somebody is pulling the strings on the Taylor puppet, nothing she has ever said has suggested a genius hidden beneath the surface. No point pretending it takes talent to be a pop star, what it takes is submission. Gaga died fast because she thought she could have control and that is not how this game is played.
Well yes, she surely benefits from the lack of competition, those stale pop tartlets.
But part of the reason those pop tartlets are stale are because they are the tried and true corporate puppets. If you look at any pop star that is solely a corporate puppet, while they may enjoy immense commercial success, they don’t last very long because business execs are rich old farts that aren’t the audience and they’re going to screw it up at some point.
No one is saying that Swift is a one-woman show single handedly changing and directing pop. I think Taylor Swift is well aware of what her team does for her and appreciates it. Rather, she and pop have a nice partnership right now, which is rare for pop star, and she enjoys a good amount of control over her career. I really don’t know many other pop stars right now who aren’t well respected and haven’t fizzled out yet that can claim that.
See, I think that there is indeed a bona fide marketing genius in the picture, I just don’t think it’s her. The puppet is only as good as its master’s skill allows it to be. The person who is pulling the strings is the brilliant one. Taylor’s job is crucial as well, don’t get me wrong. This wouldn’t be able to work so beautifully if she were not such a good face. She is GOOD at being a pop star, really good! She has a real talent for being a pop star; I’m not trying to diminish that by saying I’m not convinced she’s a business-savvy miracle child. I think her talent for pop stardom combined with the flawless business logic of her management is what makes her the most successful pop star in the world today.
I have a paper I’m supposed to be writing and I’m procrastinating by vehemently defending T. Swift. I don’t even like her music that much 🙁
Lol Mira! The interbutts has a way of doing that to folks. Good luck on your paper and may it be a swift (nudge, wink) process 🙂
@We Are All Made of Stars: “Also, can we please stop holding her up against strawmen as the virginal wholesome princess… I get so sick of hearing all women negatively compared to her imagined purity.”
Yup! That was one of the main issues I initially had with Taylor Swift. Instead of pitting women inside or outside of the entertainment industry against eachother based on how pure or ladylike they seem, we should let each choose their own path. Why should that even be a competition?
I don’t know if you saw this yesterday – http://groupthink.jezebel.com/i-missed-posting-about-this-because-surgery-taylor-swi-1655256642/1655656841/+morninggloria – but I think this sort of interaction makes her so much relatable and likable. I’m an adult woman and her genuine treatment of the fans and business focus make me really appreciate her. Being nice seems to be working as a business strategy.
I’d say she has a top notch marketing team.
I never been a fan i always found her slightly annoying and there is no way i would ever buy her music,
But i have to say she comes across very well on the voice, she is a really insightful coach and offers better advice then her more seasoned colleagues. I think she is very smart woman.
Btw Kaiser, i am so disappointed you haven’t covered FKA Twigs on the tonight show yet, so stunning, she is gonna blow up i think!
And with the Pattison angle you should get some clicks from posting about her.
she also has great fans who will ensure that even her “only white noise” track reached no.1 on itunes digital singles chart, even beating out her other singing tracks.
http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/entry/view/id/784050
however, i try not to look too closely at the implication that white noise is more preferable than her singing, maybe?
I admire her for not giving in, for not “paying to play” and demanding artistic respect – in the form of not giving away her music. Why should musicians, writers, artists be expected to give their work away? It’s their WORK.
It is amazing how many people expect artists to give their work away. If she chooses not to, that’s her right, and I respect her for it. I understand smaller artists practically giving stuff away for the exposure, but I wish the music services paid them better for it.
I think she’s smart and involved in the business side, but has a really good team around her, marketing, PR, etc. As she should, considering how much money is at stake.
Agreed.
I don’t fault Taylor for choosing not to have her music on Spotify, though I think that not only is she handling it differently than the guys in Metallica, the music industry in general is now in a very different place. At the time of the rise in Napster, CDs were going for a ridiculous $20-$25 an album, and there was what many felt was a collusion between the major labels to keep prices up. Metallica at the time thought they were taking a stand for artist’s, but ultimately they ended up looking like they were picking on a bunch of college kids. Labels took forever to take music digital,and there’s no denying that it changed the industry as a whole – sales have become significantly more singles-based vs selling the whole album, and the bottom line is that they make less money. Where Metallica just looked like they were mad that people weren’t paying for *their* music, Taylor benefits from I would say a greater awareness of music as a commodity.
It sold so well mostly because she has a strong fanbase that actually loves her songwriting, and her music speaks to them as they grow up with her and where they are. She does tell stories in her music and she has a gift for songwriting. She took a huge risk with this album, leaving country music completely behind, because country music is a huge support system in her sales. Bur it shows how instead of losing fans as she goes along in her career, like many younger artists do, she’s actually gaining fans. And she sold this album with no big gimmicks, just off the strength of fans enjoying her music.
I also think getting on tumblr and playing it with ‘no its becky’ gave her points with new fans.
There’s no risk she took. She made a standard pop album. She’s always been a country singer with pop influences. Each of her albums gradually moved in a more pop direction with by Red people were already saying she was more pop than country. Taking a risk would’ve been making a jazz album. She worked with hitmakers like Max Martain as her executive producer too.
Kudos to her success though.
The hate is from jealously. This women is actually quiet amazing. No drug use, multi-millionaire, dresses well, incredibly talented, etc. She stands out from the rest.
Yes, because every other woman in entertainment is a poorly dressed druggie with imaginary singing/acting talent. All of them. It’s why Taylor is to the world of females in entertainment what Jesus was to the Pharisees. Shine on, you brilliant brilliant star!
Ha! You’re killing me today WAAMOS. 🙂
I don’t think it’s jealously as much as: I don’t like her or what she stands for therefore I don’t want to give her credit for any admirable traits.
The jelli h8rs argument is so incredibly lazy and uninspired; every time someone uses it I assume they aren’t articulate enough to make a valid point. But thanks for playing!
She has compared herself to Joni Mitchell (who is 71 yrs old today) and it makes me want to nonviolently bitch slap her. Joni is a poet extraordinaire. The girl does know how to market herself literally as the girl next door who the young girlies could hang out with. Social media is her friend. She is talented but what more accolades does she want to be bestowed with. Miss Taylor should write a thank you note to Kanye West who is the one who made her happen to begin with.
Mentioned something similar upthread. I did not know it was Ms. Mitchell’s bday today, hApPy BiRtHdAy Joni!!
No disrespect to Joni Mitchell because obviously I think she’s more musically talented. But, one day, when we’re dead and gone, there will be a young pop star comparing herself to Taylor Swift and someone will respond the exact same way. And you will arise from your grave and nonviolently bitch slap that someone.
Nah, I was only joshing. Not going to the grave anyway, the urn! Of course you’re right, every generation has their it girl. Joni’s demeanor was so different than Taylors. I saw her in concert with my sister as a young girl and still remember her telling the “pigs” in the back of the hall to be quiet and let her perform. Flower power generation…haha
I still like Joni Mitchell better as an it girl. Just all of that generation’s it girls.
I admire Taylor Swift for her PR acumen, but none of her boy songs have even come close to Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain.” How can they??
And to this very day, we don’t know who walked into that party with his scarf of apricot…..Mick, Warren, James….only Carly knows for sure! (Heard it was revealed it was actually David Geffen, but I don’t believe it!)
I always picture Warren Beatty. If it’s about Mick, that’s pretty funny because doesn’t he sing back up on the song at the end?
Carly has denied it was about Geffen, said she hadn’t even met him at the time the song was written.
There’s a good book about Carly, Joni, and Carole King that I read a while ago, called Girls Like Us.
I’m going for Beatty. And I thought Geffen was gay?
Unless she’s being coy, it’s not Jagger, Beatty, Taylor, or Geffen and the name(s) (if it’s a composite like Howard Stern says) has an A, R, and E in it.
Source: http://www.carlysimon.com/You're_So_Vain.html
Some secrets are best untold. For ladies of a certain age, this has been a lifetime guess. After reading what you posted, she is still being asked the 40 year plus question which I’m sure she gets a kick out of. I think it’s Beatty, but wish it was Sweet Baby James but he lacks vanity in his cute little blue denim shirt and jeans!
Sorry but I disagree. Kanye West did not make Taylor Swift happen. She was already there and we were already aware that he was an a-hole. He just made an ass out of himself AGAIN and made her more likeable because of it.
Bull. Her genre was country music , which she was big in. She was winning an award when he did it. Kanye’s antics had nothing to do with her popularity and her albums selling big.
I like what she’s saying, she doesn’t deny that her career and album sales are ‘we’ situations, meaning a large team where she is just one part of. And when she talks about the Spotify stuff she mentions all the people that have input in songs and get paid by them.
Sure the content of this interview is also part of her pr imagebuilding, but other artists whould have had a complete ‘i did this and I did that and my brand revolves only around me and I’m a genius’ narrative and never would have even admitted that other people actually made it all happen.
Very smart and eloquent! I like her. And NOBODY should give away their work for free, any kind of work, unless they want to give it for free themselves.
I’m a photographer and so I heartily agree with her about NOT giving away your talent, hard work, investment, etc for free. A lot of folks think they should get photos for free or at a discount because “Jane with camera did it.” I never considered that music is the same. She’s absolutely right. I give her credit where credit is due! She may annoy me but I can’t say she isn’t a successful businesswoman in a cutthroat industry.
Garth Brooks won’t allow his music on sportify, itunes or youtube etc. you have to actually go to the store to buy his music. Of course his fanbase tends to be a little older but I think but there are plenty of artist out there who don’t allow streaming. I can respect it. I don’t care for Taylor’s music but other than Adele she is the only pop star out there that doesn’t sell sex or use drugs/parting to sell records.
Who she dated when she was 21 and 22 or how she handled it doesn’t bother me. It wasn’t that long ago for me and I cringe thinking to myself about my mistakes and bad choices! I think we need to move toward giving her a pass. Seems like she’s grown up a bit since then and is trying to correct. She’s (finally) shedding a bit of the eager to please good girl tweeness so I think it’s unfair to keep making assumptions about what she’ll do next based on past behavior with someone so young.
I like her but I’m happy she wasn’t able to break Britney’s record with “Oops! I Did It Again”, which remains the biggest first week sales record for a female artist. It seemed at one point that Taylor was so sure she would break it…
The video for that song was everything but I’m sure she never thought it would be the classic that it is, especially since she was a teenager. Miss Britney is definitely in a class all by herself. A survivor. Lady and the tramp…..haha…..which one is which. People can be fooled by the guise of a sweet face! Team Brit Brit,,,,,,
I was such a big fan of her when I was a kid, and I was so sad with everything that she went through 2007-2008. But as you said, she’s a survivor. Britney is a legend! (I don’t even like pop or mainstream music much anymore, but Brit always brings me great chilhood memories).
I think she’s incredibly savvy. She has a great relationship with her fans and I think she makes good business decisions. I’m actually surprised that so many people on here aren’t giving her credit for that. Love her oor loathe her, she’s smart!
+1
I think she has a point about streaming: if you are an emerging artist how can you support yourself ??
It’s really a tricky question.
And yes she is a smart business woman.
Oh Swifty’s great at marketing in addition to her talent. Swifty and Bey are the masters right now
I think earlier on in her career she had some very good guidance, and she was wise enough to pay attention, with the result being that, yeah, she is a great businesswoman. That’s really what a pop star is all about – selling a product. Certainly, if talent was the prerequisite, most of them wouldn’t be selling out stadiums. The thing that I feel elevated Swift above her peers is that she manages to appear genuine enough about her “art” that she can portray it as such rather than as the business that it is. Whether that’s because of how carefully she cultivated her image or because she’s so earnestly involved with her fan base, I don’t know. But she’s maintained a record deal since 14 and has a lot more control than most pop stars over her image. That’s pretty impressive. Credit given where due.
I think she’s smart about her image, but even she keeps saying ‘we’ in that interview. If she can admit she has a team and share equal credit, why can’t her fans?
I also think she’s one of those artists who sells a lot of albums in part because people buy them for others. When Red came out I worked in a department store, and we were mostly selling physical copies of that album to mum’s and grandma’s who were buying it for their daughters and granddaughters (most of whom had surely already bought it on iTunes). That really helps, some artists are able to build a whole career on people buying their music as gifts for others. If you can get in on that AND sell to people who actually want to hear your music, you’ll do very well.
Yes, we should give her credit. I admire her stance. Streaming services shouldn’t be the one dictating the artists.
She’s a CLAIRE (not Carrie!) Underwood in the making
When Taylor first come out as a teen-aged country star, I found her annoying. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but something about her irked me. She has matured. I don’t know that I agree with using her personal relationships with various men as the source of inspiration for her music, but honestly – I can’t fault her on it. Writing 101 #1 lesson is- whether it be lyrics or any other kind of writing – is “write what you know.” And if what she knows is heartbreak ,disappointment, disillusionment or whatever – then that it is what she knows and she has ever right to draw upon it. As she has aged (keeping in mind that – for me at 50 – she is still a young pipsqueak – she has matured. She has grown. She is experiencing life (as well she should) and her music has grown with her. She has moved from country to pop and for her, it’s a natural progression. I can not and will not fault her for that.
Swifty has been incredibly business savvy since she’s been a kid. Smart cookie, and she doesn’t get enough credit imo.
I agree. She is smart. She is talented. She’s someone I would take my 7 year old niece to see in concert. I think her music is catchy and innocent. Nothing wrong with that. I’m happy for her success. She really treats her fans well and is more than appreciative. Is there really a good reason to hate her ?
Taylor has always come across as very sharp to me from the beginning of her career to present day. She is one of a handful of stars who knows how to use social media properly. The people who have worked with her have said she comes prepared to work and is a professional. She handles the good and bad that comes with her career with dignity and without whining. I also think her ability to mature without having to shout it via some naked spread or acting a fool is a testament to her common sense and good taste. The best people can surround you but eventually the cracks will show if what they have built up is not who you are inside. It is why so many Disney kids are messes. Taylor has help but she directs the ship and understand s what moves need to be made and the timing.
Anyway, I like her. Girls like her. My little girl likes her. She’s savvy and innocuous. Kid-friendly. Very poptart. Very successful. Bites her nails. Loves her cats! Fug purse.
Does the genius marketing dictate that she remain single? Would Taylor be Taylor if she was also a wife and mother?
It didn’t work for Metallica. I’m surprised it’s working for her. I guess they did it the wrong way. people are still hating Metallica for that.