Latest news with #Midnights
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her Catalog: How We Got Here
Taylor Swift's years-long saga to win back the rights to her first six albums will go down as one of the most significant storylines in the history of the modern music business, as the dispute brought the complex, often dry world of copyright and master ownership further into the national consciousness. At the same time, the conflict grew her own superstardom to stratospheric heights as the Taylor's Version re-releases became massive hits in their own right. Swift isn't the first artist to re-record her music, though the practice will forever be synonymous with her as she took on the ambitious task of recreating her old albums all over again, while also managing to record and release four new albums (Folklore, Evermore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department) and net the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. More from The Hollywood Reporter Taylor Swift Buys Back Rights To Her First Six Albums Years After Scooter Braun Drama Mike Sumler, Kool & the Gang Hype Man, Dies at 71 Who's Who in the Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial: Key Witnesses, Industry Enablers and Victims So Far As Swift announced Friday, she's officially bought bought back ownership of the records, bringing this chapter to a close. With Swift re-united with her original works at last, let's take a look back on how we got here today. June 2019 — Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings Buys Big Machine The saga began on June 30, 2019, when the news dropped that Scooter Braun, then-manager to stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, had bought Scott Borchetta's Big Machine Label Group for $300 million through his company Ithaca Holdings. With the deal, Ithaca got the rights to music from acts like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, and of course of Swift, who was Big Machine's biggest act until she left the label for Universal Music Group's Republic Records in 2018. Swift quickly voiced her displeasure with the sale, taking to her Tumblr that day to say she learned of the deal 'as it was announced to the world,' calling it 'my worst case scenario,' while citing 'incessant, manipulative bullying' from Braun for years. 'Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words 'Scooter Braun' escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to,' Swift wrote at the time. 'He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn't want to be associated with them.' Borchetta responded with a long missive of his own that day, denying Swift's claim that she hadn't heard about the sale before the announcement while also adding he'd 'never experienced' seeing Swift's negative reactions about Braun. August 2019 — Swift Confirms Plans to Re-Record Her Big Machine Era Music Within two months of the sale, Swift confirmed that she planned on re-recording her music so she could gain control of the masters on at least a version of her first six albums. In an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America in front of scores of Swifities, Swift said 'It's something I'm really excited about doing, because my contract says that starting November 2020, I can record albums one through five all over again.' November 2019 — Swift Said Braun and Borchetta Wouldn't Allow Her to Play Old Songs at AMAs Swift took to Twitter on November 14, claiming that as part of the American Music Awards honoring her as artist of the decade, she wanted to perform a medley of her hits, but that Braun and Borchetta were blocking the use of those songs 'because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I'm allowed to next year.' Braun posted that he and his family received death threats, further stating that 'as the world now knows you can and should perform any song you would like at the AMAs. I have never and would never say otherwise. You do not need anyone's permission to do so legally but I am stating it here clearly and publicly so there is no more debate or confusion.' Swift played the medley at the AMAs. 2020: Ithaca Sells Swift's Catalog to Shamrock Capital On Nov. 16, 2020, Shamrock, a private equity firm founded by Roy Disney, purchased Swift's catalog from Braun and Ithaca for about $300 million, netting Braun as much as he paid for the entirety of Big Machine the year prior. Swift came forward about the sale that day, writing that 'this was the second time my music had been sold without my knowledge.' Swift claimed that her team had attempted to enter into negotiations with Scooter Braun, writing: 'Scooter's team wanted me to sign an ironclad NDA stating I would never say another word about Scooter Braun unless it was positive, before we could even look at the financial records of BMLG (which is always the first step in a purchase of this nature). So, I would have to sign a document that would silence me forever before I could even have a chance to bid on my own work.' As Shamrock sold the catalog to Swift nearly five years later, Swift thanked the company Friday for 'being the first people to ever offer this to me.' That assertion has come under scrutiny by people with knowledge of the initial Shamrock acquisition, with a source close to Braun telling The Hollywood Reporter, 'There's documented proof, by way of verified emails, confirming Taylor Swift was offered the opportunity to buy back her masters prior to Shamrock Capital's acquisition. This has been reported on at length over the last several years.' A 2023 report from Music Business Worldwide also revealed conversations between Braun and Swift's camps for a deal before going to Shamrock, though that clearly never happened. 2021 — 2023: The 'Taylor's Version' Era Takes Over On Feb. 11, 2021, Swift confirmed that Fearless, her first No. 1 album, would be the first album she'd re-record from the Big Machine era, launching her famed 'Taylor's Version' series. 'I've spoken a lot about why i'm remaking my first six albums, but the way I've chosen to do this will hopefully help illuminate where i'm coming from,' Swift wrote at the time. 'Artists should own their own work for so many reasons, but the most screamingly obvious one is that the artist is the only one who really knows that body of work.' Fearless (Taylor's Version) officially released in April of 2021. She released Red (Taylor's Version) that same year, then released Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and 1989 (Taylor's Version) in 2023. The re-recordings became immensely successful as well; 1989 (Taylor's Version) managed to sell 1.3 million units in the first week alone, besting 1989's debut from a decade prior, even as record sales have fallen since then amid the streaming era. According to Luminate, in the U.S. alone, Fearless (Taylor's Version) has sold 3 million units, Red (Taylor's Version) sold 5.2 million, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) has sold 2.7 million and 1989 (Taylor's Version) has sold 4.9 million. May 30, 2025: Liberation Day Swift rocked the industry once again Friday as she announced she'd closed the deal with Shamrock, bringing 'my entire life's work' back into Swift's possession. Swift didn't disclose financial details of the sale. Billboard reports the deal was worth about $360 million, while a Page Six report from earlier this suggested it could be worth twice that. 'I've been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening,' Swift said. 'I really get to say these words: All of the music I've ever made… now belongs… to me.' Following the reveal, Braun told THR he was 'happy for her.' As for the two remaining Taylor's Version albums, Swift revealed in her letter that she hadn't recorded more than a quarter of Reputation (Taylor's Version), but that the remake of her debut album was done. 'Those 2 albums can still have their moments to re-emerge when the time is right, if that would be something you guys would be excited about,' Swift wrote. 'But if it happens, it won't be from a place of sadness and longing for what I wish I could have. It will just be a celebration now.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The One Thing That Finally Helped Me Stop Waking up at 3 a.m.
The One Thing That Finally Helped Me Stop Waking up at 3 a.m. originally appeared on Parade. In 2022, Taylor Swift dropped a "3 a.m. edition" of her Midnights album. I didn't listen to it the moment it came out, but I can assure you that I was up at that hour because I did not sleep through the night from December 2021 through April are some caveats here. I was in the third trimester of my second pregnancy in December of 2021, and my son was resting comfortably on my bladder. I also exclusively nursed and "still" do nurse him, which early on required frequent night feedings. However, he began sleeping through the night as a toddler. That being said, my body hadn't received the memo, and I kept waking up at 3 a.m., and worse, hadn't yet returned to getting uninterrupted sleep.🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊It was frustrating. As a health writer, I understand the importance of sleep for the heart, brain and the prevention of mental health issues. The American Heart Association even lists sleep among its Essential 8 lifestyle tips, right alongside other habits I follow almost religiously, such as exercising and eating a healthy, Mediterranean-style is also having a moment on social media, with sleep-maxxing gaining TikTok traction in 2024. When I read about the "trend," I experienced FOMO at a level I could not even describe because I was so exhausted. I went on my own quest to improve my sleep, following common practices that sleep doctors recommend to me (and readers) every time I interview them: maintain consistent wake and bedtime (even on weekends), nix screens an hour before bed (I put my phone in a closet that I can't reach from my bed), journaling and the 3 a.m. wake-ups and thoughts persisted. In late March, I turned to my frenemy, Amazon, and clicked "purchase" on one thing. The night it came was the first night in years I clocked a solid eight hours of sleep, and it has been pure bliss for my physical and mental health ever I bought blackout curtains for myself as a birthday gift in March, installed them the day they arrived in April and slept better that night (and ever since). After trying seemingly everything else to improve my sleep, short of shelling out $300 on a fancy alarm clock with white noise (which was next), I realized my room wasn't as dark as it could be. We had blinds up until this point, and light trickled in from cars, street lights and the neighbor's yards. I had previously tried a sleep mask but found that it woke me up at 2 a.m. when I unconsciously began to rip it off. That was when I ditched (and hadn't revisited) the idea of making my sleep space darker. Still, I've recently learned that studies also suggest that light exposure can affect sleep and our overall health. For instance, I haven't been able to get a study published in 2024 out of my head since writing a story on it. In the study, researchers found exposure to artificial outdoor light could reduce sleep and increase stroke risks. Otherstudies have found light exposure during sleep can make it harder to rest and increase risks for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Armed with data about how light can affect your sleep (and health) and tired of 3 a.m. wake-ups, I clicked "purchase" on blackout curtains in March. They arrived a week later, and my heart was literally and figuratively happy. I was even more excited when I hung them up and immediately swooned at the dark, cave-like atmosphere of the bedroom, despite it being 1 p.m. on a sunny Friday. My husband had a different reaction—his first comment was that the room "looked depressing." I assured him we could open them during the day, especially after learning that early exposure to sunlight in the morning can also improve sleep. I was already daydreaming about getting my circadian rhythm back in sync. That night, those dreams became a reality. I went to bed at 10 p.m. and woke up at 6 a.m.—those elusive, recommended eight hours of sleep were As someone with a healthy amount of skepticism—and who pored over data before purchasing blackout curtains—I knew a sample size of one night wasn't enough. However, I have consistently gotten better sleep nearly every night since using the curtains. The only exceptions were a night when one child was sick and another when we were warned that we might lose childcare for a week due to an illness to our usual caretaker (it was a false alarm, thankfully). Importantly, I was able to get back to sleep within 30 minutes, whereas I typically was just "up" before blackout curtains entered my room. Otherwise? My nightmare 3 a.m. wake-ups have ended. Related: Better sleep has had a ripple effect on my physical and mental health, which has also benefited my family and work. Here are the life-changing improvements I've noticed since blackout curtains have done a number on the number of hours I sleep each night (between seven and eight consistently). I live an active lifestyle, partially by choice and partially by necessity (two young kids will do that). As my sleep-deprived nights slogged on, I noticed my workouts suffering. I was slower, achier and less motivated to pick up heavier weights or work until the "whistle" of my Peloton strength sessions. I also could not keep up with my sons, which was a bummer. As the weather warmed, I was hoping to ride bikes and take hikes with them. That seemed like a pipe dream with my energy in the red. At times, I began giving in and having a third cup of coffee around 3 p.m., which likely worsened my sleep issues. While I cannot match my little ones' boundless energy, I have ditched the need for a third cup of joe, returned to feeling great about my workout output and have enjoyed tons of time outside running amok with my family. Throughout my life, I've been praised (and feared by my husband) for having a great memory. Yet, for the last year or so, I've found myself dropping the ball. I've missed interview calls and started to rely heavily on my reminder app to remind me to do basic things, like packing my wallet. It was stressing me out, and I didn't feel like myself. Yet, I know sleep is crucial for memory, per research. I still use reminders for interviews (old habits die hard), but I now almost always tap them away and let my phone know that I'm "already on it." I don't weigh myself often—it's just not something I obsess over. However, the lack of sleep has been stressful, and I've had some serious cravings for sugary foods and peanut butter. The voice in my head telling me that a spoonful of peanut butter will make working mom life go down more easily has been silenced now that I'm logging better rest. My gut does more than tell me when I eat something it doesn't like. It's also a key indicator that I am stressed. However, as I've addressed sleep deprivation, I've noticed my stomach has settled down. Since getting Bell's Palsy twice in a year, I've developed a migraine disorder. While I'm glad to have regained full access to both sides of my face, the headaches, sensitivity to sound and stomachaches have affected my ability to care for my kids and perform daily tasks like grocery shopping. However, logging more consistent and consecutive sleep has reduced my migraine severity, frequency and length of time I spend out of commission. Research shows fragmented sleep can trigger attacks, so I'm not surprised. Related: My top piece of advice for people experiencing sleep issues who are considering blackout curtains? Give them a shot. And keep these tips in mind too: Be practical about it. Measure your windows, read reviews and ensure you're ordering two curtains per pane so you can get started the day they arrive. Fully close the curtains. The goal is to let there be no light in the room, so shut them completely. Open them in the morning. I open the curtains the moment I get up and ensure I step outside for sunlight for at least 10 minutes within an hour of rising. This step helps regulate my circadian rhythm. Don't fully rely on blackout curtains. I didn't throw the baby out with the bath water the moment I got better sleep with blackout curtains. Instead, I continued to meditate, journal and maintain consistent wake and bedtimes. Combined, I'm getting dream sleep. Get checked out. While sleeplessness can happen for a variety of reasons, it's always worth looking into. You may have a condition, such as sleep apnea, that can affect your health. A doctor can get you on the best track for your issue. I've gone from sleep-deprived to sleep-obsessed thanks to blackout curtains, and if you're struggling, I hope you can soon say the same. Sweet dreams! Up Next:Life's Essential 8. American Heart Association. Sleep Irregularity and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Suboptimal Sleep Duration Is Associated With Poorer Neuroimaging Brain Health Profiles in Middle‐Aged Individuals Without Stroke or Dementia. JAHA. How Sleep Affects Your Health. NIH. Outdoor Light at Night, Air Pollution, and Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease: A Cohort Study in China. Stroke. Light at night in older age is associated with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Sleep. Light exposure during sleep impairs cardiometabolic function. Medical Sciences. Does sunlight exposure predict next-night sleep? A daily diary study among U.S. adults. Journal of Health Psychology. About Sleep. CDC. The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Review. Sleep Deprivation and Memory: Meta-Analytic Reviews of Studies on Sleep Deprivation Before and After Learning. American Psychological Association. Investigating the relationship between sleep and migraine in a global sample: a Bayesian cross-sectional approach. The Journal of Headache and Pain. The One Thing That Finally Helped Me Stop Waking up at 3 a.m. first appeared on Parade on May 31, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When will Taylor Swift release Rep TV? Singer makes shocking announcement
Taylor Swift issued an emotional letter to her fans on Friday, revealing she bought back her entire masters. In the lengthy note shared on her website, the 35-year-old seemingly revealed the fate of Reputation (Taylor's Version). 'I know, I know. What about Rep TV?' Swift wrote in her letter, finally addressing the highly anticipated release of the re-recorded version of her 2017 album. 'Full transparency: I haven't even re-recorded a quarter of it,' she went on before explaining how Reputation was 'so specific to that time in my life, and I kept hitting a stopping when I tried to remake it.' 'All that defiance, that longing to be understood while feeling purposely misunderstood, that desperate hope, that shame-born snarl and mischief,' Swift continued. The Cruel Summer hitmaker made an 'honest' confession that Reputation is the 'one album in those first 6 that I thought couldn't be improved upon by redoing it.' 'Not the music, or photos, or videos. So I kept putting it off,' she shared. Although Swift hinted at the possibility of never releasing Rep TV, she assured her fans that 'there will be a time (if you're into the idea) for the unreleased Vault tracks from that album to hatch.' Swift began re-recording her music to reclaim ownership after her first six albums were sold by Big Machine Recordings. So far, the Shake It Off crooner has released the Taylor's Version of four albums: Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989. In her heartfelt letter, the Midnights singer also addressed her debut album, Taylor Swift, which was released in 2006. 'I've already completely re-recorded my entire debut album, and I really love how it sounds now,' she wrote. 'Those 2 albums [Reputation and Taylor Swift] can still have their moments to re-emerge when the time is right, if that would be something you guys would be excited about,' Swift went on to say. 'But if it happens, it won't be from a place of sadness and longing for what I wish I could have. It will just be a celebration now,' the I Knew You Were Trouble songstress explained.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Could a Taylor Swift new album be next? The 'TS12' Easter eggs in her letter
Taylor Swift sent her fandom into a tizzy with her surprise announcement on May 30 explaining she owns all of her music, but fans are now doing what they do best and dissecting every word, number and the letter in the note posted to her website. And the math is mathing toward her next era, which fans have dubbed "TS12." In the second sentence, she highlighted the word "this" with 12 i's. She also used three numbers in the text: 4, 6, 2 which add up to 12. There may be Easter eggs pointing to possible lyrics. When Swift gave her New York University commencement speech, she included lyrics to her, at the time, unannounced album "Midnights." She read lyrics from the song "Labyrinth": "breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out" and used the line "you're on your own." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) Two descriptive lines that jumped out are: "My first tattoo might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead." "All that defiance, that longing to be understood while feeling purposely misunderstood, that desperate hope, that shame-born snarl and mischief." Swift ended the letter by turning the head on one of her "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" songs "Mine": "the best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are." Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Taylor Swift owns her music: TS12 Easter eggs from letter
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Could a Taylor Swift new album be next? The 'TS12' Easter eggs in her letter
Could a Taylor Swift new album be next? The 'TS12' Easter eggs in her letter Taylor Swift sent her fandom into a tizzy with her surprise announcement on May 30 explaining she owns all of her music, but fans are now doing what they do best and dissecting every word, number and the letter in the note posted to her website. And the math is mathing toward her next era, which fans have dubbed "TS12." In the second sentence, she highlighted the word "this" with 12 i's. She also used three numbers in the text: 4, 6, 2 which add up to 12. There may be Easter eggs pointing to possible lyrics. When Swift gave her New York University commencement speech, she included lyrics to her, at the time, unannounced album "Midnights." She read lyrics from the song "Labyrinth": "breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out" and used the line "you're on your own." Two descriptive lines that jumped out are: "My first tattoo might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead." "All that defiance, that longing to be understood while feeling purposely misunderstood, that desperate hope, that shame-born snarl and mischief." Swift ended the letter by turning the head on one of her "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" songs "Mine": "the best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are." Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat. Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.
