Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, was released as a double album on April 19, accompanied by a surprise second album called The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. This release included a total of 31 new songs, including the four bonus tracks that were previously only available on the CD variant editions of the record. Additionally, Swift has agreed to allow some of her songs back on TikTok, after a dispute between the app and Universal Music Group led to a massive music removal in early February. Swift’s ownership of her recordings gives her the ability to make decisions like this, showcasing her power as an artist.
The dispute between TikTok and Universal Music Group began on February 1, when UMG started pulling songs from the app one day after their licensing contract expired. This led to users being unable to include UMG songs in their videos, prompting TikTok to address the issue and criticize UMG’s actions. The root of the issue lies in UMG’s desire for fair compensation for their artists and songwriters, as well as concerns about AI, and online safety for users. Despite the ongoing disagreement, there may still be a possibility for artists with ownership rights, like Swift, to work directly with TikTok and come to an agreement.
Popular Swift tracks like Cruel Summer, You Belong With Me, and Lover have been spotted back on TikTok as of April 12, allowing users to include these songs in their videos once again. Swift will be spending the rest of 2024 on her Eras Tour, which will resume on May 9 in Paris and continue across Europe and Canada. The tour is highly anticipated by fans, and the last scheduled date at the time of writing is on December 8 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This ongoing tour showcases Swift’s live performance skills and allows fans to experience her music in a different setting.
The decision to release a double album and companion anthology, along with the move to put her songs back on TikTok, demonstrates Swift’s ability to navigate the music industry with strategic decisions that benefit both her and her fans. By owning the rights to her recordings, Swift has the autonomy to make choices that align with her values and goals as an artist. This latest chapter in her career solidifies her position as a powerhouse in the music industry, with a dedicated fan base and a unique approach to engaging with her audience through her music and performances.
