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It’s not a secret to anyone who knows me how much I adore Taylor Swift. I grew up singing her lyrics into a hairbrush, played her song “22” on repeat when I turned 22, and have seen every tour except one (still bitter, don’t ask).
It’s been fun to be a Taylor Swift fan. She’s produced successful art for over a decade now. But more than her work, I admire her generosity.
During her 1989 concert tour, Swift almost always brought out a guest, including singers like Mick Jagger, Lorde, and The Weeknd as well as cultural icons like Lisa Kudrow, Dwayne Wade, and the World Cup Champions U.S. Women's Soccer National Team.
In her speech for the Woman of the Decade Billboard award, Swift listed emerging artists whose work she respects:
“I see that fire in the newer faces in our industry...I see it in Lizzo, Rosalía, Tayla Pax, Hayley Kiyoko, King Princess, Camilla Cabello, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, Princess Nokia, Nina Nesbitt, Sigrid, Normani, H.E.R., Maggie Rogers, Becky G, Dua Lipa, Ella Mai, Billie Eilish, and so many other amazing women making music right now.”
Recently, Swift even endorsed the debut studio album of Norwegian musician Girl in Red on her instagram.
Her generous attitude has helped Swift cultivate a community of artists who support her when she’s fighting her own industry battles (like the master’s dispute that led to her re-recording past work)—but I don’t think this is what motivates her.
Before Taylor Swift was “Taylor Swift,” her first single was Tim McGraw. At the 2006 Country Music Awards, she played it to McGraw, walking up to him, introducing herself, and shaking his hand. Then, later that year, McGraw offered her the opener spot on his tour. Exposure like that undeniably grew her fanbase in country music. He shared his stage.
I think that history—the idea of artists helping artists—is what motivates her, and it shows through her other efforts to improve the industry…
Her public letter to Apple music made them reverse their policies and pay artists for streams. Her contract with Universal Music Group ensures that all of their artists will profit from Spotify shares. And, on a personal note, her endorsements introduced me to artists that I otherwise wouldn’t have found (although every year my Spotify wrapped reminds me that Swift remains #1).
Rather than treat other artists as competition, Swift recognizes that there’s enough room in the industry for everyone. Rather than fight for a bigger piece of the pie, she fights to improve the conditions for everyone. Rather than guard her stage, she shares it.
~ Natalie, and the Team at Clique Studios
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