65: Deep Dive: Taylor Swift, Scooter Braun, Scott Borchetta, and the Fight to Own Her Masters

Another week, another complex pop culture phenomenon that warrants a deep dive. In this episode, Kate discussed the complicated nature of the discussion surrounding the sale of Taylor Swift's former label, Big Machine, to Scooter Braun, manager of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Karlie Kloss, and formerly Kanye West. We discuss the two main points of Taylor's Tumblr statement that are directed toward industry heavy hitters: her perceptions of Scott Borchetta's betrayal and her account of Scooter's bullying, and the implications of her being unable to own her master recordings. Kate goes through the background of her and Big Machine, why this was such a betrayal to Taylor, why no one seems to understand she wasn't given an opportunity to outright buy her masters, and why Scott's decision seems more like a controlling power play than purely a business decision. She also goes into historic examples of artists fighting for their masters and explains the deal Taylor Swift turned down that made them available for sale to the man she claims bullied her in 2016. Also, which celebrities responded? Whose side are they on? Does it matter? Why is Yael stuck in the 1950s? etc. She also answers people's questions from Instagram and gives plenty of her own opinions on how women who speak out are still being treated in 2019. A lot to unpack here, hence the two hours, but it's not a shallow dive! Please give us a 5 star review and enjoy!