Scooter Braun says it’s time to ‘move on’ from talking about Taylor Swift’s masters

Scooter Braun is eager to shift the conversation away from his controversial sale of Taylor Swift’s master recordings. During a recent appearance at Bloomberg’s Screentime event in Hollywood, he expressed his desire to move on from the topic, stating, “Five years later, I think it’s time to move on.”

Braun’s remarks come in the wake of the release of the Max docuseries “Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood,” which premiered in June and detailed the fallout from the sale of Swift’s music rights. Reflecting on the documentary, Braun claimed that it contained “a lot of things that were misrepresented.” He emphasized the importance of direct communication in resolving conflicts, suggesting that public disputes on social media often lead to misunderstandings.

“I think that it’s important in any kind of conflict that people actually communicate directly with each other,” Braun said. “Doing it out on social media and in front of the whole world is not the place. When people take the time to stand in front of each other and have a conversation, you usually find out the monster’s not real.” He acknowledged, however, that an in-person conversation with Swift has yet to occur.

The roots of this controversy trace back to 2019, when Braun acquired the master recordings of Swift’s first six albums from her former label, Big Machine Label Group. Swift had publicly objected to the sale, describing it as her “worst-case scenario.” In response, she announced her intention to regain control over her music by re-recording the albums that Braun had purchased.

Since then, Swift has released four re-recorded albums, titled “Taylor’s Version,” which feature previously unreleased tracks labeled as “From the Vault Tracks.” In a heartfelt address to her audience during her Minneapolis Eras Tour last year, she reaffirmed her commitment to owning her music. “I want to own my music, and I believe that any artist who has the desire to own their music should be able to,” she stated.

At the Bloomberg event, Braun was asked which artist’s career he would most like to be involved in. To the surprise of the audience, he named Swift, prompting audible gasps and murmurs from those in attendance. “I think the artist that is one you should always bet on, who is already a huge star, is Taylor Swift,” he said. “She wants it all the time and does what it takes to be present and relevant all the time.”

This unexpected endorsement from Braun adds another layer to their complicated relationship. Swift’s decision to re-record her albums has not only been a personal reclamation but also a strategic move that has resonated with fans and fellow artists alike. By taking back her narrative and artistic control, she has inspired a broader conversation about artist rights in the music industry.

Despite the ongoing tension, Braun’s recent comments may signal a willingness to acknowledge Swift’s undeniable talent and influence. However, the shadow of their past dealings continues to linger, complicating any potential reconciliation.

As both Braun and Swift continue to navigate their careers, the impact of their history will likely remain a topic of interest for fans and industry insiders. Braun’s call to move on from the past suggests he may be ready to focus on new opportunities, yet Swift’s journey toward reclaiming her work demonstrates the enduring significance of artists owning their creative outputs.

In an era where conversations about artist rights and ownership are increasingly prominent, Swift’s story resonates strongly with many in the industry. The evolution of this narrative, particularly as Swift continues to thrive and innovate, will be closely watched.

As the music world evolves, it remains to be seen how both Braun and Swift will shape their futures. For now, it appears that while Braun seeks to put the past behind him, Swift is focused on redefining her legacy and ensuring that her music remains authentically hers. The dialogue surrounding their relationship serves as a reminder of the complexities within the music industry and the ongoing fight for artists’ rights.