"You continue to inspire": Carole King praises Taylor Swift for reclaiming her masters

On May 30, 2025, Taylor Swift announced that she had secured the original master recordings for her first six studio albums. She had been working toward this goal since Scooter Braun acquired her old record label, Big Machine Records, in 2019.

Reports indicate she spent around $360 million to regain those masters. Carole King reshared Swift’s announcement on her Instagram story and added the message,

“You continue to inspire.”

King’s brief comment drew attention to the steady effort Taylor Swift put into this process without using overly enthusiastic language.

---

Explaining why owning master recordings matters to Taylor Swift

A master recording is the original version of a song or album from which all copies are made. When an artist owns the masters, they control how their music is reproduced, distributed, or used in media such as films or advertisements.

In Taylor Swift’s case, her early contract with Big Machine Records gave the label ownership of those masters. To work around this, Swift began re-recording her first albums under the label “Taylor’s Version,” creating new masters that she owns outright. By buying back the original masters, Swift regained full control over the exact recordings that first launched her career.

Also Read: Refused announces plans to support Palestinian causes through European tour donations

---

Remembering the connection between Carole King and Taylor Swift

Carole King and Taylor Swift have crossed paths several times over the past few years. In 2019, King presented Swift with the Artist of the Decade Award at the American Music Awards, noting Swift’s skill as a songwriter and performer.

Then, in 2021, Swift honored King at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction by performing King’s song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” King recognized Swift’s tribute and spoke about the importance of artists writing their own material.

When Swift announced the purchase of her masters, King’s phrase “You continue to inspire” acknowledged the shared respect between two singer-songwriters from different eras.

Also Read: Linkin Park extends From Zero World Tour with 2026 dates: All you need to know

---

How Taylor Swift’s effort to reclaim her masters affects other artists

Swift’s journey to regain ownership has sparked discussions about how record deals are structured. Many artists sign contracts early in their careers without realizing they might give up rights to their recordings.

By re-recording her early albums and buying back the original masters, Taylor Swift highlighted the value of understanding contract details and remaining aware of long-term rights. Her actions have encouraged other musicians to look into their agreements and consider the implications of master ownership. Though not every artist has Swift’s resources, her case serves as an example of how one can negotiate or renegotiate terms to maintain creative control.

Also Read: "Weird Al" Yankovic 2025 tour: How to get tickets, dates, venues, and more explored

---

As of June 2, 2025, the music community continues to reflect on the significance of owning one’s masters. Swift’s success story has prompted conversations about transparency and fairness in artist-label relationships.

Carole King’s acknowledgement of Taylor Swift’s efforts underscores the idea that persistence and clarity about one’s work can lead to meaningful outcomes. This moment shows fans why owning original recordings matters beyond streaming numbers or chart positions.

The phrase “You continue to inspire” reminds emerging artists that standing up for their creations can influence both their careers and industry practices.