#interesting move by umg!

[dreamings-free]

In response, TikTok claims it has reached “'artist-first' agreements with every other label and publisher” and that “Universal's self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans”

31st January 2024 By Surej Singh

Last night (January 30), Universal Music Group (UMG) published an open letter announcing its intention to withdraw music from artists signed to the publisher and label from short-form video platform TikTok, which has since responded in a statement of its own.

A short list of UMG artists whose music is expected to vanish from the platform is Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Drake, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Adele, Coldplay, J Balvin, Post Malone and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – whose 2001 track ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ has gone particularly viral through TikTok following the release of Saltburn.

In its statement, UMG announced that its licensing agreement with TikTok expires today (January 31, 2024) and that negotiations to renew the contract have fallen short. According to Reuters, TikTok and UMG first reached an agreement in February 2021.

-> read the full article on nme.com

[shegatsby]

I'm sorry but I have another idea for a story😅 please take your time to write it again and if you do it can I maybe be "♡🌸"-anon? I hope you had a really good time the last few days and weeks and that you're healthy! Same for anyone else reading this! Now onto the idea..

Hannibal and reader are already married and reader is a tattoo artist, one day when Hannibal comes home from work he sees reader sitting on the couch and sketching a tattoo, the tattoo is deer antlers(wink wink lol-) with vines around them, when he asks who the tattoo is for reader says that its for him and then they go on and on about why its fitting for Hannibal and he's just listening to her rambling before he stops them and asks if they could do a heart tattoo with the words Mischa, Readers name and the name of their child. (I know Mischa is from Hannibal Rising but I like to think that the movies are all connected to the show so.. yeah that would be amazing <3) Reader would say that they already thought of doing a design like that and they accidently slide the wrong way on the iPad and Hannibal sees a picture that says "Congratulions for a second child!" and idk, the rest is up to you!^^

Sorry that its so long again but its just super cite and yeah.. anyway, a good rest of the day to all of you! I hope all of you are healthy and stay/are safe! And I feel with everyone thats also a bit pissed at the situation with Tik Tok and UMG🥲

-♡🌸

A/N; Girll I haven't been writing Hannibal fics for a long time but here we go. Thank you for the request. xxx

You were preoccupied and didn't even heard the door. Soft yet determined steps approached you from the back and strong arms wrapped around you, you looked up to meet your husband's welcoming gaze, he he seemed tired because his work was consuming his hours more than usual. His hands were cold due to the fact that it was a harsh winter day in Baltimore, ''Hey.'' you said smiling, ''Hello dear.'' his voice softened. ''How long have you been sitting here and designing new drawings my love?''

You were self conscious about your designs before you could respond he added, ''Who is this for?''

His interest was piqued ''Do you like it?'' you asked testing the waters. Hannibal observed the design on the tablet, it was deer antlers with veins around them, ''Yes, I actually like it but you didn't answer my question dear.'' he replied with a questioning look in his maroon eyes, ''Its for you and I'm glad you liked it.''

He seemed confused, ''For me? Why do you think this dsign is suitable for me?'' he genuinely asked. You cleared your throat before speaking, ''In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer's life the antlers fall off and grow again and the aniaml is also a symbol of regretion. In Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men.'' you explained, emphasising on the word ''children'' your eyes glowing with passion.

''And you my love,'' you held his hand, ''you are everything and more to us.'' you meant yourself and your daughter Mischa. As if the toddler had sensed that you were talking about her she started crying from her room. ''I'll get her.'' Hannibal said and kissed your temple gently. In moments he came back with Mischa in his arms, he was swaying her gently, ''Cna you also make something,'' he began and caught your attention, you admired the love he held in his eyes for you and your daughter and your hand went to your stomach without realizing, ''Mischa's name in a heart, maybe?'' he suggested, ''I already have.'' he was surprised that you already had thought about it, ''Can I see?''

You showed him the design you had made few weeks ago, ''And I also have other designs maybe you'll like them more.'' you said and moved to the gallery to show more and he made you pause, he held your hand, ''What is it?''

You got a picture of pregnancy test on your latest photos, 'you looked up to meet his gaze, hi clicked on the picture and saw that it was positive, ''Honey are you-'' he began but couldn't finish, ''Yes, yes I'm pregnant!'' you bolted to your feet and hugged your husband and daughter, Hannibal was holding Mischa with one hand and the other hand moved to your neck and kissed you passionately, you let him dominate the kiss. When you parted you were out of breath, ''I'm going to be a father.. again.'' his maroon eyes were glowing with love and warmth for you, Mischa and the new member of the Lecter family.

[rainbowdaisy13]

Wider theory ask here-all of the burning it down,eclipse imagery the heavy bearding. Someone on her mentioned thinking that Taylor might be “fighting” another Great War behind the scenes again. With the news today that her music is back on TikTok’s AND UMG signed that deal with Hype media and scooter AND this album fulfills the contract with UMG……. Do you think that there’s a record label split announcement coming or an announcement of Taylor doing her own record label. So many pap photos this last year were from Electric Lady Studios…. Idk I just have a weird feeling that there’s something going on behind the scenes with the mount of roses,exposure,deal with the NFL,the leaked emails with Scott swift,the weird paparazzi altercation in Australia etc in addition to the Eras Tour, even Karlies return to modeling,media acquisitions…. You need promotion for a new record label. The whole name of TTPD, department is usually a section of a buisness right? Idk just lots of interesting pieces.The last time I had this feeling it was the Lover era….

I would not be shocked by any major announcement she makes in terms of making her own big moves in the industry—we know she’s supposedly directing something?! That was such a weird little drop last year and then we hear nothing more. I agree she was purposely papped so much at Electric Lady it does seem intentional

Her using the word Chairman has always made me 😒 bc it also seems intentional vs President or CEO or Director which says to me that TTPD is more like an afterschool club or secret society Vs a business

Which now that I’m extrapolating maybe it’s more imagery about her moving away from TS the Business? 🧐

[idsb]

What's really bonkers to me is that if universal actually invested in making quality products from sustainable sources and hired interesting designers to make cool stuff, they would make so much more money because more people would buy more merch! Like I have no intention of buying any of the eras merch because I've heard the quality was so bad.

YUP. Although, the sad thing is, I think if we're at the point of them bullying record stores into almost not being able to move her albums at all (since there'd be a decline in buying from UMG atp otherwise because they're so bad at what they do), we're actually too late-stage-capitalism-ed for that statement, even. To me this is reaching the territory of, like, "corporation cannot even spend money to fulfill its actual supposed purpose in the name of keeping the illusion of exponential growth"

[waitmyturtles]

I so wish I had some good analysis on UMG, because, gah, I really wanna like it! I mean: Nanon x Namtan x Milk x Drake x Sing! Come onnnnnnnnnn. Nanon and Milk in love, really? This must be good, right?

I’m caught up on the series now after my trip, and the show is just totally flat. Nanon’s acting, before Milk/Erng showed up, was fabulous — heartbroken, yearning. The mystery of the missing Erng was still out there. There was great attraction tension between Nanon and Namtan/Fahsai, especially when Fahsai discovered she had a rival in Erng. They were all a part of this mystery explorers club, and we were going to learn why they were all interested in the otherworldly, right?

Totally wrong. I dunno. At least in the club settings, these students almost seem like bored dilettantes, but that's a little too harsh. What I mean to say is: I am not convinced as to why any of them want to BE in this club. I'm not convinced that Fahsai is ACTUALLY INTERESTED in aliens, because no compelling reason or background has been given to it -- the only flashback background we're given is between Nanon/Mew and Erng.

And lord, the kid actors are out-acting Nanon and Milk. I'm way more convinced that the kid versions of Mew and Erng will get together! I don't know why, but it seems like Nanon and Milk are holding themselves back from some real emotion! Yes, we need to discover more about Milk and why she's been held captive by the aliens (and okay, maybe Mew has some hesitation about getting with someone who could freeze his ass, but ANYWAY) -- the script isn't allowing anyone to feel anything. It's this mismashy mix of comedy (ill-placed), emotion (not really going far), sexual tension (Fahsai is totally flat -- girl, just MAKE YOUR MOVES ON MEW!), bad camera work and cinematography (why those close-up shots of Mew and Kit, wth?), and just dumb dialogue (we didn't need that whole alien vs. monster thing in episode 5, my god!).

Add this to the lack of investment in GMMTV's SFX department (I'm looking at you, Midnight Museum), and there's a lot to complain about. I'm unfortunately invested in what will happen with this alien that's just showing up in public now (I guess they have fabulous eyelashes on other planets) that I'll watch this for a few more episodes. But I'm peeved that I spent my last two nights catching up with this instead of watching The Eighth Sense, which I'm going to binge ASAP. This was a huge wasted opportunity for Nanon and Milk to build something together, and Nanon was WAY WAY better in Midnight Museum (at least in the few episodes I peeped mid-series), so I know this is the script and not his acting. There was a lot of potential here for UMG, and I'm not holding out hope that it gets better -- but I always remain open to optimism.

[madampoewrites]

⎘ INTO THE SOFIA-VERSE :

(edit inspo from the lovely @soungodly)

ABOUT SOFIA:

Sofia Louise Carter (professionally known as Sabrina Carpenter) was born on September 13, 2001, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dahlia and Brian Carter. She is the younger cousin of Vivian Lombardi; Sofia’s mother is the little sister of Helen Lombardi. Her parents are law officials; her mother is an assistant district attorney and her father is a criminal defense attorney. Despite her parents’ judicial background, Sofia’s talents and interests in the arts would dictate the future she’d soon pursue.

Sofia would start uploading singing covers onto YouTube. She’d soon transition to acting, a small role in Law & Order: SVU. In 2013, she’d secure a reoccurring role in the Disney Channel series, Girl Meets World. In 2014, she’d release her debut single, Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, which was co-written by Meghan Trainor. April 2015 saw the release of her debut studio album, Eyes Wide Open. During this time, her family would move to Manhattan due to job opportunities her parents were offered. Between 2016 - 2022, Sofia released four studio albums; displaying her genre versatility and singing capabilities.

In 2021, she’d sign with UMG’s Island Records and soon released her record label debut, Skin. The song would debut at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100, being her first entry on the chart. July 2022 would see the release of her fifth studio album, Emails I Can't Send. Emails… debuted and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200, making it her highest entry on the chart to date. In June 2023, it was announced that Sofia would be the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour for a number of its Latin American, Australian and Singaporean dates throughout 2023 and 2024.

On April 11, 2024, Carpenter released the single Espresso. Espresso topped the Billboard Global 200 and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released on June 6, 2024, the second single from the album, Please Please Please, became her second global chart-topper and her first US number-one single. With these songs, she became the first female artist to hold the number one and two positions on the UK singles chart for three weeks in a row.

When she’s not in the studio or on-set, she often travels between New York and California, visiting her cousin, Vivian. May of 2024, Sofia graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music, specifically Jazz Theory.

INFLUENCES:

Sofia names R&B and soul as genres that influence her the most. Growing up, Sofia was exposed to 70s and 80s vinyl and grew an extreme liking to Gwen Guthrie, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Etta James. In 2011, she’d perform Etta James’ Something’s Got a Hold on Me at the Gold Mango Audience Festival in China. She can play the guitar and is a self-taught Jazz and Soul pianist.

DISCLAIMER ⚠︎︎: This a purely fictional and semi-original portrayal of Sabrina Carpenter. Black, female writer. 21+ This is NOT a lewd or DTF account, so do not approach with sexual advances; you will be ignored! MDNI.

[yessadirichards]

Songs by Taylor Swift, Drake and more starting to disappear from TikTok

NEW YORK

TikTok may look (or sound) a little different when you scroll through the app going forward.

Earlier this week, Universal Music Group — which represents big-name artists like Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and Drake — said that it would no longer allow its music on TikTok following the Wednesday expiration of a licensing deal between the two companies.

Now, the takedown of UMG-related music has begun, ByteDance-owned TikTok confirmed to The Associated Press. As of early Thursday, a vast roster of popular songs had disappeared from the social media platform's library.

The complete removal of UMG-licensed music might not be immediate — but chances are, avid TikTokers are already seeing the effects. Here's a rundown of where things stand.

The songs getting pulled from TikTok are those that are licensed by UMG — which carries an enormous reach across the music industry and, consequently, our digital diet today.

“Universal Music Group is literally the largest record label... in the history of the music industry,” said Andrew Mall, an associate professor of music at Northeastern University. An “uncountable number of tracks and sounds” would be impacted on TikTok, he added, significantly limiting options for creators.

TikTok users signing on Thursday will see that they are no longer able to search for many popular songs — including music from Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo and more — under the “sounds” tab.

In addition to users no longer having the option of adding these songs to next dance craze and other trending content, past videos featuring UMG-licensed music will also be scrubbed. According to a UMG spokesperson, whether these existing videos are muted or taken down entirely will be up to TikTok.

Artists will also not be able to post the audio of their UMG-licensed songs on TikTok. If the music has a UMG license, it should be muted, the spokesperson said — noting the company will protect its copyrights.

Tour clips of artists could also be affected, if those songs are represented by UMG, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. This can become tricky if there are multiple songwriters, as recordings from other labels could also be affected, the person added.

Complete removal will likely be a process, so it may take a few days for TikTokers see the full effects. It's also important to note that music licensing is a complicated business and artists often have different songs that move through different labels. While a singer's UGM tracks will be removed, songs licensed exclusively with other music giants (like Warner and Sony-owned labels, for example) shouldn't be impacted.

The expiration of licensing between UMG and TikTok arrived after the two companies were unable to reach a new agreement — and soon shared heated exchanges.

In a Tuesday letter addressed to artists and songwriters, UMG said that it had been pressing TikTok on three issues: “appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.”

UMG said that TikTok proposed paying its artists and songwriters at a rate that’s a fraction of the rate that other major social platforms pay, adding that TikTok makes up only about 1% of its total revenue. The music giant also took issue with TikTok's promotion of AI music creation — which UMG says poses risks to human artists — and the platform's record with what it says is hate speech, bigotry, bullying and harassment.

TikTok pushed back against claims by UMG, saying that it has reached “artist-first” agreements with every other label and publisher.

“It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters,” TikTok said.

Despite the licensing deal's expiration, experts note that we're still a moment of negotiation between UMG and TikTok — and it probably won't last forever.

“We’ve seen this movie before. It’s a wonderful, theatrical stand-off between two very major corporations... who are wanting to assert their authority on the landscape,” said former president of UMG's Virgin EMI Records Ted Cockle, who now runs music advisory company called Mussel Music Management.

Users will likely find ways to adjust in the meantime, Cockle added, but he and others doubt that such a standoff will last long — noting that a partnership between UMG and TikTok is significantly beneficial to both parties. Historically speaking, Mall said, gaps for other licensing agreements in the 21st century's digital era have typically lasted just a day to up to a few months.

There will also likely be added pressure from TikTok creators, artists and their fans.

“This is a platform that’s really important for artists,” said Alexandra J. Roberts, a professor of law and media at Northeastern University. “It might not affect established artists as much, but some of them are going to lose revenue streams. And I think we’re going to see frustrated fans, right? Users who don’t understand or are angry about the fact that they can’t use or access or engage with some artists' work.”

Representatives for several artists with UMG-licensed music — including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, SZA, Drake, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish — did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment.

Mall stressed the overall consequences of pulling music from social media platforms like TikTok — particularly for younger developing artists. In this situation, UMG’s revenue mostly comes from well-known artists who will probably be “just fine” if their music is no longer on TikTok, he said, but “smaller labels, smaller artists (couldn’t) afford to do something like this.”

Content creators and marketing experts are already preparing to pivot as needed. Jessica Henig, founder and CEO of music marketing firm Unlocked Branding who is works on campaigns involving UMG-licensed music, said it's not ideal, but that her team has grown accustom to working through delays across the social media landscape.

Still, Henig, who previously headed influencer marketing at Virgin EMI, said time will tell.

“If this is going to be a longevity thing, then we might have a different conversation," she said.

TikTok’s standoff with Universal isn’t the first time a recording label has gone head-to-head with a social media company over licensing terms. In late 2008, Warner Music Group pulled all of its music from YouTube, saying the payments it received from the video-sharing site did not fairly compensate the label, its artists or songwriters. Warner agreed to return songs and music videos months later after reaching a new deal with YouTube.

[andronicmusicblog]

Skrillex says the next big music-sharing app after TikTok will be whatever accessible to the younger generations

Skrillex recently shared his thoughts on the future of music-sharing apps, specifically TikTok, which recently saw all of Universal Music Group's music removed from its platform. In an interview with Complex at the Grammys, the American DJ and music producer talked about the platform's impact on skyrocketing emerging artists to success. He noted that the landscape of music is constantly evolving, and the new stuff that youths are making is what's driving the change. This is similar to what happened with SoundCloud, which became popular because it was easy for people to use.

It is unclear what will happen to TikTok following UMG's decision to remove all of its music from the platform. The move came after the record label accused TikTok of attempting to “bully” them into accepting a deal that was worth less than the previous one and below fair market value. This is likely to have a direct impact on TikTok user satisfaction, as UMG represents some of the biggest artists on the planet, including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and BTS.

Many artists, like Grammy-nominated Noah Kahan, are concerned that they can no longer share new music on the app that made them famous. Responding to UMG's announcement, TikTok expressed its disappointment, saying that the label had put its own greed above the interests of its artists and songwriters. The company also highlighted that the platform, with well over a billion users, serves as a free promotion and discovery vehicle for their talent.

[saintlaurentproblems]

This move by UMG might actually have a positive effect on charts. No more TikTok songs we're bringing the *real* hits back

This could be interesting

[eggmcmuffsyr]

how AI powered tools will change the revenue models for artists

The article explores discussions between Google and Universal Music Group regarding a potential collaboration to license artists' voices for AI-generated music. The objective is for users to employ AI to create new songs with musicians' voices and melodies, with Google compensating UMG through licensing fees. The talks are still in the early stages, and artists would be given the choice to participate. Another major player, Warner Music, is reportedly engaged in similar discussions with Google about an AI music tool.

Here are some key takeaways and its impact

Ownership and Reputational Challenges:The emergence of audio deepfakes has triggered concerns about ownership and potential harm to artists' reputations in the music industry. The article references a previous incident involving an AI-generated song featuring Drake and The Weeknd, which faced copyright infringement issues. UMG strongly criticized the deepfake, emphasizing the responsibility of platforms to prevent harm to artists

Legalizing AI-Generated Music: The proposed collaboration aims to establish a legal framework for incorporating artists' voices into AI-generated music. This could potentially address copyright concerns and offer fans a legitimate way to create music. However, uncertainties linger about how such arrangements would safeguard artists' reputations and whether they would derive financial benefits through licensing fees.

Artists' Perspectives:The article underscores that certain artists, including Drake, have expressed reservations about AI being used to replicate their voices without consent. Conversely, some artists like Grimes see generative AI as an opportunity to collaborate with fans, permitting the use of their voices and sharing royalties.

Ethical Considerations:Despite potential legal resolutions through licensing agreements, ethical dilemmas persist. The article draws parallels with other industries, such as literature and film, where AI-generated content raises ethical questions. It mentions the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which involves a proposal to use AI-generated likenesses, as another illustration.

Potential Impact:

If the discussions between Google and UMG succeed, it could establish a precedent for the legitimate use of AI-generated music, offering a structured approach to licensing and compensating artists.

The move reflects the industry's need to adapt to evolving technologies, but it introduces challenges related to ethics, reputation management, and the financial interests of artists.

The involvement and protection of artists will be pivotal in determining the success and acceptance of such agreements within the music industry.

In summary, while the potential collaboration addresses legal concerns associated with AI-generated music, it introduces fresh complexities related to ethics, artist reputation, and financial considerations. Industry stakeholders are likely to closely monitor how such collaborations navigate technological innovation while respecting artists' rights and ethical considerations.

[septembersghost]

collider. com/taylor-swift-eras-tour-film-studios/ "Furthermore, both parties have agreed to allow cinemas to showcase the film for a duration of up to 26 weeks, setting the stage for substantial financial gains for both parties involved..." Up to 6 months/end of April? Hmm, I wonder if she'd release WW sooner if tix have sold out. Maybe a discount to countries not on tour stop? Will other UMG artists follow suit- Drake, Post M., Jonas Bros, Olivia R, Billie E., Morgan W.? Some on tour now.

it's such a power move, and of course taylor has the resources, support, and business savvy (herself and her parents) to pull it off, likely in a way many artists couldn't do just because of her unique position in how her everything is structured for her. that said, it will be so interesting to see if this shakes things up and n.the industry or sets a precedent for any other artists thinking about following suit and who have the ability to bypass the studios.

[berlinini]

Zayn did 0 promo for his last 2 albums. His label didn’t support him at all. He has moved to a new label. It is good that it looks like he has their support. UMG is the label on which Niall and Liam are.

I think his music will do really well. I think his fanbase is big and eager. They have been waiting for new music. He is talented so we know it’s going to be good no matter what. Hopefully with a push from the label he gets things like radioplay and play listing that is all that matters at the end of the day as we have seen. That was the difference between his first album and his subsequent two.

The cynical side of me says, both Liam and Zayn are on the same label and are going to be releasing new music, of course their label is looking for synergies.

Yeah, jokes apart about the 1D baiting, I think Zayn has a very good position with the GP. He's still a household name from leaving 1D, his first singles which were major hits and also just being famous in general (Gigi helped). People know who Zayn is. He has a solild fanbase for his solo stuff and since he's doing a genre of music that none of the 1D guys are doing + he's crazy talented, I feel like a few singles that are well marketed and get radio plays will allow him to 'make a comeback'. That's if that's what he wants obviously.

But all signs points to a new beginning that's more active and of course any new label will want him to succeed and bring in some money. If they put all the stops, they will have him on the big promo circuit because I think there is a general interest for him (once again, if he's willing to do it).

The question remains if he's ever going to perform live again - because wihtout that, there are clear limits to his career growing, knowing that touring is one of the most profitable venue for musicians.

[mirabella96]

UMG ep 8

I am not sure if am like WHY WOULD YOU BRING THIS ALIEN HOME or ohhhhhh he adopted the alien

So the story od Apollo astronauts is really moving and I really like the conversation the characters are having, BUT it's not a metaphor for love triangle XD

This series is no subtle at all

YOU ARE LYING YOU MADE MEW CRY I CANNOT BELIEVE

Oh finally sth really interesting!

[haylorology]

Lol, it's fun sending stuff u may like ;)

Hmm, she didn't feature on many songs, but I've enjoyed the ones she did- "Two is Better than One" is a fave too. I was watching the mv "Highway Don't Care" she did w/ Tim McGraw & Keith Urban- interesting that in video that their reflections on broken mirror are featured- reminded me how she used it in Style mv later. I like listening to The Town by Niall Horan with it (Highway theme, lol).

Speaking of McGraw, TS was the 1st client for her Indie label- but big names joined afterward- Tim Mcgraw, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, etc. By '15 SB bought out an investor & owned 90%* - silent partner Toby Keith** in '05 had bought 10% share for $400k (one of the richest country singers- a self-made businessman). TK had also started a separate label- but it didn't do as well. According to Buzzfeed, early on ('05?), TS's father bought a 3% stake in the company for a reported $300k. (Not sure how shares were split by the time the company was sold).

Interesting '18 article excerpt:

"...Any deal Swift would accept will presumably include control of her new masters. And while Big Machine could sweeten the pot by offering the masters of her first five albums, I strongly doubt the label would take this step. A person with knowledge of the business told Variety that 80 percent of Big Machine’s revenue is derived from those albums today. In a streaming-dominant world, giving up those masters might be too big a loss to take, even if keeping them means forgoing the chance to profit on Swift’s future work.

Big Machine may also be betting that Swift has plateaued. Swift’s most recent album, “Reputation,” sold significantly fewer copies than its predecessor, “1989.” The label may feel that it will do better to hold on to the masters for the five albums it has than to give them up just to stay in the Taylor Swift business."^

*https://musicrow.com/2015/09/borchetta-holds-90-percent-of-big-machine-at-10-year-anniversary/

**https://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/end-decade-country-star-toby-keith-will-billionaire/

^https://www.palisadeshudson.com/2018/09/taylor-swift-is-her-own-big-machine/

Regarding re-recordings- others tried like Def Leppard in '11 (dispute with UMG^^) & Prince (who had 17 records)- but I heard it just made the originals more valuable. So for some it was a mix opinion if TS should bother with the cost or effort.

^^https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/oct/20/artists-rerecording-old-hits

Did you know TS had a Def Leppard connection & did a Country Crossover special '08 w/ them?

Other info on streaming: https://www.thedailybeast.com/taylor-swift-follows-prince-the-artist-who-tamed-the-corporate-giant

Don’t wink at me anon I get flustered 😳😂

But anyway I have many options of why Taylor did the best move of her career by re-recording. She now could have any song she wants and as many as she wants and she did spoil us with red tv ngl. Other celebrities couldn’t compare to Taylor even if they were as famous lol. And to answer your question I don’t think tay did a crossover with Def Lappard lol I don’t think Taylor will go back to country, her style of writing is so different now listening to midnight and watching miss Americana pretty much confirms it for me. But not saying she can’t write country music so maybe but idk lol

[waitmyturtles]

Quick notes on two Sunday dramas:

1) The End of the World, With You, episode 7: we’re almost at the finish line, Ritsu had a few revelations, he showed off an INSANE EIGHT-PACK, DID I COUNT CORRECTLY, Masumi and Ritsu are back together. I really liked the middle episodes of this series, but for some reason, TEOTWWY isn’t carrying me through to the end. I just don’t know why this show didn’t gel for me. That being said: I was moved by the ending of this episode, of Masumi seeing Madoka’s altar, and watching the notion of death become a reality in that instant. 

Okay, I take a little of this back: I WAS also moved by the river scene, of Masumi admitting he would have never done anything like that before, taking a river bath in the middle of the day. And seeing Ritsu so moved by Masumi’s admission -- and seeing the flashbacks of what Ritsu felt towards Masumi after college. (Although I thought the post-breakup scenes of Masumi were overblown.)

I might be missing this series for what it has to offer simply by reading too much into it. I’m going to watch the final episode next week and take it down a notch by just WATCHING IT, rather than looking for the hallmarks of what I’ve seen from Miki Koichiro in the past. 

2) UMG, episode 1: I’m watching this for Nanon and Milk (let’s see...Manon? Minon? Nilk?) Two 10-year old kids, Mew (Nanon) and Erng (Milk) are best friends, with Mew in love with Erng. Erng disappears mysteriously in a forest and is assumed dead. Ten years later, Mew joins a college club that investigates paranormal activity, and inadvertently joins the investigation of the missing Erng. The show has Namtan Tipnaree, who I don’t know yet, but is DARLING in her role as a gal who’s interested in aliens and wants to help Mew in his search for Erng. She cute. 

I’d be watching Midnight Museum instead, but I don’t do ghosts and related scary shit. I’m also committed to trying to mix up my shows from QL-land (especially as I’m on the Old GMMTV Challenge journey -- my head needs a break from the historical watches). UMG is only 10 episodes, so this will hopefully be an easy watch, and I’m absolutely loving a) the way it’s filmed -- it’s giving a little Jojo/Dirty Laundry at the moment, and b) Drake as Mew’s friend has me cracking the hell up. Luv you, Korn. It’s cute, light, whatever -- we’ll see about it!

[kindahoping4forever]

Merch anon here, I have figured out my refund situation. I guess they had shipped my Wildflower keychain already which is great so I can get one thing. Because of that I can't get my shipping money back, I had forgotten to use the free shipping code in March last year and they wouldn't let me add it after my order. But my refund is correct even if it is less than half of what I paid which is still insane to get one physical item but whatever. I hope the new store is better cause this sucks.

I finally got my refund this weekend and had to spend time trying to piece it together as well! I didn't get an itemized refund receipt -or any notice from them of the refund, just the alert from my bank- so it's hard to tell how it breaks down beyond the cost of the zines (as far as what's tax and if shipping - I didn't get my free code until after my order was placed 🤦🏻‍♀️- was pro-rated at all) but yeah, I ended up with a little over half of what I paid, and I will also end up with a single item. It's the item I would've picked to end up with given the choice and at this point, I'm glad to see it all resolving but yeah it was all a pretty epic disaster. 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's cool you're at least getting your keychain after all that! I'm assuming the merch store for the next era will largely depend on what label they end up signing with, so we'll see 🥺👀