Taylor Swift is more than just a pop star—she’s a brilliant businesswoman. Her brand has been carefully crafted from the start of her career, and she’s made strategic moves that have kept her on top of her game. It takes a special kind of person to be able to juggle the demands of a major music career with such grace and poise, but Swift has done it with ease. And her skills in marketing, branding, and merch have made her one of the most successful musicians in history.
When she was 12, she learned to play three chords on a guitar and started writing songs. She won a local talent contest and got the chance to perform as an opening act for country artist Charlie Daniels at the Strausstown amphitheater. This sparked her interest in country music, and she took trips to Nashville to write with up-and-coming songwriters. Eventually, she caught the attention of Scott Borchetta, and he helped her break into country music. She signed a record deal with RCA Records when she was 15, but left when she realized that she wanted to make her own album rather than recording other songwriters’ material.
Her first self-titled album was released in 2006, and it became a breakout hit for Swift. It topped the US Billboard 200, and she went on to win several awards at prestigious award shows including the CMAs, ACMs, and Grammys. She also had success on the world tour for Fearless, which grossed over $63 million.
After a long hiatus, Swift returned to the public eye in 2016 with a new album, reputation. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, and its lead single “Look What You Made Me Do” broke a record for most views in the first 24 hours. It’s safe to say that this was one of the most successful comebacks in history.
“Reputation” is a breakup album at its core, but it’s also an anthem for independence. The tracks explore a range of themes, but the most powerful song is probably “Lover,” which finds Taylor breaking up with the center-right assumptions that have guided her entire life. It’s a deeply affecting track that isn’t just emotionally resonant—it’s an earworm.
With the release of her fifth studio album, reputatio, Swift proved that she still had what it takes to deliver a timeless, enduring hit. The album features a mix of ballads, uptempo dance tracks, and even a collaboration with rapper Nicki Minaj. The album is sure to please her fans, and it’s already been certified diamond in the US. Taylor’s next tour, the reputation world tour, kicks off in 2021. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for her fans. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on all things taylor swift!