I’m a Taylor Swift fan – but I’m starting to think she’s exploiting us

Issy Packer is sick of Swift’s numerous new song editions (Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images)

Earlier this month, Taylor Swift announced a new release. 

But it wasn’t a new album, or an EP, or a live show. 

It was yet another variation on her album The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD), featuring a new ‘first draft’ version of a single song. 

My first reaction was embarrassment, at myself as a Swiftie, but frankly for Taylor herself.

Previously, when there was an announcement of a brand new version of TTPD, I felt the urge to defend her, the urge to say, ‘She’s doing it for the fans!’ and, ‘She’s giving us what we want!’. 

But four months after the original release, it’s now starting to feel exploitative. 

Just to be clear, this was not the first time Swift has released a new edition of her album, or the second, third or fourth. This latest voice note brings the total number of TTPD variants to almost 40 since its initial release in April. 

And as a proud Swiftie, I’m not afraid to say that I’m sick of it. 

From CDs to mixtapes and vinyls to special and exclusive content including acoustic versions, live performances from her Eras tour and now voice notes, the continuous releasing of different versions of the same song has started to feel downright conniving, and does a disservice to her loyal fans. 

And while at first each album felt like a gift to us, it’s now starting to feel excessive. I think it’s time for Swift to recognise the loyalty of her devotees, who have spent a lot of money on tickets, streaming, and merch – and start to give back to us, rather than taking all the time. 

Many of Swift’s fans are young, they look up to her with such fervour that it’s only right that Swift takes responsibility for taking advantage. 

When it comes to the younger Swifties, it is parents I feel sorry for – because with every release comes pressure for fans, and parents alike, to spend their money. 

Swift joining the elite club makes Issy feel deeply troubled (Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images)

There’s a huge incentive for Swift to keep going as she knows millions will spend the money on every new variant but it’s time she started putting her fans first.

There has been lots of speculation about these releases, with some on social media suspecting that there is more than simply greed to the variations, but instead that they are strategically timed to try and keep other major albums (like Brat by Charli XCX) off the number one spot. 

But no matter the reason, it’s clear that she doesn’t need the money as it was announced last year that Swift became a dollar billionaire due to the earnings from her Eras tour and the value of her music catalogue. 

The addition of any new billionaire to Forbes’ annual list is uncomfortable, no matter who they are. Despite being a huge fan of the musician, Swift joining the elite club makes me feel deeply troubled, and distrusting of her intentions. 

I’m an avid fan of Taylor Swift, and I should be treating every new release with joy. 

But it’s become tiresome. 

I loved TTPD; there are some beautiful songs on there that showcase Swift’s incredible song writing skills and it is her ability to weave such enchanting stories that has garnered her millions of fans all over the world. 

The past few years have seen an oversaturation of Swift’s music, says Issy (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

Millions of fans who would have been overcome with excitement when the album was announced. 

But that was four months ago – and I think it’s safe to say that the shine that came with it has been tarnished. 

The past few years have seen an oversaturation of Swift’s music, thanks in part, to the release of Taylor’s Versions of her first six albums. 

After a dispute with her previous record label, Big Machine, Swift was unable to purchase the copyright in her master recordings and they were subsequently bought by Scooter Braun. 

So I wholeheartedly support Swift’s right to own her work and have welcomed the re-releases, which came as a result.

And while Swift was subject to an injustice over her original recordings, it is her own fans that are now being subject to that same injustice, seeing our devotion to her misused in a bid to boost her bank account and secure her chart status. 

I may be in the minority of Taylor Swift fans, most of whom lap up everything she puts out and may argue that she only releases these versions for her fans who want more and more and more, but it really feels like she’s doing it for herself, and not us. 

I love Taylor Swift, and I’m so excited that I finally get to see her live in London next week. I should be excited about every new release, but these tactics seem underhanded and calculated.

And that’s not how you should be making your fans feel.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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