The Reality of Masters and Re-Recording: A Case Study on Taylor Swift

Author – Debapriya Biswas, Student at Amity Law School, Noida

Best Citation – Debapriya Biswas, The Reality of Masters and Re-Recording: A Case Study on Taylor Swift, ILE Competition and Company Law Journal, 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 29-33, ISBN – 978-81-961120-6-6.

Abstract

With the ever-evolving music, humanity has advanced in both the genres of music as well as the technology to record it. Due to this advancement, the concept of separate copyright regarding sound recording was made – giving protection to the unique method of recording and publishing music that one may often use.

In the current times, this copyright is owned and practised by the Record Labels, making an unfavourable scene of monopoly. This paper focuses on the reality of Masters attained by the Record Labels while also exploring the aspect of copyright law behind the songs one enjoys listening to in their daily life.

In addition to that, the case study of the popular artist Taylor Swift is also covered in this paper, helping us explore the loopholes that she used to get out of such monopoly; that is, re-recording six of her previous albums. The paper legally analyses the legality behind such a move and the impact it can bring in the future music industry.

Keywords: Sound Recording, Copyright, Synchronization Rights, Taylor Swift and Re-recordings.