Taylor Swift, recently named Person of the Year, delved into the psychological damage she endured during her public feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The interview shed light on the inner workings of the music industry and its treatment of young pop stars.
In an exclusive interview with Time, Swift criticized the industry's short-term approach, highlighting how artists are often discarded at a young age. She emphasized her strategy of reinventing herself with each album, aiming to stay ahead of the industry's tendency to replace artists.
Her critique extended to Big Machine, her former label, which she accused of stifling her creative freedom. She particularly expressed displeasure over the transfer of her album rights to music manager Scooter Braun, leading to a contentious fallout.
The feud between Swift and Braun, stemming from his association with West, took a toll on Swift, especially after the release of West's song "Famous." The subsequent public drama, including Kardashian's leaked phone call, deeply affected Swift's mental health, causing her to retreat from public life.
Reflecting on her album "Reputation," Swift described it as a poignant expression of female rage in the face of societal gaslighting. She also touched upon her personal life, mentioning her relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce.
In addressing comparisons between her tours and Beyoncé's, Swift highlighted the media's tendency to pit women against each other, calling for a more supportive narrative in the industry.
Swift acknowledged the rise of female representation in music, seeing it as a positive shift despite underlying cynicism. She expressed hope that this trend would lead to more opportunities for female artists.
The interview provided an intimate glimpse into Swift's struggles within the music industry and her determination to overcome challenges while advocating for a more supportive environment for female artists.
