“The music industry” is bigger than ever as she embarks on global Eras Tour, becoming a billionaire
When Taylor Swift released her 2010 hit Mean, she clapped back at country critics, singing, “Someday, I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me”. 13 years later, the superstar proved herself right, and all her haters wrong. As of 2023, Swift boasts an iconic discography, a loyal fan base, a sold-out Eras Tour, and a net worth of over $1 billion . She’s doing more than “living in a big, old city” – Swift is completely ruling 2023.
Devoted Swift fans often dub the star “the music industry”. She breaks records at every turn in her career, dominating the Billboard Top Ten and releasing songs that resonate with millions of Swifties. Her catalogue spans everything: devastating break-up ballads, upbeat synth-pop bangers, yeehaw country twang, and poetic indie-folk. Her literary legacy has inspired university courses worldwide, including one at Queen’s University in Kingston. Here, students
devotedly study her stanzas, complete with their Easter eggs and melodic metaphors in the course “Taylor Swift’s Literary Legacy”.
Swift’s Eras Tour further proves that she’s a mastermind. The three-hour performance, which spans Swift’s 19 years of releasing hit after hit, was almost universally described as a career highlight. CNN describes that Eras could become the highest-grossing tour ever.
According to TIME, multiple cities thanked Swift’s Eras Tour for boosting their local economies after the pandemic. Devoted fans shop for outfits, merchandise, dining, and accommodation, totalling hundreds of millions of dollars. Armed with friendship bracelets and polishing up nice in bejeweled costumes, Swifties sell out stadiums and scream/sing her entire discography.
In case you didn’t survive the “Ticketmaster Great War,” the concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour was released in cinemas worldwide this fall. It also became the highest-grossing concert film of all time within its opening weekend, according to Forbes.
Apple Music stated that Swift has “reached a new realm of superstardom” in 2023. Her re-recorded albums are outperforming her original versions as Swifties relive Swift’s musical eras. These albums also feature completely new Vault Tracks, which fans excitedly await.
Consistently, Swift is the most-streamed female artist on both Apple Music and Spotify. Cruel Summer, which was first released in 2019, was one of the biggest songs of this summer. At time of writing, it’s still #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tracks from 1989 (Taylor’s Version), which was released Oct. 27, 2023, are also climbing the charts.
Although 2023 was full of wins for Swift , she has always been a generation-defining success. You could even say she’s never gone out of style.
Swift’s hold on the music industry is undeniable. Throughout her career, she has advocated for artist rights, reclaimed her master records, inspired a confessional style of songwriting, and influenced hundreds of artists.
Swift’s success is largely in thanks of her Swiftie fanbase, some of which have adored the star since she had a Southern accent. Swift’s songs are the soundtracks to so many stories. She interacts with fans through social media and “Secret Sessions”, where she plays albums before release dates and bakes her iconic chai cookies. The recipe for these can actually be found in this issue’s holiday section!
If you’re a Swiftie in Guelph, there are several great ways to meet other fans. The CSA is hosting a Taylor Swift Dance Party on Nov. 24 from 8-11 p.m. That’s the night where you forget about the deadlines, dance like you’re made of starlight, and celebrate Swift’s upcoming Toronto tour dates. You can also get involved with the U of G Swift Society, which can be found on Instagram @uogswiftsoc.
If you’re not a fan of Swift, I would recommend giving her songs a second chance. She’s got country bangers perfect for Aggie Pub, chill songs for study sessions, and pop songs for when all you need is to Shake It Off.
Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, this globally adored blonde cat lady has had an unforgettable year. With her coming to Toronto next year, I’m sure she’ll continue to see success she’s only imagined in her Wildest Dreams.