After being with Sony/ATV for several years since she joined the music industry as a 14-year-old,Taylor Swift has now signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.
The switch does not come as a shocker, seeing Taylor’s recent tiff with Scoot Braun and issues regarding her music rights. The switch puts all of Swift’s future creative output under the Universal banner and even reunites Swift with her former Sony/ATV Nashville head Troy Tomlinson, who is now the chairman/CEO of UMPG Nashville in July 2019.
Taylor released a statement about her joy of being reunited with Tomlinson and the opportunity to work with UMPG’s overall chairman/CEO, Jody Gerson.
“I’m proud to extend my partnership with Lucian Grainge and the Universal Music family by signing with UMPG and for the opportunity to work with Jody Gerson, the first woman to run a major music publishing company. Jody is an advocate for women’s empowerment and one of the most-respected and accomplished industry leaders. … Troy Tomlinson has been an amazing part of my team for over half my life and a passionate torchbearer for songwriters. It’s an honor to get to work with such an incredible team, especially when it comes to my favorite thing in the world: songwriting.”
“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Taylor since she was 14 years old and she still amazes me daily,” Tomlinson said in a statement.
“Taylor’s songs, vision and unwavering determination have always been an inspiration. I am so happy and so proud to continue representing Taylor and her music, and I am confident that UMPG will be the best, most creative partner in providing unparalleled opportunities for her songs.”
While Gerson said, “We are honored to welcome Taylor Swift to UMPG. Using her power and voice to create a better world, Taylor’s honest and brave songwriting continues to be an inspiration to countless fans. We look forward to further amplifying Taylor’s voice and songs across the globe.”