Taylor Swift and the Philosophy of Re-recording

Taylor Swift is one of the defining artists of our time – a pop music titan, singer, songwriter, producer, director and business mogul – who is practically an industry in her own right. This is a fascinating and timely collection of essays that pose important questions on themes of artistic identity, ownership, industry mechanics, and how we interpret, understand and experience music in the 21st century. – Roisin O’Connor * Music Editor, The Independent *Examines today’s biggest musical superstar and the most exciting project of her historic career through a unique lens. A rare, thoughtful, and insightful study of the most successful artist of our time – one which will help superfans and casual listeners alike think about her work in entirely new ways. – Hugh McIntyre * Senior Contributor, Forbes *The perfect book for those who want to set aside the hype and the gossip in order to think about the artistry of Taylor Swift. In nine accessible essays, philosophers explore the neglected side of Swift: her status as a recording artist who infuses popular music with artworld complexities. Like Taylor’s Versions themselves, these essays are smart, provocative, and fun. – Theodore Gracyk * Professor of Philosophy, Minnesota State University Moorhead, USA *

Swifties and non-Swifties alike have been enthralled by Taylor’s Versions since they were first announced. This is a fascinating exploration of the big questions behind the music. It encourages fans to think deeply about copyright, personas, meaning, and the music industry itself. It is a must-read not just for scholars interested in the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, but for anyone interested in music, entertainment, andculture itself.

Brandon Polite is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Knox College, USA.