Taylor Swift, recently crowned the most influential figure in the music industry by Billboard’s Power 100 list, has shared insights into the pivotal risk that transformed her life.
Traditionally, key industry players such as record label and streaming platform CEOs, legal professionals, and managers are credited with major decisions. However, this year, the spotlight shifted to an unexpected source – the artist herself, who was recognised as the mastermind behind numerous record-breaking achievements.
In an interview with Billboard, Swift opened up about the importance of venturing beyond established industry norms, advising fellow executives on the list to consider ideas that defy precedent.
“The piece of advice I would give to the other executives on this list is that the best ideas are usually ones without industry precedent,” she said.
“The biggest crossroads moments of my career came down to sticking to my instincts when my ideas were looked at with skepticism. When someone says to me, ‘But that has never been done successfully before,’ it fires me up.”
Highlighting the necessity of taking strategic risks in the dynamic music industry, Swift emphasised the occasional need to trust one’s instincts and take bold leaps,
“We have to take strategic risks every day in this industry, but every once in a while, you have to really trust your gut and take a flying leap,” she continued.
“My rerecordings are my favorite example of this, and I’m extremely grateful to my team and fans for taking that leap with me because it absolutely changed my life.”
Swift’s impact extends beyond the realm of music production. Her daring move into filmmaking with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour resulted in a staggering $261.6 million US (AUD $400 million) in global box office revenue.
The artist’s multifaceted success over the past year has set the stage for a potentially historic moment at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
At 34, Swift is poised to break new ground by aiming to secure her fourth album of the year Grammy, a feat yet to be achieved by any artist.
Currently tied at three wins with legends Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon, Swift’s track Anti-Hero also positions her for potential victories in the record and song of the year categories.
