Taylor Swift's Variant Strategy: Superfans Buy Multiple Albums - Episode Hero Image

Taylor Swift's Variant Strategy: Superfans Buy Multiple Albums

Planet Money · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title: Capitalism (Taylor's Version) (25-minute Podcast Version)

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Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Podcasts

  • Today, Explained (Vox's daily news podcast) - This episode was a segment from Today, Explained, which focuses on explaining one new story each afternoon.

People Mentioned

  • Noel King - Hosted the segment about Taylor Swift's business tactics.
  • Elias Light (Reporter on music for The Wall Street Journal) - Interviewed about Taylor Swift's album sales strategies and the music industry.
  • Ann Powers (Critic and correspondent for NPR Music) - Provided critical analysis of Taylor Swift's latest album and her public perception.
  • Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi - Host of Planet Money.
  • Ariana Escudero - Producer of the Today, Explained episode segment.
  • Amina Al-Sadi - Producer of the Today, Explained episode segment.
  • Laura Bullard - Producer of the Today, Explained episode segment.
  • Adrian Lily - Producer of the Today, Explained episode segment.
  • Adele - Mentioned as setting a previous record for album sales with "25" and for her strategy regarding streaming.
  • Sabrina Carpenter - Mentioned for using album variants to compete for the number one spot against Travis Scott.
  • Travis Scott - Mentioned for using album variants to compete for the number one spot against Sabrina Carpenter.
  • Charlie XCX - Allegedly the subject of a "crass song" on Taylor Swift's album.
  • Zane Lowe - Hosted an interview with Taylor Swift on Apple Music where she discussed her approach to criticism.
  • Beyoncé - Referenced for her strategy of connecting personal stories with broader social issues in her music, particularly with her album "Cowboy Carter" and the song "16 Carriages."
  • Mick Jagger - Referenced in a discussion about whether artists are expected to show constant "growth" throughout their careers.
  • President Trump - Referenced in the context of the term "canceled" and its association with the MAGA movement.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Wall Street Journal - Elias Light reports on music for this publication.
  • NPR Music - Ann Powers is a critic and correspondent for this organization.
  • Apple Music - Mentioned as the platform for Zane Lowe's interview with Taylor Swift.

Albums Mentioned

  • "25" by Adele - Held the previous record for album sales before Taylor Swift's latest release.
  • "The Tortured Poet's Department" by Taylor Swift - Her previous album, which also received some backlash.
  • "Cowboy Carter" by Beyoncé - Mentioned for its critical reception and a specific lyric from the song "16 Carriages."

Songs Mentioned

  • "Hello" by Adele - The massive first single from "25" that was initially the only song available for streaming.
  • "16 Carriages" by Beyoncé - A song from "Cowboy Carter" that sparked discussion about Beyoncé's lyrical themes.
  • "Canceled" by Taylor Swift - A song from her latest album that caused controversy due to its title and perceived political connotations.
  • "Opaline" by Taylor Swift - A song from her latest album.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Spotify - Referenced as a streaming platform where fans can pre-save albums.

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