2018
1Digest
This chapter of the Evolution of Snake podcast continues its deep dive into Taylor Swift's 2018, focusing on the latter half of the year. The hosts, Zach and Madeline, discuss the Reputation Stadium Tour, highlighting its impressive production elements, the surprise song selections, and the overall sense of intimacy and healing that permeated the performances. They also touch upon the reconciliation between Swift and Katy Perry, which occurred during the tour, and the ongoing feud between Swift and Scooter Braun, which would later escalate into a major public battle over her master recordings. The episode then shifts to a detailed analysis of Swift's political awakening, discussing her decision to publicly endorse a Democratic candidate in the Tennessee midterm elections and the impact of her statement on her fanbase and the political landscape. The hosts also delve into the controversy surrounding Swift's decision to leave Big Machine Records and sign with Republic Records, highlighting the significance of her new deal, which granted her ownership of her master recordings. The episode concludes with a discussion of Swift's performance at the American Music Awards, where she announced her upcoming album and hinted at a new chapter in her career.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of Taylor Swift's 2018, a year that the hosts describe as the most boring of her career. They discuss how this year was marked by a lack of releases and a more subdued public presence.
The Rise of 'Gailer' and the Carly Claus Speculation
This Chapter delves into the early months of 2018, focusing on the growing speculation surrounding Taylor Swift's relationship with Karlie Kloss. The hosts discuss how this speculation reached mainstream attention, with even Jennifer Lawrence publicly questioning the nature of their relationship.
The Release of 'Endgame' and its Impact
This Chapter examines the release of 'Endgame,' the third single from Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' album. The hosts discuss the song's strategic placement in the album rollout, its commercial performance, and the music video's reception.
Taylor's Quiet First Half of 2018
This Chapter explores Taylor Swift's relatively quiet first half of 2018, marked by a lack of releases and a focus on personal life. The hosts discuss her falconry visit with Joe Alwyn and her hiking trips in Malibu.
The Release of 'Delicate' and its Music Video
This Chapter analyzes the release of 'Delicate,' the fourth and final single from Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' album. The hosts discuss the music video's reception, its concept, and its place in Taylor Swift's career.
The Reputation Stadium Tour Openers
This Chapter focuses on the announcement of Charlie XCX and Camila Cabello as the opening acts for Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour. The hosts discuss their reactions to this news, their thoughts on the artists' performances, and the dynamics between the three singers.
Taylor's Spotify Exclusives and the 'September' Cover
This Chapter examines Taylor Swift's decision to release two exclusive performances on Spotify, a cover of 'September' and a live performance of 'Delicate.' The hosts discuss the reception of these releases, the controversy surrounding the 'September' cover, and its significance in Taylor Swift's career.
Taylor's Political Stance and the Parkland Shooting Fundraiser
This Chapter explores Taylor Swift's political stance in the wake of the Parkland shooting. The hosts discuss her donation to the cause, her decision not to attend the fundraiser organized by Scooter Braun, and the implications of her actions for her public image.
The Release of 'Babe' and its Significance
This Chapter focuses on the release of 'Babe,' a song written by Taylor Swift and featured on Sugarland's new album. The hosts discuss the song's arrangement, its place in Taylor Swift's catalog, and its potential implications for her future career.
The Reputation Stadium Tour Begins
This Chapter marks the beginning of Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour. The hosts discuss her excitement for the tour, the dress rehearsal for an adoption charity, and the overall atmosphere surrounding the tour's launch.
The Reputation Stadium Tour Setlist and Performances
This Chapter provides a detailed analysis of the Reputation Stadium Tour setlist, highlighting the songs, the performances, and the overall experience of attending the tour. The hosts discuss their favorite and least favorite looks from the tour, the stage design, and the impact of the tour on Taylor Swift's career.
The Success of the Reputation Stadium Tour
This Chapter examines the success of Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour, highlighting its record-breaking attendance and profits, its critical reception, and its impact on Taylor Swift's career. The hosts discuss how the tour felt like a healing experience for Taylor Swift, allowing her to connect with her fans and move on from the controversies surrounding her 'Reputation' era.
The Reconciliation Between Taylor and Katy Perry
This Chapter focuses on the reconciliation between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, which occurred during the Reputation Stadium Tour. The hosts discuss the details of the reconciliation, the significance of the olive branch sent by Katy Perry, and the implications of this event for the two singers' careers.
Taylor's Public Appearances and the Reputation Era
This Chapter delves into Taylor Swift's public appearances and activities during the latter half of 2018, focusing on her performances, fashion choices, and interactions with fans. The hosts discuss her appearance at the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Swansea, her decision to release two exclusive performances on Spotify, and her political awakening in the wake of the Parkland shooting. They also touch upon the controversy surrounding Swift's decision to leave Big Machine Records and sign with Republic Records, highlighting the significance of her new deal, which granted her ownership of her master recordings.
The End of 2018 and the Anticipation for 2019
This Chapter concludes the discussion of Taylor Swift's 2018, reflecting on the year's highlights and the anticipation for the upcoming year. The hosts discuss Swift's performance at the American Music Awards, where she announced her upcoming album and hinted at a new chapter in her career. They also touch upon the rumors surrounding Swift's new label deal and her plans to reclaim ownership of her master recordings.
Keywords
Reputation Stadium Tour
Taylor Swift's fifth concert tour, supporting her sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). The tour ran from May 8, 2018, to November 21, 2018, and was a critical and commercial success, breaking attendance and profit records. The tour was known for its elaborate stage design, featuring a giant snake sculpture, a catwalk, and multiple bee stages. The setlist included songs from Reputation, as well as a selection of older hits, and featured a surprise song element, where Swift would perform a different song each night.
Scooter Braun
A music executive and entrepreneur who acquired Taylor Swift's master recordings in 2019. This acquisition sparked a major public battle between Swift and Braun, with Swift accusing him of bullying and exploitation. The controversy surrounding Braun's acquisition of Swift's masters has been a major topic of discussion in the music industry and among fans.
Katy Perry
An American singer, songwriter, and actress. Perry and Taylor Swift were involved in a public feud for several years, stemming from a perceived rivalry between the two singers. The feud was widely publicized and became a major topic of discussion in the music industry and among fans. In 2018, Perry and Swift reconciled during the Reputation Stadium Tour, sending a message of peace and forgiveness to the world.
Gailer
A term used by fans to refer to the rumored relationship between Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss. The term is a combination of their names, 'Gail' and 'Karlie.' The speculation surrounding their relationship reached mainstream attention in 2018, with even Jennifer Lawrence publicly questioning the nature of their relationship.
Joe Alwyn
An English actor and Taylor Swift's long-term boyfriend. Alwyn and Swift have been dating since 2016 and have kept their relationship relatively private. Alwyn's presence in Swift's life has been a major topic of discussion among fans, with many speculating about their relationship and its impact on Swift's career.
Easter Egg
A hidden message or clue that is intentionally placed in a piece of media, such as a song, music video, or social media post. Taylor Swift is known for incorporating Easter eggs into her work, often referencing past albums, relationships, or events. These Easter eggs are often discovered by fans and analyzed for their meaning and significance.
Big Machine Records
A record label founded in 2004 by Scott Borchetta. Taylor Swift signed with Big Machine Records in 2006 and released her first six studio albums with the label. In 2019, Swift's master recordings were acquired by Scooter Braun, sparking a major public battle between Swift and Braun. Swift has since re-recorded her first six albums in an effort to reclaim ownership of her master recordings.
Republic Records
A record label founded in 1995. Taylor Swift signed with Republic Records in 2018, after leaving Big Machine Records. Swift's new deal with Republic Records granted her ownership of her master recordings, giving her more control over her music and career.
Miss Americana
A 2020 Netflix documentary film about Taylor Swift. The film follows Swift's journey as she navigates her career, her personal life, and her political awakening. The film was critically acclaimed and provided fans with a deeper understanding of Swift's life and her creative process.
American Music Awards
An annual awards show that honors the most popular music artists of the year. Taylor Swift has won numerous American Music Awards throughout her career, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Artist – Pop, and Favorite Music Video.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the Reputation Stadium Tour?
The Reputation Stadium Tour was known for its elaborate stage design, featuring a giant snake sculpture, a catwalk, and multiple bee stages. The setlist included songs from Reputation, as well as a selection of older hits, and featured a surprise song element, where Swift would perform a different song each night. The hosts also highlight the overall sense of intimacy and healing that permeated the performances, suggesting that the tour was a positive experience for Taylor Swift.
What was the significance of the reconciliation between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry?
The reconciliation between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, which occurred during the Reputation Stadium Tour, was a major event in the music industry and among fans. The hosts discuss the details of the reconciliation, the significance of the olive branch sent by Katy Perry, and the implications of this event for the two singers' careers.
What was the impact of Taylor Swift's political awakening on her career?
Taylor Swift's decision to publicly endorse a Democratic candidate in the Tennessee midterm elections was a significant moment in her career. The hosts discuss the impact of her statement on her fanbase and the political landscape, highlighting the controversy surrounding her decision and the potential consequences for her career.
What were the key terms of Taylor Swift's new deal with Republic Records?
Taylor Swift's new deal with Republic Records granted her ownership of her master recordings, giving her more control over her music and career. The hosts discuss the significance of this deal, highlighting the importance of Swift's decision to reclaim ownership of her music and the potential implications for the future of the music industry.
What were some of the key takeaways from Taylor Swift's 2018?
Taylor Swift's 2018 was a year of transition and growth, marked by a more subdued public presence, a focus on her personal life, the successful Reputation Stadium Tour, and a major career shift with a new label deal and ownership of her master recordings. The hosts discuss how this year was a time of healing and reflection for Taylor Swift, allowing her to reconnect with her fans and move on from the controversies surrounding her 'Reputation' era.
How did Taylor Swift's 2018 impact her career trajectory?
Taylor Swift's 2018 was a year of transition and growth, allowing her to reconnect with her fans and move on from the controversies surrounding her 'Reputation' era. The hosts discuss how this year set the stage for her future success, paving the way for the release of her critically acclaimed albums 'Lover' and 'folklore,' and her ongoing battle to reclaim ownership of her master recordings.
What was the nature of the feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun?
The feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun stemmed from Braun's acquisition of Swift's master recordings in 2019. Swift accused Braun of bullying and exploitation, and the controversy surrounding the acquisition has been a major topic of discussion in the music industry and among fans.
What were some of the key takeaways from Taylor Swift's 2018?
Taylor Swift's 2018 was a year of transition and growth, marked by a more subdued public presence, a focus on her personal life, and the successful Reputation Stadium Tour. The hosts discuss how this year was a time of healing and reflection for Taylor Swift, allowing her to reconnect with her fans and move on from the controversies surrounding her 'Reputation' era.
How did Taylor Swift's 2018 impact her career trajectory?
Taylor Swift's 2018 was a year of transition and growth, allowing her to reconnect with her fans and move on from the controversies surrounding her 'Reputation' era. The hosts discuss how this year set the stage for her future success, paving the way for the release of her critically acclaimed albums 'Lover' and 'folklore,' and her ongoing battle to reclaim ownership of her master recordings.
Show Notes
Welcome back to the yearly format. 2018 was an awkward, in-between kind of phase for Taylor Swift and her fandom. It was uncharacteristically quiet for a year of an album cycle: there were some months where she wasn’t pictured at all, and her actual public appearances beyond the Reputation Stadium Tour were few and far between. Nevertheless, we found a lot to say about it. But of course, The Snakes cover the record-breaking tour, the setlist, guest appearances, and outfits. There are a few moments of hilarity: Katy Perry’s literal olive branch, the announcement of Taylor’s starring role as Bombalurina in Cats, and her first foray into activism. It was the year of TaydemoCAT. We end this transitional period with a stormy horizon: a new record deal with Republic and Universal. Enjoy! Subscribe to our Patreon for weekly episodes: https://www.patreon.com/swiftologist
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