Taylor Swift — a household name usually associated with teen girls, heartache, and glitter. Since 2004, which they first signed their deal with Sony/ATV, Taylor Swift has created a name for themselves in many genres worldwide.
“She was so new in that genre like to have a young woman in country music was a big deal when she was younger. Then she switched to different genres to make her music more likeable in a way. I think no matter what genre she’s in, people still love her music. It really sets her apart from the crowd,” Maura Fuqua, 11, said.
Swift’s versatility allows for fans from different backgrounds to enjoy music all made by them through the years in each of her 11 original studio albums.
“She is very kind to her fans; like recently she went to a hospital to support them and inspire them. She’s made music about different topics and genres for each albums which helps people listen to her music and think ‘Wow I can relate to this too,’” Zoe Tarvin, 10, said.
Little girls played Swift’s songs on their Barbie radios, belted the words to Swift’s hit ‘Shake It Off,’ and grew up on Swift’s poetic phrases and dramatic music videos. But what really sets Swift apart from the rest of the crowd?
“Her music speaks to everyone in a way, but it’s also just what she stands for. People dislike her for a lot of different reasons like her being a woman or supporting the LGBTQ+ community, but her fans love her because she stands up for what’s right in the world,” Fuqua said.
Throughout their entire career, Swift has made it their goal to support her “Swifties” and make good in the world by donating
to several charities, advocating for artist’s rights, and setting the pace for future generations of young girls to be popstars.
“Taylor is an icon, people look up to her and they want to follow in her footsteps. People want to learn from her and go off of what she did to get into music, even by helping highschoolers believe that they can make music that young too,” Tarvin said.
Swift has built their image up and worked for over 20 years to become an icon, each fan of theirs will tell you something different when asked what makes them so iconic, but the general message stays the same.
“What makes Taylor and even other artists iconic for me is what they stand for, besides the music, like if you truly look into what they believe they’re good at. Even like the charities they support and the communities, thats what matters more to me,” Fuqua said. “They’re not just making music for millions of dollars for themselves, they’re trying to make a difference in the world and tell stories with their music.”
Their humanity both as an artist and a human has been one of the main deciding factors in their fame and fortune as a singer, songwriter, and activist. And whether you’re a swiftie or leaving that ‘Blank Space’ open for other artists, Taylor Swift’s songs and image will never lose their novelty.
