When it comes to music, we all have our has their favorite artist. For me, this has always been Taylor Swift. Call me cliche, but the 29 year old has affected my life in more ways than one.
I have been a fan of Swift since the third grade. I discovered her music during recess when my friend Izzy was singing “Love Story” aloud to all our friends. That evening, I asked my dad to take me to the store and purchase her CD’s. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to get home and listen. Since then, I have been a dedicated Swiftie, a fan of Taylor Swift.
As the years followed, I started to gain and lose interest in other artists, but never lost interest in Swift. From 2006-2012, Swift released four albums full of pop country. She was influenced by female country artists of the ‘90s—Shania Twain, Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks.
In 2014, Swift released “1989,” her first full pop album. Unlike other fans, I was excited for the change. I have always been a fan of the pop music genre and I was excited to see what my favorite artist would do with this opportunity. My favorite song on the album has to be “How You Get The Girl” due to the hopeless romantic sense the song created. Her other songs with this style made me unashmaed to title myself as a hopeless romantic or even a daydreamer. Like Swift, I love the thought of love and happily ever after.
After the release of “1989,” Swift decided to take a break and focus on her family, friends and self. Since she has been in the spotlight since the age of 16, Swift deserved some time away to focus on other things.
However in her absence, she was thrown in a plethora of drama. Swift remained silent as the drama with fellow stars Kim Kardashian and Kanye West heated up. In 2017, she released the album “Reputation.” Instead of the girly, love songs Swift usually wrote about, this album was unapologetically about fighting back and calling out the haters. “Reputation” was unlike anything Swift had ever released, and I was ready for the new era. I admire Swift’s bravery to call people out instead of sitting back and letting them walk all over her.
During her time away from the media, Swift was in a sexual assault trial against a former radio DJ. June 2013, Swift was assualted by David Mueller during a meet and greet in Denver. After being fired for the incident, Mueller sued Swift. To no surprise, the judge ruled against him. Swift was then awarded $1. She explained to media outlets that she was not in it for the money, but was simply being a voice for those afraid to stand up to their attackers. I will always admire Swift for standing up and showing her fans it is OK to be vulnerable.
Recently, Swift released the single “ME!” to tease her seventh upcoming album. I stayed up all night waiting for the release of the new song. Swift paired with Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco for this song. Swift and Urie are my favorite singers, and I was excited to see them finally pair up for a song.
As I impatiently wait for the new album, I want to thank Taylor Swift for all that she has done for not only me, but her fans all across the globe.
OLIVIA HAHNER
