Taylor Swift Accepts Billboard’s “Woman Of The Year” Award, Talks Future Of Music

Taylor Swift accepted the Billboard “Woman of the Year” award for the second time last night and had a wonderful message in her speech for the future of music and why she made the decisions she did.

Turning 25-years-old today, it is undeniable how Taylor Swift has affected the industry for the better.

Whether you like Taylor Swift or not, you have to admit, she has completely steamrolled the music industry and done some unconventional things this year after her iconic 1989 album release in October. She pulled her music from all streaming sites that give music away for free, encouraging the fans to purchase the music or “art.”

She is continuing that uphill battle and sticking to her decision, actually succeeding. Taylor Swift’s 1989 is an iconic album due to In the first week selling 1.287 million copies.

The following are some thought provoking, mature, and humble remarks from her Billboard “Woman of the Year” speech:

“I’ve taken this year to stand up for my value as a songwriter, as a businesswoman and a content creator. I’m very well aware the music industry is changing, and it will continue to change. I’m open to that change and progress. I’m not open to the financial model that is currently in place. I really believe that we in the music industry can work together to bond technology with integrity. And I think we can teach a younger generation about an investment in music, not just the ephemeral consumption of it. I think that there has to be a way for streaming or any future way we access music to fairly compensate the writers.”

“Events like this where we have the most powerful people in music all gathered in one room, events like this give me hope that the right conversations will start to take place, and I invite you all to join in the conversation,” Swift commented. “The greatest moment of the year for me was when my fans went out and proved that if you provide them with a bold statement and pour your life into an album, they’ll buy it.”

Swift ended her speech with the promise of younger musicians who haven’t been recognized yet, speaking of the future of the music industry in years to come.

“I want to thank Billboard for deciding to make me Woman of the Year for the second time…I really just feel like we need to continue to try and offer something to a younger generation of musicians. Because somewhere right now your future Woman of the Year is probably sitting in a piano lesson or in a girls choir. Today, right now, we need to take care of her. Thank you.”