Rachel Platten has credited Taylor Swift for giving her the inspiration to revisit and re-record some of her most well-known songs.
On Monday, the singer-songwriter revealed that she will be releasing a brand-new album on 26 September, which will feature “Rachel’s Versions” of Fight Song, Stand by You, and other tracks originally included on her 2016 record Wildfire.
The album will also contain a handful of live recordings along with what she teased as a “surprise from the vault.”
“I had no idea when I wrote these songs in moments of vulnerability that they would go on to change my life. For a decade, they’ve lived out in the world, carrying their own weight. They’ve been parts of your moments of strength, doubt, and connection,” Rachel explained in a statement shared on Instagram. “Now, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fight Song, I’ve gone back to some of my originals, not to change them, but to reclaim them. This is about more than just new versions of old songs; the new Rachel’s Versions are infused with the voice I have now, the wisdom I’ve gained, and the undeniable pride of owning my own masters.”
She then credited Taylor for inspiring her decision to re-record some of her past material.
In 2019, the Shake It Off singer entered a legal dispute with her former label Big Machine Records, founder Scott Borchetta, and the label’s new owner Scooter Braun, over the ownership of the masters of her first six studio albums.
Taylor later chose to re-record and re-release four of those albums to regain authority over her catalogue. In May, she confirmed that she had purchased her master's back from private equity firm Shamrock Holdings in what she described as a “fair” deal.
“I’m grateful to @TaylorSwift for bringing this conversation to light and empowering artists to take back control over their work, their stories, and their futures,” Rachel said.
She also took a moment to thank her loyal fanbase for standing by her throughout the years.
“And most importantly, thank you to all of you who have stood by me over these years. I can’t wait for you to hear them again, this time, fully, completely, and unapologetically mine,” she added.
Rachel is scheduled to perform a one-night-only show in New York City on 16 October in honor of the 10th anniversary of Fight Song.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Susan G. Komen organization, which provides support for women battling breast cancer.
