How to be a Swiftie

Sheila Watko, ’12, is an entertainment and lifestyle reporter and traffic anchor at NBC10, a TV station in Philadelphia. With a bachelor’s degree in communication and a specialization in digital media from Loyola, Watko loves to cover pop culture news and uplifting stories in her community. She comes from a background in late night television and daytime talk show production and radio broadcasting.

Watko is also a Swiftie—a devoted fan of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Here she shares with readers of Loyola magazine ways to join in on the alchemy of Taylor Swift (see what we did there?).

Taylor Swift has released 11 albums and is intentional with her sound and songwriting on each one, experimenting with different genres, sharing pieces of her life through autobiographical lyrics, and even switching up her style and look for each era. Her music offers something for everyone.

Seek to stream the re-recorded version of any track stylized as (Taylor’s Version). Swift’s first six albums were released under Big Machine Records, which was then sold to manager Scooter Braun. Swift ultimately began re-recording all six albums under her current label, Republic Records, and will own those masters going forward.

Singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson advised Swift to re-record her masters, and now Swift marks each album re-release by sending Clarkson flowers. Taylor is also gracious to her fans, including sending invitations to Secret Sessions, private parties in her home where Swifties can listen to her latest album and eat chai sugar cookies baked by Swift herself.

There are so many fun Swiftie traditions that make you feel like you’re part of something special. Fans traded friendship bracelets at the Eras Tour, inspired by lyrics from “You’re on Your Own, Kid.”

Trends change, and rumors fly. Focus on the things you love, being a good person, and standing up for what you believe in. Because, Swifties, that never goes out of style.