Taylor Swift Surprises Fans with Handwritten Notes in Record Store Day Editions of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Taylor Swift Included a Hand-Written Memento With RSD Editions of TTPD

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Taylor Swift ensured that The Tortured Poets Department was available for Record Store Day, and fans who purchased her new album on that day received a special keepsake.

Even though TTPD was not an official RSD 2024 release, customers who bought it at select stores on Record Store Day (Saturday, April 20) could receive a handwritten note from the "Chairman" of the Tortured Poets Department.

Happy Record Store Day! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for adding The Tortured Poets Department to your vinyl collection and your life. Amoeba Music, a renowned California music store chain, shared a photo of the note on RSD, revealing that it comes on official TTPD stationery.

I aim to create a keepsake that you will cherish forever. As you flip through the lyric book and read the intimate thoughts poured into this work, I hope you feel a connection with each page. It is a privilege to share my emotions with you. With love, Taylor.

Taylor Swift has always been connected to her fans and actively involved in releasing new music. However, she has been heavily involved in the rollout of TTPD. Fans who pre-saved the album on Apple Music received a special voice note, while those on Spotify were treated to a special video message during the album's release week. In early April, Swift shared five playlists featuring songs from her past work. Each playlist was themed around a different stage of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance - and included a personal voice note from Swift detailing her experiences in each stage.

Taylor Swift did not release any official RSD (Record Store Day) albums in 2024. Despite this, she still emerged as the reigning queen of the record store that weekend. Her latest album, "TTPD," was released on Friday, April 19 and within just three days, it sold a whopping 1.5 million copies in various formats such as digital downloads, CDs, vinyl pressings, and cassettes.

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TTPD sold 700,000 copies on vinyl, setting a new modern-era record for most sales in a single week. This breaks the previous record set by Taylor Swift's own release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), which sold 693,000 copies in its first week.

Taylor Swift Included a Hand-Written Memento With RSD Editions of TTPD

Taylor Swift is a supporter of Record Store Day and was named its ambassador in 2022. In a statement, she expressed her love for the places where people can browse, explore, and discover music, both new and old. Swift emphasized the significance of record stores in nurturing a passion for music and helping to keep the love for music alive.

"They set up venues for live events. The staff are passionate music lovers," she explained. "These individuals and businesses have faced challenges in recent years. It's important to show our support for these small establishments now more than ever, so they can continue to thrive, maintain their unique charm, and remain independent."

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's deep connection with her fans is evident in her thoughtful actions, such as providing handwritten notes with her new album on Record Store Day. Her involvement in TTPD's rollout, from special voice notes to thematic playlists accompanied by personal experiences, showcases her dedication to sharing her music and fostering a sense of community.

Swift's passion for supporting independent record stores is commendable. Her recognition of their importance in promoting music appreciation and discovery aligns with her unwavering commitment to preserving the magic of the music industry. TTPD's exceptional sales success on Record Store Day is a testament to her influence and the power of her unwavering support for these vital establishments.