Taylor Swift Teases Fans with Enigmatic Countdown for Upcoming ‘Tortured Poets Department’ Launch

Taylor Swift Adds Website Countdown Ahead of TTPD Release

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The countdown has officially begun for Taylor Swift's upcoming project, The Tortured Poets Department.

If you visit the "For a Fortnight" page on Swift's official website, you'll notice a countdown clock right in the center. The clock, displayed in a typewriter font, is ticking down to Thursday, April 18, at 2 p.m. EST. The background of the page includes the initials "ttpd" in both uppercase and lowercase letters, along with the number "13" - which is known to be Swift's lucky number. Additionally, you'll see "ttpd13" in fonts that match the global QR codes found on murals around the world. (It's worth noting that "Fortnight" is also the title of a TTPD song, featuring a duet with Post Malone.)

Swift, 34, released her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, the next day. To build excitement for the album, she has been hinting at its release through various Easter eggs. These include messages in the Apple Music liners of her songs, physical props showcased at a pop-up library in Los Angeles, and on billboards.

In Chicago, Swifties discovered a QR code painted on the side of a local building on Monday, April 15. The QR code consisted of small "ttpd" logos. Similar QR codes have also appeared in Los Angeles, Nashville, and other locations. When scanned, these QR codes lead fans to a website link displaying the message "Error 321." This same code was previously featured on Swift's website in January when she first announced the upcoming release of TTPD.

Another Easter egg that fans have noticed is the timer ending at 2 p.m. Swift first hinted at this during the 2024 Grammys, where she made a “two” gesture with her fingers during her Album of the Year acceptance speech. This same digit has been seen at the L.A. pop-up and in the QR code’s error message.

In a social media video posted on Tuesday, April 16, Swift confirmed the LP’s “timetable” with a clock set at 2:00. This time was also featured in the “Anti-Hero” music video and on the exile countdown in the “Bejeweled” video.

The Tuesday video showed two desks and two typewriters, causing fans to think that Swift may release not just one, but two albums on the same day.

One social media user on X pondered, "Do you think this is a double album theory? Maybe she'll release a deluxe version a few hours later?"

Are you most excited for a track from 'The Tortured Poets Department'? One person mentioned it might be a unique project to prevent two albums from competing on the charts.

The X user wondered if the hints of "two's" were not about a double album, but instead about a new album and Taylor releasing a book.

The L.A pop-up at the Grove mall turned a section into a small library, showcasing books with titles of TTPD songs on their covers. This led fans to speculate that Swift may have written a novel in secret.

The Tortured Poets Department comes out on Friday, April 19, along with one single’s music video.

Editor's P/S:

The anticipation for Taylor Swift's upcoming project, "The Tortured Poets Department," has reached fever pitch with the countdown clock ticking down. The Easter eggs and hints scattered throughout the campaign have kept fans engaged, speculating about the album's content and release strategy. From the cryptic QR codes to the symbolic "two" gesture, Swift has masterfully woven a web of intrigue and excitement.

One intriguing possibility is that Swift may release not just one but two albums on the same day. The "two" references and the presence of two desks and typewriters in the social media video have fueled this speculation. Alternatively, some fans believe that the hints point to a companion book to the album, as suggested by the library-themed pop-up and the books with TTPD song titles featured in the display. Whatever the outcome, Swift's "Tortured Poets Department" project promises to be a multi-faceted and unforgettable musical and artistic experience.