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From: Madeline Sulla To: Nick Leshi Subject: Taylor Swift Get Cozy and Takes Fans Back to ‘1989’ With Secret Session Listening Parties 10/30/2014 Hello Nick, I read your article last week about recording artists’ playing prevalent roles in fans’ lives. I loved your angle and I think I may have a story you’d be interested in covering. The impact celebrities have on fans is enormous; I mean they’re not called ‘fanatics’ for nothing, and Taylor Swift fans are arguably the most dedicated in the biz, selling out arenas, voting until their fingers fall off, sleeping on streets to see her; you name it, they’ve done it. But what makes these “Swifties” so dedicated? It could be her catchy pop tunes that instantly make you dance, or maybe her heartfelt lyrics that even a skeptical ear can relate to. But music aside, even those who begrudge those catchy tunes and scoff at her quirky dance moves cannot deny her devotion and appreciation for her fans is nothing short of abundant and genuine. To show her fans just how much she appreciates them, Swift, whose newest album ‘1989’ came out on October 26th, hosted four parties at her homes in California, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. Hand selected over the course of a few months, Taylor chose each lucky fan based on their comments on social media platforms like Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. These dedicated Swifties were told they had been selected to take part in an “amazing opportunity,” and shuttled off in luxury vehicles to Taylor’s houses, where she greeted them, explaining that they had been chosen by her to be a part of an exclusive listening party. Throughout the course of each party, Taylor got to know these fans, who she already knew by name, gave them a tour of her house, hung out, and played the entirety of her new album for them before it was released. Each fan left with a copy of her album, countless pictures and selfies, incredible memories, and ear-to-ear smiles. So, what makes Taylor Swift so special in the eyes of her fans, you might ask? I’d say the answer is fairly obvious. It is clear that, to Swift, her fans are much more to her than just a source of income, and she is much more to them than that quirky blonde whose songs they dance around to at sleepovers. Swift’s efforts to get to know her fans and to give back to them for all of their dedicated and love exemplifies the crucial role many musicians and celebrities play in the lives of their fans. Music is a powerful entity, and when combined with someone whose heart is pure, there is no limit to the joy it can provide.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Best, Madeline Sulla...