Scott Borchetta Responds to Booing Graduates During Commencement Speech
Scott Borchetta, the CEO of Big Machine Records, addressed graduates who heckled him during his commencement speech, which focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the music industry.
The 63-year-old music executive, known for discovering Taylor Swift, brushed off the negative reactions and suggested that the graduates might later regret their refusal to hear him out at Middle Tennessee State University on May 10.
“We’re the change agents; we’re the next ones. The industry is changing rapidly—much more in the last decade than in the previous fifty years,” Borchetta remarked while speaking to an audience at the Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “Streaming has transformed the economy and social media has redefined how we discover music.”
As he spoke, a chorus of boos erupted when he mentioned AI’s impact on music production. “Listen now or pay later,” he warned, adding, “This is a tool; make it work for you.”
The audience was largely made up of alumni from MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, named in his honor, along with graduates from the College of Education and the College of Business.
“Here’s a word of caution: invest in creating quality content, not just in platforms. Platforms come and go, but good storytelling is invaluable,” he advised, emphasizing that AI would not change the essence of quality content. He encouraged graduates to trust their judgment and instincts as they move forward in their careers.
Borchetta pivoted to recount his own journey in the music industry, focusing on the importance of nurturing emerging artists. He famously discovered a young Taylor Swift and oversaw her first six albums, although he refrained from mentioning her in his introduction.
He pointed out that Swift’s contract with Big Machine Records was later sold, resulting in controversy when she labeled the label’s handling of her music as deceptive.
“Careers are often built when someone takes a chance on an unproven talent,” Borchetta told the graduates, highlighting the many budding artists striving for recognition. He cited country singer Riley Greene’s success as an example of perseverance, noting that Greene’s rise took eight years through his label.
Wrapping up, he told graduates, “Today, many of you will graduate with my name on your degree. It is a privilege. You are the next generation, and we’re counting on you.” His speech was met with enthusiastic applause.
Interestingly, a similar scenario occurred at the University of Central Florida when graduates booed real estate executive Gloria Caulfield for touting AI as the next industrial revolution during her commencement speech.
