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By Emma Cazes, Social Media Manager (2024)
Image Courtesy of ABC News
Taylor Swift, an artist known for loving her fans and treating them as new friends instead of distant admirers. Swift has a large social media presence and is consistently interacting with fans, viewing their posts on all platforms. However unlike other celebrities, Taylor has chosen to take her interactions with fans to the next level.
Taylor created an event called a Secret Session in 2014, which is where she hand picks fans to be invited to a fan-only listening party at her own house. At a Secret Session, she personally previews her new album before it is released to the public. Swift explains the meaning behind each song to the fans, as well as bakes them cookies, has a dance party or two, and of course, a personal meet and greet. It is rare to be invited to one of these sessions but when you are, it is an unforgettable experience.
A 2022 North Alumni, Ellie Kim who is now studying at Brown University was one of the few chosen to attend a secret session. She shared her experiences of the “Lover” Secret Session back in 2019 and how the experience forever changed her life.
Image courtesy of @minsungellie on Instagram
The Ram’s Horn: How did you find out you were invited to a secret session?
Ellie Kim: I found out I was invited to a secret session when I received a DM (Direct Message) from Taylor Nation (Taylor's management team)! I sent them my information, and a few days later they gave my mom and I a call. I'm not going to lie, at first, I was thinking that maybe this is a scam. But, it was actually them!
The Ram’s Horn: What was it like pulling into the driveway of Taylor’s house?
Ellie Kim: I was SO excited pulling into the driveway of Taylor's house. They put us in this huge (very nice) coach bus, some fans were already crying! I remember the bus had to drive in circles in case stalkers/paparazzi were following us. We arrived through a huge gate, and it was so crazy being in the moment.
The Ram’s Horn: What was it like when you met Taylor? Was there anything specific about your conversation with Taylor that you would like to share?
Ellie Kim: Taylor was so lovely during our conversation. I remember being so starstruck I was speechless-- even though I had a huge list of things I wanted to say. When I walked in, she immediately opened her arms and said "You're Ellie!" I think I talked complete nonsense. I thanked her for everything, commented on how blue her eyes were, and then cried some more.
The Ram’s Horn: What was the most special moment from that day and why?
Ellie Kim: The most special moment from that day was seeing Taylor walk in to greet us in the living room. I had never seen Taylor up close and she never really felt like a real person to me. At that point, I had only seen her in concert in nosebleed sections when I couldn't even see her with my bare eyes. But here she was, standing two feet away from me, jumping up and down yelling "HEY GUYS!!"
The Ram’s Horn: How did she share her new music with everyone at her house?
Ellie Kim: She hooked up her phone to a speaker and went through the album track by track. It took over 3 hours because she would give us a run down of why she wrote the song, the process of writing it, what it means to her..etc. We spent so much time chatting with her that at a certain point I forgot where I was and who I was speaking to. Every 10 minutes or so, I would think to myself "Oh my god that's Taylor Swift."
The Ram’s Horn: Are you still in contact with Taylor?
Ellie Kim: I am not in contact with Taylor unfortunately. She had discovered me through my fan blog, which has since become less active (I am so busy!). I feel like I am watching her from the sidelines now, but don't get it wrong, I am still the biggest fan ever.
The Ram’s Horn: What is your favorite Taylor Swift song?
Ellie Kim: I have so many favorite songs! “You Belong With Me" is such a classic. I also love “You're On Your Own Kid”, “Cornelia Street”, and “Getaway Car”.
The Ram’s Horn: What is your favorite Taylor Swift album?
Ellie Kim: My favorite album is of course Lover. When I listen to it it immediately takes me back to listening to it for the first time with Taylor in her living room. I also think that it is such a fun album overall, makes me feel so good.
Have you ever run into a celebrity and want to share your unique experience? If so, send an email to one of the advisors listed below so that we can set up an interview with you.
Ms. Poulos - The Ram’s Horn Co-advisor - apoulos@ccsd.edu
Ms. Czajkowski - The Ram’s Horn Co-advisor - kczajkowski@ccsd.edu
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