Discover ‘The Swiftologist’: Taylor Swift’s Full-Time Fan and Content Creator in Singapore

Few anticipated the release of Taylor Swift’s 12th album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, more than Zachary Hourihane.

At 28 and based in Singapore, he proudly stands as a member of one of the most influential fanbases: the Swifties.

More significantly, he’s a multiplatform creator whose success is intricately tied to that of Swift—risking both fortune and fable in the process.

Hourihane co-hosts a Taylor Swift podcast titled *Evolution Of A Snake* alongside Madeline Rubicam, a fellow pop culture enthusiast from Montana. He also manages his YouTube channel, *The Swiftologist*, initially focused on Swift’s career but expanding to cover broader pop culture narratives.

His Patreon boasts over 12,000 subscribers, offering tiered memberships from S$4 (US$3.10) to S$33 monthly, allowing fans access to exclusive discussions about Taylor Swift, music, and media.

“My greatest fear is that one day Taylor releases a truly awful album, and I have to face the camera and say, ‘I hate this.’ Fortunately, that’s never happened,” he shared wryly.

“As this new album launches, I haven’t even contemplated what I would do if it turned out poorly. My entire yearly earnings depend on the content I create about it.”

Hourihane isn’t joking; since Swift’s album announcement in mid-August, his Patreon memberships have doubled.

“Some members may eventually leave, but whenever Taylor does something significant, we always see a surge.”

Just a day after *The Life of a Showgirl* released, his Patreon membership surpassed 13,800, reflecting this rapid growth.

THE TAYLOR SWIFT IMPACT

Born in Singapore to Irish parents, Hourihane never planned on making pop culture criticism—especially centered around Taylor Swift—a full-time endeavor.

He gained “micro-fame” among fellow Swifties on Tumblr during his teenage years and began his YouTube channel simply to share his thoughts on Swift in his free time.

However, with the pandemic, reaction videos saw a significant rise in popularity. This engaging format allows creators to capture their real-time responses to music, movies, and more, fostering deeper connections with their audience.

When he posted his reaction to *Folklore*—Swift’s eighth studio album—he expected it to only reach a small circle. To his surprise, the views skyrocketed: 1,000 subscribers quickly turned into 5,000, and soon after, he reached 10,000.

Although Hourihane’s content has diversified to cover broader topics—ranging from celebrity interviews to the challenges of being an “anti-popstar”—Taylor remains his primary focus.

He revises his content calendar whenever Taylor updates hers. Before heading to Dublin and London for live shows in September, he’d planned multiple videos. However, the news of *The Life of a Showgirl* led him to scrap everything.

In mere weeks, he recorded a month’s worth of new content—an expected rush when your subject is no ordinary celebrity.

Aside from selling out stadiums on *The Eras Tour*, Swift’s influence has reshaped music contracts, inspired innovative marketing strategies, and revitalized the vinyl industry amidst the streaming boom.

“You can’t envision pop culture or music discussions without Taylor Swift. She serves as a pivotal figure in numerous industry changes,” Hourihane explained.

“Her actions spark strong reactions, making her critiques inherently engaging. She symbolizes various cultural dynamics.”

BUILDING A CAREER

Swift’s lasting cultural significance has allowed Hourihane to transform his passion into a profession.

After his YouTube income began surpassing his salary from a full-time marketing job, Hourihane made a pivotal decision.

Since 2024, he has focused entirely on creating Taylor Swift-related content. Each brand partnership is valued at around US$5,000, supplemented by merchandise sales and ticket earnings from his June tour with Rubicam.

While Hourihane chose not to disclose his specific monthly earnings, he has amassed 390,400 followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, coupled with an expanding Patreon membership, making a corporate return unlikely anytime soon.

“Many wonder if I’m worried about this career path fading, but I believe the connections I’ve created with my audience are strong. I’d need to do significant damage for them to stop supporting my content,” he added.

“Some patrons have been with me for over two years, creating a bond that would be tough to fracture.”

MAINTAINING HONESTY IN CRITIQUE

Given that most of his income derives from subscriptions rather than brand partnerships, Hourihane describes himself as “an unconventional influencer.”

He has turned down offers from record labels wishing to promote their artists, not due to disagreement but out of respect for transparency with his audience.

“For me, undisclosed sponsorships are a strict no,” he emphasized. “No record label has collaborated with me because they refused to acknowledge payment.”

Prizing the trust of his audience, he understands that honesty is essential in an era of selective attention spans.

“I value my relationship with my viewers. I don’t underestimate them, as they are smart and I listen to their needs,” he stated.

This approach opens him up to candid critiques about various artists, even if it means facing backlash from their fans.

His second most-watched video, part of a mini-series called *How To Murder Your Career*, scrutinizes Katy Perry’s fall from grace.

In it, he examines her entire career outside music—her image, brand associations, and her interactions within the political realm, highlighting her disconnect from contemporary culture.

Previously, he released a video titled: “YES, being a billionaire is terrible, even when you’re Taylor Swift.” In it, he methodically critiques the justifications some fans create to rationalize Swift’s billionaire status.

Regarding Swift, he feels “immensely protective of her legacy,” explaining, “Part of the reason I critique her is my desire for those critiques to hold up under scrutiny.”

While ideally, he’d avoid critiquing a popstar with a fanbase as massive as hers, he acknowledges that he sometimes bears the brunt of harsh responses. Some accuse him of being a “secret hater” or monetizing his critique.

“However, honesty matters more to me than winning over Taylor Swift,” he stated.

“It would be wonderful if she appreciated my content, but I can accept it if she doesn’t. If I need to be a thorn in the side of the industry to reintroduce honest discussion about music, I’m willing to do it.”

Even so, Hourihane chooses his words carefully, knowing that algorithms often favor outrage.

In April, he criticized Ed Sheeran’s song *Azizam* on TikTok, only for Sheeran to respond with a dismissive “lol.” While fans reacted negatively, Hourihane notes a broader trend: “People today often fail to recognize the value of critics, leading them to resist any dissenting opinions.”

Moreover, quick reaction videos are frequently mistaken for thoughtful critiques. Audiences tend to conflate various content types, causing frustration for creators striving for substance.

Achieving depth while maintaining a unique perspective requires effort. Hourihane’s long-form video essays typically comprise 11,000 to 12,000 words and can demand six to eight hours of research daily over a week.

He selectively engages with topics where he can provide a fresh outlook that propels the conversation. Sometimes, this independent approach yields positive acknowledgment, such as when Lady Gaga commented on his TikTok review of her album *Mayhem*: “This is so thoughtful. Thank you for putting in the effort to understand my music.”

Nevertheless, even with his outspoken critique, Hourihane refuses to adopt a rigid stance. Much like Swift’s ability to transition across genres, he chooses to remain adaptable in his opinions.

“Everything is viewed in stark contrasts nowadays. You’re either this or that, and if I change my perspective, I’m labeled a flip-flopper,” he pointed out.

“My viewpoints evolve, not because I’m indecisive, but because I remain open to being influenced by new information.”

This adaptability is vital as modern fandom requires more nuanced perspectives, ensuring that pop culture is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

“Some argue that you can’t offer criticism and simultaneously be a fan, but I beg to differ. The best critiques come from dedicated fans who truly understand the art,” Hourihane emphasized.

“I care deeply about music and the discourse surrounding it. It’s concerning to witness a trend where mediocrity is accepted, and I refuse to stand for that.

“Though I may take hits for this perspective, I believe the fight is important. While it may not transform the world, it can make a meaningful difference in something I passionately care about.”