by Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick recently weighed in on a debate surrounding Taylor Swift and potential musical similarities to the Pixies. He shared his perspective in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The discussion began when a music fan suggested on social media that Swift’s song “Isn’t It Romantic” may owe royalties to the Pixies. The fan cited broad interpolation rules that Swift herself has legally enforced. Skolnick responded to this claim with a measured take.
“Not qualified to weigh in as I’m not familiar with the Pixies song nor a Swifty (though I appreciate her as a person and respect the band),” Skolnick said. “However, fwiw, there are clear influences in her songs- some so obvious, she credits the artists, including George Michael and Right Said Fred.”
The guitarist’s comment acknowledges Swift’s history of crediting musical influences while maintaining neutrality on the specific comparison to the Pixies. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about musical inspiration and interpolation in contemporary pop music.
The conversation appears to reference Swift’s recent song “Actually Romantic” from her 2025 album *The Life of a Showgirl*. Stylist reported that the track contains a riff that evokes the style of the Pixies, particularly reminiscent of their iconic song “Where Is My Mind?” This suggests Swift incorporated musical elements inspired by the alternative rock band into the track.
The discussion reflects broader questions about musical influence and credit in the streaming era. Elle noted that “Actually Romantic” has been discussed for its musical nods to the Pixies. However, no formal copyright issues have emerged from the similarity.
Swift has a documented history of acknowledging musical influences in her work. While Skolnick mentioned credits to George Michael and Right Said Fred, Swift has also credited other artists in past albums, including Blondie and Paula Cole, when incorporating elements of their work.
As of 2025, no recent interpolation or copyright disputes concerning Swift’s songs have been publicly reported. The “Actually Romantic” discussion remains in the realm of fan observation and critical analysis rather than legal controversy. This distinguishes it from more contentious cases of musical similarity in the industry.
