Apple Music Scores Some Major Indie Love

It looks like Apple and independent music labels are going to get along after all. Following Apple’s big 180 regarding the payment of artists during Apple Music’s free trial period, the co...
Apple Music Scores Some Major Indie Love
Written by Josh Wolford
  • It looks like Apple and independent music labels are going to get along after all.

    Following Apple’s big 180 regarding the payment of artists during Apple Music’s free trial period, the company has inked a couple of big deals and gained the blessing of a major indie rep.

    Billboard reports that Apple has struck deals with two of the biggest indies around – Merlin and Beggars Group.

    “Over the last few days we have had increasingly fruitful discussions with Apple. We are now delighted to say that we are happy to endorse the deal with Apple Music as it now stands, and look forward to being a big part of a very exciting future,” said Martin Mills, Beggars Group.

    Beggars Group covers 4AD, XL, Matador and Rough Trade, and played a major role in artists like Radiohead and Arcade Fire.

    Merlin represents over 20,000 labels.

    The Worldwide Independent Network also endorsed the Apple Music deal, saying Apple music is a good deal for artists.

    “I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis, as well as to modify a number of other terms that members had been communicating directly with Apple about. With these changes, we are happy to support and endorse the deal,” said WIN Chief Alison Wenham.

    “Apple has a long standing, deep rooted relationship with the music community and has always helped ensure artists get paid for their work. We think Apple Music provides artists with a business model that’s good for the long term and we look forward to its launch on June 30.”

    When Apple announced Apple Music recently, many artists (especially indie) were upset to learn that the service wasn’t planning on paying artists, producers, or writers during the thee-month free trial period that all new subscribers will enjoy when the service launches. But the company changed its tune following an open letter published by Taylor Swift, in which she threatened to withhold her hit album 1989 from the service unless Apple capitulated.

    They did.

    Apple Music is set to launch on June 30.

    Image via Apple

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