Apple Will Pay Artists During Apple Music Trial Period, and They Can Thank Taylor Swift

Artists who thought they weren’t going to get paid during Apple Music’s three-month trial period can thank Taylor Swift, as Apple has responded to her complaints by doing a complete about-...
Apple Will Pay Artists During Apple Music Trial Period, and They Can Thank Taylor Swift
Written by Josh Wolford
  • Artists who thought they weren’t going to get paid during Apple Music’s three-month trial period can thank Taylor Swift, as Apple has responded to her complaints by doing a complete about-face on its policy.

    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.

    As Apple continued to take heat for that decision, Taylor Swift stepped in over the weekend and in a Tumblr post, told Apple that she’d be withholding her album 1989 from the new streaming service.

    “I’m sure you are aware that Apple Music will be offering a free 3 month trial to anyone who signs up for the service. I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months. I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” she wrote.

    “This is not about me. Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows. This is about the new artist or band that has just released their first single and will not be paid for its success. This is about the young songwriter who just got his or her first cut and thought that the royalties from that would get them out of debt. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like the innovators and creators at Apple are pioneering in their field…but will not get paid for a quarter of a year’s worth of plays on his or her songs.”

    “I say to Apple with all due respect, it’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”

    Well, Apple listened.

    Soon after Swift’s post began to make the rounds, Apple’s Eddy Cue fired off a series of tweets:

    According to Cue, “Swift’s letter, coupled with complaints from indie labels and artists, did indeed prompt the change” (according to Re/code).

    So, what’s the lesson here? It’s best to stay on Taylor Swift’s good side?

    Image via Taylor Swift, Instagram

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