Behold the mammoth might of Taylor Swift at work.
By way of a bit of background; Apple had stated that they were not intending to pay any artists for their music throughout the 3-month trial period - this is an increase of two months on the usual one month free offer provided by similar streaming services. Yesterday, Swift posted the below open letter to Apple via her Tumblr stating why 1989 would not be available via Apple Music when it's rolled out at the end of this month.
"I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company... 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."
After it gained traction on various social media platforms, Apple Senior Executive Eddie Cue posted the below on Twitter: "Apple will always make sure that artists are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic. #AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period. We hear you, Taylor Swift and Indie artists. Love, Apple."
Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
Given her stance re Spotify, Apple really should've seen this one coming...
As for the good people of twitter, their reaction has been along the lines of...
@CHRISTIE__ @cue @trent_reznor musicians/artists should be paid, but wow she's taken it to the nagging level & that's what was annoying. ðŸ˜ÂÂÂÂ?
— Nicole Diamond (@WakeUp_Morons) June 22, 2015
@cue @trent_reznor she's prolly just more concerned about padding her bank acct for her next mansion. 😕 anyway I'll hush
— CHRISTIE COX (@CHRISTIE__) June 22, 2015
Jeesh, it's just impossible to keep everyone happy, Taylor.