Taylor Swift Apple Concerns

Apple has agreed to pay artists royalties during a three-month free trial period for its music streaming service.

12:30 23 June 2015

Taylor Swift has made Apple change its tune after saying that "it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.” Swift, who had refused to put her hit album 1989 on Apple’s new music streaming service, has joined independent labels in criticising Apple’s plans not to pay royalties during the three-month free trial period. 

 

The 25-year-old said that the decision is “shocking” and “disappointing.” 

 

"We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation," she wrote in a blog post entitled "To Apple, Love Taylor" on tumblr.

 

Executive Eddy Cue responded by saying: "Apple will always make sure that artists are paid. AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer's free trial period. We hear you taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple."

 

In response to the victory, Swift tweeted: "I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us."

 

Alison Wenham, from the Worldwide Independent Network which represents the independent music industry, said: "The decision from Apple to pay royalties to rights owners during the proposed three-month trial period is clearly a positive and encouraging step and we welcome the beginning of a fair and equitable relationship between Apple Music and the global independent music sector."