(AllHipHop News) Pop megastar Taylor Swift is very serious about the effects of music streaming on artists. She pulled all of her music from industry leader Spotify after complaining the company’s payout is unfair. Swift then turned her attention to the new Apple Music service.
[ALSO READ: Apple Is Only Giving Indie Artists 58% Of Streaming Royalties, Company Facing Antitrust Investigations]
Swift posted an open letter on Tumblr explaining why she decided not to allow her latest album 1989 to be streamed on Apple Music. The “Bad Blood” singer titled the piece “To Apple, Love Taylor,” but also added she wrote the letter for all the artists, songwriters, and producers afraid to speak out.
Swift wrote in part:
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.
The tech giant heard Swift’s message loud and clear. Less than 24 hours after the public criticism, Apple reversed course and will now pay full royalty rates during the three-month trial period. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, announced the changes on Twitter.
#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
I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015
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