Who says one voice can’t make a difference? In a Tumblr post on Sunday, Taylor Swift posted an open letter to Apple voicing her concerns about their plans not to pay artists any royalties during the free three month trial of their new subscription music streaming service, Apple Music, saying:
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 rest of the creative community reacted much the same way and several artists were quick to praise Swift for speaking up. Some, like Arrow actor Brandon Routh, even going so far as to vow not to use the service out of respect for artists who deserve compensation for their work.
As a result of Taylor’s thought-provoking letter, the tech giant announced late Sunday that they will, in fact, pay artists during the free 3 month trial. Apple’s Eddie Cue made the announcement via Twitter:
We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple
— 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
Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
After the initial 3 month trial, Apple music subscribers will be required to pay $9.99 per month or a family of six can pay $14.99 per month.
So, hats off to Apple for doing the right thing and Taylor for having the guts to speak out. In an age where more and more people are demanding entertainment for free, we need to make sure artists are still getting paid. It’s worth it to actually shell out a few bucks for the music we love. Because if we don’t, people are no longer going to be able to afford to make music. And then where will we be?
Are you excited for Apple Music? Do you plan to jump on the trial ASAP? Post a comment and we can chat!
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