Apple Bows To Taylor Swift, Reverses Payment Policy on Music Royalties

Senior Apple executive Eddy Cue tweeted the news on Sunday

Sharon Waxman

Apple bowed to criticism by Taylor Swift on Sunday, reversing a policy to not pay artists during a three-month trial period of its new streaming service.

Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue tweeted the news on Sunday.

 

The singer-songwriter posted an open letter to Apple on her Tumblr Sunday, saying her album “1989” won’t be on the company’s new streaming service when it launches on Jun. 30, because she disagrees with its business plan.

In the blog post titled, “To Apple, Love Taylor,” Swift slammed the company for offering users a free three-month trial, a period in which she says the service will not compensate artists for the music that is streamed.

“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,” Swift wrote. “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.”

Apple unveiled the new streaming music service at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco on Jun. 8, with a splashy news conference attended by hip-hop star Drake.

The service will integrate a number of functions, including on-demand streaming, live radio and downloads and will cost $9.99 per month. It will also offer a family plan providing service for up to six family members for $14.99 per month.

Swift retweeted Cue’s tweet, so it’s safe to say, she approves.

Update: Swift had her own response to Apple, saying she was “elated” at the response.

   

 

Sharon Waxman

Sharon Waxman

Sharon Waxman, is the founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of TheWrap. She is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author, and was a Hollywood correspondent for The New York Times. Twitter: @sharonwaxman

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