Apple finally agreed to pay artists for streaming their music, after Taylor Swift explained in her Tumblr post why she pulled out her latest album, 1989 from the company's music streaming service.
BuzzFeed News reported that Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue has confirmed their decision and even called Taylor personally to let her know.
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
Taylor Swift just made an iconic move to speak up for indie artists and starting-out musicians against giving away free music, through Apple's newest music streaming service. Apple planned to provide a free 3-month trial without considering paying artists for their royalties.
In her Tumblr post, "To Apple, Love Taylor," the phenomenal icon made it clear that this wasn't just about her. "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," Taylor wrote.
"We've been watching the discussion for the past week," Apple's media boss, Cue told BuzzFeed News. "We want artists to be paid for their work, and when we hear from them - from Taylor or from indie artists - we listen to them. Taylor's tweet today solidified the issue for us and we decided to make a change."
To Apple, Love Taylor https://t.co/GN9jiRkqlj — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 21, 2015
During the first three months of Apple Music's free trial, the company has agreed to compensate artists on a per-stream basis. Cue, however, declined to disclose the paying rates. Further, Apple Music also promised to musicians in the U.S. 71.5% of its subscription revenue.
Although there are still no reports regarding Taylor Swift allowing Apple to stream her '1989' album, Cue added that the "Blank Space" singer "was thrilled" upon hearing the news.
I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015
Taylor Swift reportedly pulled out all her songs from Apple's biggest music-streaming rival, Spotify, due to the same reasons last year.
