Taylor Swift has posted an open letter to Apple explaining why she is holding back her album 1989 from the upcoming Apple Music service.
Swift, like many others, is shocked and disappointed with the terms Apple has asked artists and labels to agree to as part of its three month free trial.
"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."
Swift notes that she doesn't need the money but is taking a stand for smaller bands and artists for whom the loss of a quarter of a year's worth of income is big deal. Additionally, she says that her fellow artists feel the same but are afraid to speak out against Apple.
"Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing. I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done. I hope that soon I can join them in the progression towards a streaming model that seems fair to those who create this music. I think this could be the platform that gets it right."
Finally, Swift calls on Apple to reverse its policy:
"It’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."
A change in policy would most definitely be welcomed by indie labels who recently said Apple Music's free trial would leave them 'completely screwed'.
You can read Swift's full letter at the link below...
Read More
Swift, like many others, is shocked and disappointed with the terms Apple has asked artists and labels to agree to as part of its three month free trial.
"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."
Swift notes that she doesn't need the money but is taking a stand for smaller bands and artists for whom the loss of a quarter of a year's worth of income is big deal. Additionally, she says that her fellow artists feel the same but are afraid to speak out against Apple.
"Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing. I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done. I hope that soon I can join them in the progression towards a streaming model that seems fair to those who create this music. I think this could be the platform that gets it right."
Finally, Swift calls on Apple to reverse its policy:
"It’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."
A change in policy would most definitely be welcomed by indie labels who recently said Apple Music's free trial would leave them 'completely screwed'.
You can read Swift's full letter at the link below...
Read More