The singer explains in the letter posted on her Tumblr that the service's plan not to compensate artists, writers or producers during a free three-month trial is 'shocking and disappointing.'
- Jun 22, 2015
AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift criticized Apple as she explained why she wouldn't make her latest album "1989" available on its new streaming service, which launches on June 30. In an open letter she posted on Tumblr on Sunday, June 21, the former country darling slammed the company's decision not to compensate artists, writers or producers during a free three-month trial.
Swift opened the letter titled "To Apple, Love Taylor" by praising Apple, "one of my best partners in selling music and creating ways for me to connect with my fans." She said she respected the company "and the truly ingenious minds that have created a legacy based on innovation and pushing the right boundaries."
"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 continued. "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."
"This is not about me," she went on saying. "Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew and entire management team by playing live shows. This is about the new artist or band that has just released their first single and will be 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. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like the innovators and creators at Apple are pioneering in their field ... but will not get paid for a quarter of a year's worth of plays on his or her songs," she added.
Swift ended the letter, telling Apple that "it's not too late to change this policy." She concluded, "We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."
This isn't Swift's first time to have spoken out against streaming services which offer music for free. Last year, she removed her catalog from Spotify and said in an interview that the service didn't fairly compensate artists.
