FYI: Taylor Swift is a boss.
Taking aim at Apple’s upcoming Apple Music streaming service, today’s undisputed ruler of pop music took to her blog to express public displeasure with the company. Revealing that Apple would not be paying artists during the three-month free trial it offers its subscribers, Swift called the move “shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company.” In response, Swift opted not to make her 1989 album available for streaming.
In a post titled “To Apple, Love Taylor,” the multi-platinum singer explained her decision, pointing out that her protest was in the name of other artists, producers and engineers as well:
“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call.”
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In a swift (get it?) response to the singer’s statement, Apple’s vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, took to Twitter to announce that the company would now be paying royalties to artists during its three-month free trial. In an interview with Yahoo! Tech, Cue explained that Swift’s concerns led to a face-to-face meeting with CEO Tim Cook, during which they decided on the change.
Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic
— 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
We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
This of course made Taylor Swift very happy.
I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015
The end.