Taylor Swift Says Apple Music Free Trial is ‘Shocking, Disappointing’ in Blog Post [u]

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Taylor Swift has just posted an open letter to Apple entitled “To Apple, Love Taylor” explaining why she is holding back her latest album, 1989, from the new Apple Music streaming service.

“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, who calls Apple one of her biggest partners in selling her music, says that while she is able to take care of herself and her brand with the money she makes from live shows, indie artists do not have that same luxury.

The artist understands that Apple is working towards a goal of a paid streaming service and that Apple Music could be the first service to get it right in her eyes. However, Swift also points out that Apple is a very successful company and could afford to pay artists, writers, and producers during the three-month free trial. She ends her blog post by asking Apple to reconsider its policy.

“But I say to Apple with all due respect, 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.”

Apple Music will launch on June 30 as a part of an upcoming iOS 8.4 update. After the service’s free three-month trial it will cost users $9.99 per month or $14.99 per month which supports a family of six.

Update: Apple has swiftly announced it will now pay artists during the three-month free trial period.

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