Apple has come under the influence of pop superstar Taylor Swift as the company's senior official revealed that it plans to pay labels, artists and publishers for streams even during the free trial period of Apple Music.
Apple's premium streaming service called Apple Music will be launched on June 30. Artists, publishers and others in the music industry previously complained of Apple's decision to hold back royalties during the three-month trial period of Apple Music.
Taylor Swift, one of the most prominent artists in the music industry today, wrote an open letter to Apple recently expressing her dissatisfaction regarding Apple's decision. Swift said that it is not just about her, but it is important for young and emerging artists, publishers and more to get paid.
Swift stated that she can support her band and crew, but emerging artists may find it difficult to make ends meet if they are not paid royalties by companies like 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," wrote Swift in the open letter. "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."
Swift's open letter to Apple has paid off and Eddy Cue, Apple's senior VP of Internet Software and Services, has communicated to Swift and others in the music industry via Twitter that Apple will pay artists even during the trial period.
#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
Swift also seemed overjoyed with Cue's tweet and did not waste any time to tweet back in appreciation.
I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015
After the expiry of the trial period, individual music lovers will have to pay $9.99 each month for Apple Music. The streaming service will cost $14.99 per month for families up to six members.
Apple Music will give stiff competition to rivals, such as Spotify, which offers similar services at $9.99 per month. Just like Apple Music, Spotify also offers a free trial period but for 30 days.
Photo: GabboT | Flickr
