Taylor Swift sinks teeth into Apple Music

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Taylor Swift sinks teeth into Apple Music

Posted : 2015-06-22 16:11

Updated : 2015-06-22 17:47

By Hallie Jeon

Pop-star Taylor Swift has criticized Apple Music's three-month trial offer because artists will not get paid for their music service.

She wrote on Tumblr that her album "1989" will not be available for streaming on Apple Music, in protest at Apple's "shocking and disappointing" decision not to pay artists during the free-trial period.

"I realize that Apple is working towards a goal of paid streaming," she said.

"We know how astronomically successful Apple has been, and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the three-month trial period."

She said it was "unfair to anyone to work for free," but acknowledged that personally she could absorb the lost revenue.

But he said she was speaking more on behalf of lesser-known artists and producers who could not afford to miss out during the three months.

"These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child," she said. "These are the echoed sentiments of every artist in my social circles who are afraid to speak up."

Andy Heath, chairman of a British music industry lobby group, told the Telegraph that Apple Music, which is to launch on June 30, would "literally put people out of business," and that he did not know of any independent labels that would agree to Apple's terms.

Once a user's three-month trial expires, Apple Music will charge $9.99 a month. It will also pay labels per song play, the way other streaming services like Spotify do.

Swift, also known for pulling her music from Spotify, said she would reverse her decision if Apple amended its policy.

"We don't ask for free iPhones," she said. "Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."

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