Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, announced via Twitter yesterday (June 21) that Apple Music will pay royalties to artists during its three-month trial period. During this time, the streaming service will be free to consumers.
Prior to the announcement, Apple caught backlash from Taylor Swift, who wrote an open letter to the company calling out its stance to not pay artists during the trial period.
“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child,” she writes. “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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Cue, who reports directly to CEO Tim Cook, responded by saying that Apple Music will pay artists during the trial period.
“Apple will always make sure that artist are paid,” he says.
Earlier this month, Apple announced the Connect feature to Apple Music, which will allow artists to interact with fans. Drake says that he will release his next album via the service.
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
I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015
For additional Apple coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
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