The lack of Taylor Swift’s latest album was one of the more conspicuous absences when Apple showed off the library of music that users will be able to stream once Apple Music launches. The reasons for this have been made clear in an open letter that Swift released today which blasts Apple for its decision not to pay artists any royalties when their songs are listened to during Apple Music’s three-month free trial.
Taylor Swift targeted Apple in a powerful open letter on Sunday, shaming the company’s new streaming music service over a free trial period offered to users and reigniting the conversation about fair compensation for musicians in the digital age. Swift announced on Tumblr that she will withhold her album 1989 from Apple Music—a paid-only service that launches on June 30—despite her respect for how the company is “pushing the right boundaries”: “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.” The pop star has become a voice for young artists seeking fair compensation after her high-profile bout with Spotify, from which she pulled her music last November. In her open letter to Apple, Swift echoed her disapproval of music services that do not pay their artists.
