Following Taylor Swift’s public criticism of Apple’s decision not to pay artists and labels for plays during Apple Music’s three-month free trial period, Eddy Cue took to Twitter to announce a swift policy change. The executive assured Swift that music producers will now be paid for every play on the Apple Music service, including those that are part of a user’s free trial.
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Swift had cited the original policy as the reason that her most recent album, 1989, would leave a blank space in her discography on Apple Music. She said that the rule was harmful not just to big-name artists, but especially to indie musicians who can’t rely on income from touring to make a living.
Thankfully it appears the situation didn’t lead to bad blood between Swift and Apple, and instead prompted the company to make a much-needed change to benefit all artists and producers.
Apple Music will launch with iOS 8.4 later this month.