One of the burning questions regarding the new Apple Music service was recently answered: Taylor Swift’s “1989” will not be available for streaming.
In a Sunday morning Tumblr post, Swift attributes the situation to Apple Music’s three-month trial program.
“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,” writes Swift. “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.”
Swift clarifies that the objection is not related to her personal financial situation. “Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows.”
Rather, Swift explains, it “is about the new artist or band that has just released their first single and will not be paid for its success. This is about the young songwriter who just got his or her first cut and thought that the royalties from that would get them out of debt. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like the innovators and creators at Apple are pioneering in their field…but will not get paid for a quarter of a year’s worth of plays on his or her songs.”
While Apple Music received a far warmer reception from music fans and industry members than the celebrity-backed TIDAL venture, its decision to withhold royalties during the three-month trial period immediately emerged as a common source of criticism.
Swift declares that the criticism is shared by every musician in her social circle.
“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child,” says Swift. “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.”
Expanding upon her respect for the organization, Swift notes, “Apple has been and will continue to be one of my best partners in selling music and creating ways for me to connect with my fans. I respect the company and the truly ingenious minds that have created a legacy based on innovation and pushing the right boundaries.”
“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing,” adds Swift. “I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done.”
While Swift and other entertainers may love Apple, “we don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”
Swift reminds Apple that it is not too late to reverse its policy (especially since the “incredible company” has the money to do so). Until such a reversal happens, however, the service will operate without the biggest album of the past two years and without the unwavering support of music’s biggest star.
Unlike Spotify, which continues to offer a Swift-opposed free tier, it will, however, include music from her back catalogue.
