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Taylor Swift on why she will not be putting her album on Apple Music

“We don’t ask for free iPhones”

Taylor Swift has announced she will not be putting her chart topping album 1989 on Apple Music. In a open letter titled ‘To Apple Love Taylor’ that she posted on her Tumblr, she speaks about Apple’s decision to give zero royalties to artists for the duration of their upcoming three-month music-streaming service trial for anyone that signs up. 

Though she states, “Apple has been and will continue to be one of my best partners in selling music” and “I respect the company,” she has chosen to take a stand and not have her hit-filled album on the influential music platform. It’s because of her loyal love for the up-and-comers.

Tay Tay has made clear that it’s not about her personal desire for money but for “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.” 

Due to launch June 30, the website is up against some other heavy-lifting streaming sites such as Pandora, Tidal and Spotify. Users are to pay $9.99 for a month subscription. 

Though Swift is one of the biggest stars to protest, she’s not the only one going down quietly, with other artists and smaller record labels speaking out. Swift ends on a fitting comparison with, “We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”

Update: That Tay Tay is one powerful woman.

After her open letter to Apple went viral, their senior vice president Eddie Cue tweeted “#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period” followed by “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple” 

Your move, Taylor. 

www.apple.com

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