Everyone Calm Down, Tay Swift Isn't A Hero

 

"I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months," Swift wrote. 

So Sunday evening, Taylor Swift once again made the press due to her “heroism”. The global superstar shot back into the headlines after critiquing Apple, in regard to the new Apple Music platform. Swift, who has been outspoken about music streaming platforms, famously removed all her music from Spotify last year.

"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," Swift wrote. "I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company."

Honestly, Swift is really not the hero here though - it’s clearly all about money (her money).

Swift announced that her latest album, 1989, would not be available immediately on Apple Music when the service launches at the end of the month.

But Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet software and services, had a pretty fantastic response time. Cue tweeted his confirmation that artists would be paid during the full length of three month free trial. 

 

We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple

— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015

So the press has now starting heralding Swift as a champion for artists everywhere. Even Eddy Cue tagged Taylor “and indie artists”. This is really problematic because Swift is firstly, NOT indie, and actually, Swift has the privilege of deciding to take her music off of streaming services because she’s already a megastar that makes millions of dollars annually, whereas indie artists may actually land their “big break” through exposure from streaming services like Apple.

I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015

Swift’s response, “they listened to us”, is a freaking joke. Let’s get real.

Well known indie labels like 4AD and Matador have also expressed their outrage at lack of payment during the free trial.

Honestly, Swift is really not the hero here though - she removed her music off Spotify months ago and is clearly giving Apple the same run around and it’s all about money (her money). In fact, even though Cue telephoned Swift while she was in Amsterdam touring to inform her of the news, she has still not managed to meet an agreement to put 1989 on the service.

Cue isn’t the hero either though - because even though it means money out of Apple’s pocket (let’s face it they have enough), probably this was a fantastic marketing strategy by Apple to once again appear as a “generous”, “progressive” company.