Taylor Swift To Apple: ‘I’ll Be Holding Back My Album’

On Sunday, Taylor Swift announced she’ll be “holding back” her upcoming album on Apple Music because of the company’s business model.

Swift began her statement to Apple politely.

“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.”

Apple Music was unveiled at the company’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) this year. Apple offers a streaming subscription music service during a time where Spotify and Pandora dominate the industry and Jay-Z’s Tidal streaming music business struggles.

And Swift accuses Apple Music of not properly compensating music makers.

“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.”

Swift admits she’s enjoyed immense success as a pop singer. But the reason she takes issue with Apple Music is the way it treats her colleagues.

“This is not about me. Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows. This 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.”

The pop singer says she represents other musicians and producers on an issue much larger than herself. Swift feels her industry is being alienated by the streaming music service Apple is marketing.

“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. 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.

I realize that Apple is working towards a goal of paid streaming. I think that is beautiful progress. We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period … even if it is free for the fans trying it out.”

Swift doesn’t approve of the3 month free trial period that Apple music offers. But Swift thinks Apple has a chance to redeem itself by changing its free trial period.

“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing. I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done. I hope that soon I can join them in the progression towards a streaming model that seems fair to those who create this music. I think this could be the platform that gets it right.”

“But I say to Apple with all due respect, it’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”

It’s not completely clear how Apple Music’s payment system will work, at least to the public. Considering Apple is one of the wealthiest corporations on the planet, they could easily compensate musicians who trial users listen to.

[Photo courtesy Jana Beamer / Flickr]