
Taylor Swift once again showed the world that she is one of the most powerful figures in media (and maybe the world?).
Apple Music, Apple’s new music streaming service, will offer a free three-month trial period to new users. During those three months though, Apple initially planned to not pay any of the artists, writers, producers, etc. royalties.
Enter Her Majesty Taylor Swift.
Over the weekend, Swift wrote an open letter to Apple on her Tumblr page addressing the issue.
Swift writes that this isn’t about her. She’s writing on behalf of all of the up-and-coming independent artists who are just getting started and looking for their first paycheck. A quarter of a year is a long time to go without pay, and to ask anyone to work for nothing is unfair said Swift.
“We don’t ask for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”
Within 24 hours of Swift posting the letter, Apple has agreed to pay out royalties to the artists, producers, and songwriters during the three month trial period.
Lemme say that again.
TAYLOR SWIFT SINGLE HANDEDLY PURSUADED APPLE TO COMPLETELY RECONSIDER THEIR POLICY. ALL WITHIN 24 HOURS OF POSTING AN OPEN LETTER TO TUMBLR.
ALL HAIL TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER POLICY CHANGING POWERS.
What’s next for Taylor Swift, winner of 22 Billboard Music Awards, 16 American Music Awards, and 7 Grammy Awards? Probably a strong run into the 2016 Presidential Election, a Nobel Peace prize, and a successful cooking show with Gordon Ramsey. But who knows…and until that happens, I guess we can just sit back and just appreciate how cool Taylor Swift really is.
Read Swift’s full letter here.
-Justin Skare, Intern and future Mr. Taylor Swift