Under pressure from many musicians, most notably Taylor Swift, Apple has reversed its decision not to pay artists whose music is streamed as part of the three-month free trial of Apple Music. Swift hit out at the policy in an open letter that she linked to in a tweet made on Sunday morning, and Apple’s Eddy Cue has revealed that this tweet “solidified the issue for us”.
Cue, the company’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, revealed the policy change on his own Twitter page. Clearly referring to Swift’s argument that many indie artists would be financially hit hard by Apple’s original plan, Cue tweeted: “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple”.
Cue also told BuzzFeed News of Swift’s influence, adding that he had called her earlier today to inform her of the change and she was “thrilled”. She tweeted today: “I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.”