Apple to pay artists during free music trial after Taylor Swift threatens to pull album

In an open letter to Apple on Sunday, Taylor Swift said she would be pulling her latest album from the company's new streaming service, Apple Music, due to the lack of royalties being paid to artists during its three-month free trial period.

Swift wrote:

“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.

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.”

Apple SVP Eddy Cue responded to Swift late Sunday night, announcing that the company had reversed its policy on paying artists during the trial.

“#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer's free trial period,” Cue tweeted. “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”

Swift said she was “elated and relieved” by the company's decision.