Taylor Swift was a knight in shining armor for new and upcoming artists everywhere this week.
Apple’s music streaming plan allows users to stream music for free for a three-month trial period. During this trial period, artists, producers, and other contributors would not be paid for their work. Swift called out Apple with a statement on both Twitter and Tumblr.
To Apple, Love Taylor http://t.co/GN9jiRkqlj
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 21, 2015
Swift stated that she was refusing to put her newest album, 1989, in stand-off against the company. Swift fans took to retweeting, favoriting, and replying to show their approval of her choice.
@taylorswift13 just laid it down like a Boss!!
— Benji Wild (@iambenjiwild) June 22, 2015
@taylorswift13 Truly righteous to use the position music has given you to stand up for young artists. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/bg2Fa3ONEx
— Tom Keifer (@TomKeiferMusic) June 24, 2015
.@taylorswift13 with 60k notes, 30k RTs & 50k faves it served as a pretty strong public petition
— Alfredo Tirado (@alftirado) June 22, 2015
While some fans supported Swift and her decision, others believe that she was in it for a pay raise as well as the publicity.
She's trying to say she's only doing this for upcoming artists, when in reality she just wants extra dollar. @michaelsthrone @taylorswift13
— walshy (@baechaeljackson) June 22, 2015
@TeddyUniverse this was all a conspiracy. Apple's "policy" was a chance to rile up Taylor's fans and then reveal themselves as heroes.
— Rev. Brad Kovach (@bradkovach) June 22, 2015
Some asked what the difference was between music artists getting paid and other artists.
does anyone know if van gogh is paid by the eyeball-minute RT @taylorswift13
— moneyman10k (@moneyman10k) June 22, 2015
@taylorswift13 If you're getting paid for those 3 months, then why should your photographers relinquish their rights permanently?#hypocrite
— Dylan Rives (@itzdizzle) June 24, 2015
Swift’s fellow artist jumped in to support her decision, and up coming artists thanked Swift for her help.
“@taylorswift13: To Apple, Love Taylor http://t.co/6sxUyxwPON” Thanks for sticking up for us little people. You don't have to, but you do!
— Dia Frampton (@DiaFramps) June 22, 2015
.@taylorswift13 thank you for this ?✨
— LILY (@Lily_Kershaw) June 23, 2015
With thousands of fans and followers supporting Swift, Apple caved. Eddy Cue, senior vice president of internet software and services, tweeted his support of Swift’s message and responded in turn that Apple will always be there for its artists.
#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple
— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015
Swift’s full tumblr letter can be reached here.
