We talked a lot here on the site about the Apple Music, such as the possible values of the service in Brazil, the percentage of royalties that Apple will pass on to record companies / music rights holders, an important feature that was not mentioned in the presentation of the service, etc.
One of the important points for his success is also commented by us on the size of the catalog (that is, the amount of music available). The agreements already closed by Apple guaranteed a collection of more than 30 million songs (a significant number). Among the songs / artists available we have the singer / songwriter Taylor Swift, which broke with Spotify for disagreeing with the amounts passed on by the service.
But do not think that everything is flowers between Swift and Apple. A few days ago it was commented that the artist's new album (1989, which is on sale at the iTunes Store) is not part of the Apple Music catalog. Because today the singer decided to clarify everything once and for all and wrote an open letter to Apple on her Tumblr.
https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/612575467787407360
Here is our free translation (emphasis added):
I write this to explain why I am not going to make my new album, 1989, available on the new streaming, Apple Music. I feel that this deserves an explanation as Apple has been and remains 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, fighting for what is right.
I am sure you are aware that Apple Music will offer a free three-month version to anyone who signs up for the service. I am not sure, however, that you know that Apple Music does not pay writers, producers or artists in these three months. I find this shocking, disappointing and completely different from this historically progressive and generous company.
This is not about me. Fortunately I'm on my fifth album and I can afford to pay for my band, team and all the people on my management team playing live shows. This about the new artist or band that just released their first single and not be paid for your success. This is the young composer who just had his first success and thought that the royalties they would pay their bills. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like Apple innovators and creators are pioneers in their field but will not be paid for a quarter of the year for the reproduction values of their music.
These are not the complaints of a petulant, spoiled child. These are the feelings that echoed from all the artists, writers and producers in my social circles, but who are afraid to speak publicly because we admire and respect Apple a lot. We simply do not respect this point.
I know that Apple’s work is geared towards a goal of a (service) streaming paid out. I think this is a beautiful progress. We know the astronomical success that Apple makes and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the three-month trial period even if it is free for the fans who are testing it.
Three months too long for something unpaid and unfair to ask someone to work for nothing. I say this with love, reverence and admiration for everything else that Apple has done. I hope that soon I will be able to join them in the progress towards a model of streaming which seems fair to those who create music. I think this is the platform that can work.
But I say Apple, with all due respect, that it is not too late to change this policy and the minds of those in the music industry that will be profoundly and severely affected by it. We don't ask for free iPhones. Please do not ask us to provide you with our music without any compensation.
Taylor
It is difficult to read this and not agree with it. This is definitely a topic beyond polemic and it really needs to be well discussed not only by Apple and record companies, but by everyone involved.
Update · 06/22/2015 s 12:25
And the letter had an effect. See the outcome of this story in this post.