Taylor Swift Gets Support From Music Superstars After Writing Open Letter to Apple Music

“Shake It Off” singer explains why 1989 won’t be available on the site

By Mike Vulpo Jun 22, 2015 1:40 AMTags
Taylor SwiftSascha Steinbach/Getty Images for TAS

Taylor Swift's squad is speaking out in support of the singer's open letter against Apple Music.

On Sunday morning, the "Shake It Off" crooner took to Tumblr where she explained why her latest album 1989 won't be featured on the new streaming service.

"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," Swift explained. "I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company."

She continued, "These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call."

Actually, they may not be so afraid after all.

Since Swift tweeted the link to her Tumblr, several singers have voiced their support for the argument. "Powerful and important," Jack Antonoff shared on social media. Christina Perri added, "This is so amazing. Thank you for writing this, @TaylorSwift13."

Even Elvis Costello couldn't stay quiet online. "@TaylorSwift13 A word from our future President. Right on," he wrote.  "You tell ‘em, girl."

Vevo

While Swift admits in her letter that Apple is "working towards" a goal of paid steaming, she argues that the company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the three-month trial period, even as fans try it out for free.

"I hope that soon I can join them in the progression towards a streaming model that seems fair to those who create this music. I think this could be the platform that gets it right," Swift concluded. "But I say to Apple with all due respect, it's not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this."

She added, "We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."