Last week, Apple announced that they would be launching a free three-month trial period for Apple Music’s streaming service. The problem? Giving users three months of free music meant that for three months, musicians weren’t going to be paid by Apple. Taylor Swift took up the cause, because she’s been very outspoken about the need for streaming companies (like Spotify) to pay artists fairly for their music. Swifty ended up writing an open letter to Apple on her Tumblr, explaining why she would not be allowing Apple to include her album 1989 on Apple’s streaming service. Here’s part of what she wrote (you can read the full piece here):

I write this to explain why I’ll be holding back my album, 1989, from the new streaming service, Apple Music. I feel this deserves an explanation because Apple has been and will continue to be 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 and pushing the right boundaries.

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.

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.

[From Taylor’s Tumblr]

And surprisingly – or perhaps not so much – Taylor is so powerful that with one Tumblr post, she was able to change Apple’s policy. Can you believe that? Apple executive Eddy Cue (senior vice president of internet services and software) tweeted to Swifty: “Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic… #AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period… We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”

Cue also did an interview with Billboard, saying that it was Swifty’s open letter that really changed his mind. Swifty also released a statement, saying: “I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.”

For what it’s worth, I don’t think Swifty is being “spoiled and petulant” here. She’s arguably the most powerful woman/person in music today and when it comes to how she handles the business side of her career, I have no shade. Yes, she’s motivated by self-interest and she genuinely wants to be paid, but as she says, most of her money is coming from touring anyway. She’s standing up for herself AND for lesser known artists who need whatever revenue they can find.

Photos courtesy of WENN.