Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic

— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015

Cue specifically writes in one tweet, “#AppleMusic will pay artist(s) for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period.”

#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

The tweets from Cue are in response to a Tumblr post by musician Taylor Swift, who said she would not allow her latest album on Apple’s streaming service. This was due to a reported lack of artist compensation during Apple Music’s free trial period.

Speaking with Buzzfeed News, Eddie Cue said the company listened to the concerns and reacted. “We’ve been watching the discussion for the past week. We want artists to be paid for their work, and when we hear from them – from Taylor or from indie artists – we listen to them,” Cue said.

He added, “Taylor’s tweet today solidified the issue for us and we decided to make a change.”

Cue also went on to call Taylor Swift to inform Apple of their decision. “She was thrilled,” he added.

I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015

Tech website Re/Code, which also talked with Cue, said Apple wil pay rights holder for the full 3 months of the trial period, though it can’t be at the same rate Apple will pay after free users become subscribers. This is because Apple will be paying out a percentage of revenue from paying listeners.

Cue says that instead, Apple will pay rights holders on a per-stream basis, without disclosing figures.

Cue also said he hasn’t talked to any other musicians, labels, or publishers yet, though existing royalty rates it has with the 3 major music labels will still apply. 

Apple Music is set to go live on June 30, with its free trial lasting during the first 3 months of the service. – Rappler.com