Picture Credit: 1989/Taylor Swift

Now that two days have past and I have had time to contemplate the supposed brouhaha between Taylor Swift and Apple, a different sort of light is shining on this historic event. 

Yes, I said historic, because when has Apple ever listened to anyone regarding its policies and made an abrupt change to a policy in a 24-hour turnaround?  

As everyone knows, Apple Music is set to explode on to the music scene on June 30th and, to entice people to sign up, Apple is offering a 3-month free trial.

Sounds good doesn’t it?  Well, for the consumer it is. Most definitely. 

But, herein lies the source of the brouhaha. Apparently, according to Taylor Swift and confirmed by Apple, the recording artists were not to receive any payment during this time period. 

Yes, that’s correct. Apple was about to take a free ride on the backs of the recording artists in promoting Apple Music. 

Until Taylor Swift came along and said this in a well-formulated letter to Apple:

“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.”

Well, yesterday morning  Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Service! Eddy Cue, jumped out of bed and profusely apologized to Taylor Swift and Indie Artists everywhere. Just like that – 24 hours later!  It’s a miracle! 

Call me crazy – but this sounded like a pretty nifty promotional scheme on the part of both parties. After all, the news was all over the media – even CNN, who managed to take a break from all the sadness in the world to report on something positive for a change.  

Taylor Swift came out smelling like the grand savior  of musicians everywhere and Apple, her humble servant, gained respect and promo for Apple Music just 8 days to lift-off. 

Oh yes – this was one well-played, slickly oiled PR Machine and I was lapping it up hook, line  and sinker – until I stepped back and took a broader look at what just transpired. 

For instance, how did Apple think they were going to get away with not paying artists for three months?  Wouldn’t that have involved tons of contract negotiations with the superstars and their managers and recording companies etc?  You would think so. 

We are talking about a company that is easily sashaying toward a trillion dollars net worth and you are telling me that they wouldn’t have paid the recording artists?   

And who better to go along for this PR ride than one of the most successful recording artists around – Taylor Swift.  Mark my words, even though she has refused to release her album to Apple,  her 1989 album will – eventually – be given a grand release date on Apple Music and, when that happens, the deal will be sealed. 

So, thanks for an exciting couple of days Taylor and Apple. PR comes in many shapes and forms but this one was one for the books!  Kudos! 

Are you downloading Taylor’s CD?  If so, grab it on good ole reliable iTunes HERE!