Apple: it’s more than just a fruit. However, the world’s musical hub has fallen a little short lately, and has decided to right that wrong. Both unfortunately and fortunately for Apple, there was a slight dilemma on its path back to musical domination. Here is the story, as told by the “Blank Space” music video.
Once upon a time, Apple created a music streaming program known as “Apple Music.” The company was determined to take on competitors like Spotify in hopes of drawing music lovers back to Apple.
Not so fast, Apple. A few of Apple's most influential artists found out about the three-month free trial, and they were not pleased.
These artists wanted to get Apple's attention; in particular, a significantly powerful artist. Queen Taylor Swift had something to say.
At this point, Apple had no idea what was coming for them.
Taylor used her (most likely Apple brand) computer and typed out an open letter on Tumblr. She explained how her stance was not about her, but rather, was about all of the new artists who were still living paycheck to paycheck, hoping for their big break. Taylor now dangled Apple from right between her fingertips.
And she dropped the bomb! A bomb that affected a minimum radius of 60 million Twitter followers. The damage was irreversible.
Taylor took advantage of her megastar platform to let Apple know that she wasn't pleased with their plans. She also happened to let the entire digital world know about her distaste.
The thing about Taylor is, her fans have her back. They hear what she says, and they listen. If Taylor doesn't like Apple Music and holds back her albums, her fans will hold back their memberships (and $9.99 monthly payments). That is some serious damage.
With one post, Taylor has taken a huge bite out of Apple's master plan for success.
You can imagine that this blow caught Apple by surprise.
Now, T-Swift is not someone that you want to mess with.
Seriously. Don't mess with her.
Taylor now had Apple wrapped around her perfectly polished finger, and Apple knew it. Eddy Cue tweeted Taylor on behalf of Apple, announcing that the company will "pay artists for streaming, even during customer's free trial period."
Taylor brings in the W! She tweeted her victory with saying "I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us." Taylor doesn't classify as an underdog, though. She is still titled as the voice of our generation, and she knows it.
Apple isn't suffering either. In fact, Apple owes Taylor a big thank you. Now everyone knows that Apple Music exists. Any publicity is good publicity, and free publicity is the best publicity. Also, Apple now has something their competitors do not: Taylor Swift's music available for streaming. Those 60 million Twitter followers should bring in a few Apple Music memberships for that reason alone. In the end, Taylor Swift and Apple Music turned out to be quite the power couple.
