{"id":62045,"date":"2025-09-18T06:06:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T10:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rudebaguette.com\/?p=62045"},"modified":"2025-09-18T06:06:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T10:06:59","slug":"they-knew-since-march-streamings-free-music-tier-sparks-explosive-scandal-dividing-artists-and-major-platforms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rudebaguette.com\/en\/2025\/09\/they-knew-since-march-streamings-free-music-tier-sparks-explosive-scandal-dividing-artists-and-major-platforms\/","title":{"rendered":"“They Knew Since March”: Streaming’s Free Music Tier Sparks Explosive Scandal Dividing Artists And Major Platforms"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IN A NUTSHELL<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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  • \ud83c\udfb5 Apple Music\u2019s Oliver Schusser criticizes other platforms for offering free tiers, calling it a devaluation of music<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udcb0 Tensions rise as songwriters<\/strong> face reduced earnings due to streaming services bundling music with other content.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udcc9 The music industry reports a loss of over $230 million due to Spotify<\/strong>\u2019s bundling practices, with further losses from Amazon.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\ude80 Despite challenges, U.S. music publishing revenue grew 17% last year, highlighting the industry’s complex financial landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    In the ever-evolving landscape of music streaming, a debate is intensifying over the value of free consumer tiers. Oliver Schusser, Apple Music\u2019s vice president and head of International Content, recently stirred the pot by criticizing the practice of offering free tiers on music streaming platforms. His comments, made during a National Music Publishers Association meeting, have reignited discussions about the impact of these business models on the music industry. As tensions mount between streaming services and the music community, the stakes are high for songwriters and publishers who continue to grapple with the financial implications of these offerings.<\/p>\n

    The Argument Against Free Music Tiers<\/h2>\n

    Oliver Schusser\u2019s remarks focused on the perceived devaluation of music when offered for free. He expressed disbelief that, even after two decades, the industry persists in giving away music without charge. Schusser emphasized that Apple Music distinguishes itself by not providing a free service, viewing music as a form of art that should not be given away. This perspective aligns with Apple\u2019s approach to its television streaming service, Apple TV+, which requires a subscription for access to its content, including popular shows like “Severance.”<\/p>\n

    Schusser also highlighted the disparity in how visual and musical arts are treated within streaming platforms. He questioned why acclaimed artists such as Gracie Abrams and Kacey Musgraves should have their works available at no cost. The implication is clear: offering music for free undermines its value and the hard work of the artists. The lack of a free tier, according to Schusser, is a conscious decision by Apple to uphold the integrity of music as an art form.<\/p>\n

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