APPLE BYTES

Concerning the kerfuffle between Apple and the indies (with Taylor Swift now joining the hue and cry previously expressed in a missive from Beggars Group), not giving Martin Mills a seat at the table appears to have been a strategic mistake on the big A’s part. Why create a PR problem with the indies and their artists, who’ll be getting no dinero during the 90-day free trials? This just makes no sense for the richest company on the planet.

Adele may be signed to Mills’ XL/Beggars, but let’s be clear—she will be or will not be part of Apple Music depending on what she wants to do, just like any big act who has the clout to move the needle in a seismic way.

Speaking of big acts with clout, how will the Tidal artist/shareholders respond to the new platform? Giving exclusive distribution to Tidal has meant less than zero so far, but if the rising tide does indeed lift all boats, maybe they’ll get their financing and not miss the Good Ship Lollipop when it leaves the harbor.