Indie labels are accepting Apple’s terms, and liking it.

Yesterday, we learned that Apple will pay a paltry $.002 per stream during the free trial of its upcoming streaming services.  Just this morning, we’re learning that independent labels are happily accepting this extremely crappy offer.

“I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis, as well as to modify a number of other terms that members had been communicating directly with Apple about. With these changes, we are happy to support the deal.”

– Merlin CEO Charles Caldas, in a letter to more than 20,000 member labels.

“Over the last few days we have had increasingly fruitful discussions with Apple. We are now delighted to say that we are happy to endorse the deal with Apple Music as it now stands, and look forward to being a big part of a very exciting future.”

– Beggars Group.

“This is a great precedent in any sector on the benefits of working together and taking a stance to achieve a fair result. With 80% of all new releases produced by independent labels, this is also a great result for Apple. Their launch will now incorporate the very music that makes an online service attractive to music fans. The involvement of Merlin is vital considering its fundamental role in strengthening the independent sector. IMPALA has repeatedly called on online platforms to “play fair” and this is an impressive outcome for independent labels and artists.”

– Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA.

“I am pleased to say that Apple has made a decision to pay for all usage of Apple Music under the free trials on a per-play basis, as well as to modify a number of other terms that members had been communicating directly with Apple about. With these changes, we are happy to support and endorse the deal.”

           – Alison Wenham, CEO of European independent label collective WIN.