Apple has so much control on the sales of new music, they often ask for exclusive tracks or remixes from artists before they agree to sell their music. British singer Lily Allen says that these terms are a form of bullying. Macworld reports:
Her comments were made in a radio interview. She stated: “They won’t advertise your album unless you give them extra material.” Allen claimed Apple pushed her to quickly produce a new version of a song for sale on iTunes, so she planned to give them a “rubbish remix”.
…In order to gain visibility on the front page of iTunes, labels must negotiate with Apple. Apple offers good iTunes placement to artists who offer exclusive access to new songs, special discount pricing or additional material such as interviews, according to the report.
Lily Allen slates Apple’s iTunes tactics – iPod/iTunes – Macworld UK
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from what Lily Allen said “Apple offers *good iTunes placement* to artists who offer…”
shouldn’t Apple get consideration for priority placement?
her songs are in the library either way – if being on the front page she would sell more tracks then she should ‘pay’ for it.
if not the extra sales, what are her motives for wanting to be on the front page?
[disclosure - i work for TBWA, Apple is a client.]
March 15th, 2007 at 10:26 am