CUPERTINO, CA (Hypebot) – With the launch of Apple's new music service just a week away, the reports and rumors are flying everywhere and will likely accelerate. If $19 million advances to celebrity DJs aren't enough, Apple has other tricks up its sleeve. And just in Apple finds the winning formula, Jay Z is already trying to hedge is bet on TIDAL.
Apple reportedly hopes to offer a free three month trial to the paid music subscription it plans to launch next week, and is asking the labels to give it all rights for free during the trial. While potentially effective marketing, Apple's request comes at a time when the industry has been pushing for greater restrictions on free music; and adds credence to Spotify's position that free music is a necessary gateway to paid subscriptions.
Apple also wants to add lyrics to its new music services, but reportedly hopes to not have to pay songwriters and publishers for the privilege , according to the New York Post.
Jay Z Shops TIDAL Merger
Also via the Post comes a report that Jay Z is out shopping the idea of merging TIDAL with another music service. Rhapsody was among those approached, but talks have broken down, according to industry sources.
