Apple is facilitating getting the music TO the listener. . . which for the musician is a big thing. If their music is not heard, it is nothing. If music is played in a forest, and there is no one there to hear it, and appreciate it, AND PAY FOR IT, it is merely noise, of no VALUE. Apple is making that musician's music available to be heard by a potential audience in the millions. Where else could he or she gain such an audience AND BE PAID FOR IT? That is what YOU fail to understand. Apple is rendering an extremely valuable service to the musicians and deserves to be paid and appreciated for doing it. Instead, you turn and bite the hand that is offering you this invaluable opportunity!
In the past, independent artists went from station to station begging and pleading to get them to air their music for FREE to get themselves heard by a small number of listeners to get word of mouth talking about their talent. . . and you guys are complaining. SHEESH!
Ahh the internet beat them to that.
Indies have been Able to get their music to millions without Apple or any of the streaming services.
Apple is not doing anything new or groundbreaking they are as usual jumping on the band wagon.