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Tracy Chapman has long been known for marching to the beat of her own drum, and in an age dominated by digital platforms and instant access, the reclusive singer-songwriter has revealed that she is firmly holding onto the old ways, refusing to stream music altogether.
In a rare and candid interview with The New York Times, the "Fast Car" singer opened up about her personal listening habits and her concerns over how streaming services are affecting artists' earnings. Asked whether she still keeps up with new music, Chapman confirmed that she does, but not in the way most people might expect.
“I do listen to music still. I don’t listen to as much as I used to,” she said. “And I’m maybe going to date myself now, or someone’s going to call me a Luddite, but I don’t stream music.”
Chapman, who has always maintained a low profile despite her global success, explained her reasons with characteristic thoughtfulness. “I only buy music in physical form. Artists get paid when you actually buy a CD or the vinyl. That’s important to me,” she said.
Her stance is increasingly rare in an industry where streaming dominates and physical sales continue to decline. While platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer fans the convenience of millions of songs at their fingertips, critics have often pointed out that the revenue artists receive from these services is minimal. Chapman’s refusal to support that system is a quiet but powerful protest in favour of fair compensation for creators.
She acknowledges that her approach does create limitations. “So to some extent, it limits what I listen to,” she admitted. “Because it’s a physical commitment of going out into the world and finding things, but I still do go out.”
It’s a sentiment that aligns with the integrity and independence that have defined her career from the start. Chapman, who burst onto the scene in the late 1980s with her breakout hit “Fast Car,” has always maintained artistic control and rarely participates in the spotlight. Her decision to forgo streaming isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about principle.
In an industry constantly evolving, Chapman remains a voice of calm resistance, reminding us that sometimes the old ways still have value, especially when it comes to supporting the artists who make the music we love.
