That Robert Smith doesn't make music that follows the good rules of streaming is clear. Just listen Halothe single with which the Cure launched the album Songs of a Lost Worldin which the singer's voice is heard after almost three and a half minutes.
Now, in an interview with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw for the podcast SidetrackedSmith explained that he doesn't listen to music on the platforms. «I buy physical media, CDs and vinyl. I don't listen to streaming music as a matter of principle, I never have. I only have one internet connection at home and it's connected to a laptop. I turn it on, do what I have to do, turn it off. I don't consider it a source of music. I actually listen to the radio, let's say I'm a bit old-fashioned.”
Smith also listens to music on iPods. «I have lots of them that I put stickers on, so when I pick one up in the dark I know what music it contains. There's stuff in there to suit every mood. There is a lot of music that I listen to that also has a deep meaning for me, that reminds me of moments and people, but not in a nostalgic way.”
In the same podcast, Smith, who is 65, says of the year's pop sensation Charli If I want to feel something after having a couple of beers, I listen to music that means something to me, like 70s disco, like Donna Summer, Chic or Sister Sledge, things like that.” It would therefore be «a bit strange and false if I said that I was passionate about Brat summer or that I follow Chappell Roan because it's not stuff designed for me. What they did is fantastic, but I would be dishonest if I said I listen to them at home.”
That said, “anyone who goes out there and does something has my support, I really do. I hate people who sit there and criticize. When you're young you have to be able to develop the ability to take that kind of criticism. My way of doing it was to think that it was better to be myself than anyone else. This is how I let the criticism slide on me.” And speaking of the five-star reviews received by The Cure: «When I read them I think: why, what have we done in the past that wasn't worth five stars?».
