Robert Smith Declares He ‘Doesn’t Stream Music on Principle and Never Has’

The Cure’s Robert Smith Discusses Music Streaming

The Cure's Robert Smith stated that he “doesn’t stream music at all” – find out more about his views below.

Listening Habits and New Projects

In a recent interview with the TV channel Abstract, Smith joined Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw to celebrate the release of the band’s latest album, Songs Of A Lost World. During the chat, he shared his thoughts on streaming services, admitting he’s not fond of them.

While Smith didn’t elaborate on why he “basically doesn’t stream music and never will,” it likely relates to his long-standing grievances with ticketing agencies like Ticketmaster.

Instead of streaming, Smith listens to music via his collection of iPods. He explained to Mac and Grimshaw: “I have playlists, I have an iPod. I have a bunch of different iPods with stickers so I know in the dark which one will play. So, they all have things that suit my mood. I have so much music – not in a nostalgic sense, but things that I can't just move to, but that also mean something to me, remind me of a lot of times and people.”

Clearly against streaming, Smith expressed that it would be “disingenuous” to claim he was engaged with this year’s popular albums—Charli XCX’s summer release “Brat” and Chappell Rohan’s debut, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”

He mentioned that these albums weren’t designed for him and remarked that “it would be a little weird if I said, ‘Yeah, this is my favorite thing.'” He added, “I think what they do as artists is really fantastic, but I think it would probably be dishonest if I said that’s what I listen to at home.”

Earlier this month, he chatted with Radio X presenter John Kennedy during a special track-by-track playback of “Songs Of A Lost World.” He discussed how quitting smoking has helped him maintain his vocal quality and revealed that the band is already developing new music.

For instance, Smith disclosed that the band “wrote a really catchy pop song” intended for a Christmas single and that they are actively planning two additional albums. One of these is set to be a “companion” to “Songs Of A Lost World,” while the other will take a different creative direction.

This isn’t the first indication of new releases from Smith; back in 2020, he informed NME that The Cure was busy working on “two new albums and an hour of noise.”

“Songs Of A Lost World” garnered a five-star review from NME, which noted: “Merciless? Yes, but in the dark there’s always enough heart and richness of sound to hold you in and elevate these songs among The Cure’s finest.”

The album was also listed as one of the best albums of the year by NME, while its lead single “Alone” featured in NME‘s list of the best songs of 2024. “Alone ends a 16-year drought and proves that The Cure have lost none of their magic. Featuring swirling synths and cinematic instrumentation combined with Robert Smith’s poignant lyricism and melodies, this epic is a masterpiece of ethereal beauty and raw emotional depth. “One of their most exciting songs to date.”

Since then, the band has released a new EP titled A Fragile Thing, featuring a live version and a remix by Robert Smith, and subsequently unveiled a new live album from their special performance in London.