As Tracy Chapman celebrates the reissue of her groundbreaking debut album on vinyl for its significant anniversary, the renowned musician has candidly shared her thoughts on the current state of music consumption, specifically her choice to steer clear of streaming services.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Tracy Chapman discussed her current listening habits. She revealed that although she still explores new music, she doesn’t engage with it as frequently as she used to. This admission highlights the shift in her relationship with music over time, reflecting her deeper appreciation for authenticity and connection in the musical experience.

“I might be seen as a bit outdated or even labeled a Luddite, but I choose not to stream music,” Chapman shared candidly. “My preference is to purchase music in physical formats like CDs or vinyl, as I believe artists receive fair compensation when their work is purchased rather than streamed. This approach creates a certain limitation on my listening experience, as it involves a conscious effort to seek out music in stores, yet I still find joy in that process.”

Chapman’s insightful remarks come at a pivotal moment in her career. Over the last 15 years, her iconic debut single “Fast Car” has witnessed a remarkable resurgence on streaming platforms, largely due to popular covers by artists like Michael Collings, Jonas Blue, and Luke Combs. This evolution in her song’s popularity underscores the enduring impact of her work in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Specifically, Luke Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” achieved significant milestones, including topping the Adult Pop Airplay, Country Airplay, and Hot Country Songs charts, while also reaching an impressive No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song garnered prestigious accolades, winning both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, making Chapman the first African American woman to receive a CMA award, a historic achievement that highlights her influence in country music.

In June 2023, it was reported that “Fast Car” generated a remarkable $500,000 in global publishing royalties within just three months. Following her performance at the Grammys, statistics showed a staggering 949,000 official on-demand U.S. streams in the day after her appearance. Furthermore, digital sales skyrocketed by 38,400%, jumping from a minuscule amount to nearly 14,000. Earlier this year, it was also revealed that Chapman’s original track surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, solidifying its place in music history.

Interestingly, despite the rising interest in physical media, Chapman’s original track has traditionally been more accessible on streaming services than on the more sought-after vinyl format. This disparity in accessibility contributed to her decision to reissue her self-titled debut album from 1988 on vinyl for its 35th anniversary, which, while officially recognized on its 37th anniversary, reflects her commitment to her legacy and the physical format.

“We may have discussed this at 25 or 30 years, but now felt like the right moment to act, especially as there is a renewed interest in vinyl records. This album has been incredibly significant to me and my journey as a songwriter,” Chapman expressed in a recent conversation with Billboard, emphasizing the importance of this reissue at this juncture.

In addition to her thoughts about streaming, Chapman was asked about the contemporary artists she admires. She highlighted her appreciation for “all the young women in their diverse styles, making their mark” at the recent Grammys, particularly mentioning Chappell Roan and Charli XCX.

“It’s not the type of music I would create, but I value the fact that we are witnessing a moment where artists like them can thrive and achieve success,” Chapman noted, reflecting on the evolving landscape of the music industry and the importance of representation and diversity.