Robert Smith refuses to “stream music on principle”.
The Cure frontman has revealed that he hates streaming songs and instead listens to music on a collection of “loads and loads” of iPods.
Robert told the BBC’s ‘Sidetracked’ podcast with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw: “I’ve got playlists, iPods. I’ve got loads and loads of different iPods with stickers on them so I know in the dark which one’s gonna play which. So, they’ve all got stuff on them which suits my mood.
“There’s so much music I’ve got – not in a nostalgic way, but stuff that I can not just move about to but also means something to me, reminds me of a lot of times and people.”
Smith admitted that it would be “dishonest” of him to say he listens to the music of pop sensations Charli XCX and Chappell Roan, although he respects their achievements as artists.
The 65-year-old singer said: “I think what they did as artists is really fantastic. I think I’d be dishonest if I said it’s what I listen to at home.
“So yes, I’ve been aware of (Charli) for a long, long time. Chappell Roan, although she’s been doing it for a while as well, has only emerged into wider consciousness over the past year.
“But anyone that really gets out and does something, I just think it’s great. I really do. I hate people just sitting there being critical.”
Robert knows that younger artists must learn to overcome criticism and revealed that he pays little attention to those who are critical of The Cure’s work.
The ‘Friday I’m In Love’ musician said: “You have to develop an ability to ride that kind of criticism.
“My way of doing it was thinking I’d much rather wake up as anybody else. As long as you think that, criticism does tend to just wash over you.
“And also, people who criticise you have never done it. It’s invalid. Criticism in general, I take with a pinch of salt.”