Streaming’s reshaped the audience for Tears for Fears, pulling in younger listeners.
Curt Smith, a key member of the iconic band Tears for Fears, shared insights on how streaming platforms have impacted the group’s fanbase. According to Smith, the reach of their music has expanded significantly, especially among younger audiences thanks to viral trends on platforms like TikTok. The band’s classic hit, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” has particularly resonated with a new generation, resulting in a notable shift in the demographic of their concertgoers.
At 64, Smith reflected on the duality of streaming. While he acknowledges the financial downsides—stating that artists receive minimal compensation for plays—he emphasized the benefits of greater exposure. “If we got a nickel for every play of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ on Spotify, we’d be retired by now,” he commented with a hint of humor. However, he appreciates that streaming allows more people to discover their music, leading to a mix of fans both from his generation and those in their teens and early twenties.
The band’s latest album, “The Tipping Point,” which was released in 2022, has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Smith noted that the new material fits seamlessly into their live performances alongside their classics from the 1980s. He believes the strength of these newer tracks stands up to their earlier work, stating, “If they were weaker songs, badly produced, or completely in a different vein, it wouldn’t fit as well. But it flows so well because it’s 100 percent us.”
Looking back on their rise to fame, Roland Orzabal, Smith’s bandmate, recounted the moment they learned their album “Songs from the Big Chair” had reached number one in the U.S. While shooting a music video for “Head Over Heels,” they received the news that they had topped the charts. Orzabal admitted that the moment felt surreal, saying, “It doesn’t sink in. But what followed was quite an incredible experience. It’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you’re at the top.” Tears for Fears continues to evolve, blending nostalgia with current trends, and captivating audiences across generations.
