I used to buy a lot of music but physical medium seems to be on the way out and there are even artists that skip entirely publishing in such format.
Streaming is not my cup of tea nor a luxury I can adhere too, as I mostly work outside and there are spots where internet coverage is just non existant.
I would gladly pay for a service that would enable me to pull down and store music I pay for.
I just discovered Qobuz, its a French music streaming app that feels more like a record store than a streaming platform. You can also buy tracks, many of them in audiophile quality. Their pro plan includes a discount on lots of tracks.
What you dont get is anything algorithmic or AI at all. New music discovery is fully back on your hands but you’ll have to decide for yourself if the editorial content is enough to offset that
I am splitting my purchases between subvert.fm (over bandcamp these days, look into it and make your own call) and qobuz is the only music streamer I’ll use, they are at the top end of artist compensation per stream.
Discovery is a more interactive process for me now, but, i personally find it more rewarding. YMMV.
Even if you decide this isn’t for you, please use subvert or bandcamp or direct purchase in those rare cases that they offer it.
Stay away from the big names in this space, go to live shows, buy direct merch, we need to do anything we can to remove every intermediary between us and the artists we love and that provide the soundtracks to our lives.
I realize that I’m saying this all from a place of privilege. To those who can’t afford these things, i have been in that position. Do what you have to do, support artists as best you can, but only if you reasonably can. Look out for yourselves first.