Tracy Chapman Reflects On 17 Years Since Her Last Album And Shares Concerns About Democracy In The United States

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In a rare interview with El País, singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman opened up about her career, creativity, and deep worries about the future of American democracy.

Chapman, now 61, looked back on her journey that began with her groundbreaking debut in 1988. She recalled the defining moment that year when she performed at the Nelson Mandela tribute concert at London’s Wembley Stadium, an event that instantly propelled her into international fame.

Despite her early success, Chapman has not released a new studio album since 2008’s *Our Bright Future*. Her long break from recording coincides with the reissue of her debut album on vinyl, which brought her back into the media spotlight after many quiet years.

During the interview, Chapman explained that her songwriting has never been intentional activism but rather a reflection of the social realities she witnessed growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. “I’m worried about democracy in the United States,” she said, expressing concern about the fragility of civic institutions and the role artists play in maintaining awareness.

Although she has stepped back from live performances, Chapman continues to write and create music on her own terms. She emphasized that her focus has always been on creative freedom rather than commercial success, saying, “The only thing that matters to me is that I’ve been able to express myself the way I wanted.”