She has a cult following, but Taylor Swift's Midnights broke over 1 million vinyl sales (from late October -> late January).
But I mostly agree with you - I get very excited for artists that I really enjoy releasing new work, and "line up" so to speak by listening to it the day it releases on Spotify.
I adore music, always have and follow what I hope are "real artists".
I haven't bought physical media for several decades and often buy albums weeks or months after release.
I think you've sliced this wrong.