(1)_edited.png)
A few Fridays ago, Bandcamp waived their revenue share to help musicians impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bandcamp community went above and beyond, paying $4.3 million to artists and labels in just 24 hours, and the resounding success has brought back by popular demand another series of days over the next few weeks where Bandcamp will waive all their revenue shares for all sales on Bandcamp from midnight to midnight PDT (Pacific Daylight Time).
This Friday, May 1 (aka tomorrow) - if you can spare some $$, get behind some of your favourite artists, or discover some new favourites and buy some music or merchandise directly from the musos doing it tough right now.
On March 20, 2020, we waived our revenue share in order to help artists and labels impacted by the pandemic. The Bandcamp community showed up in a massive way, spending $4.3 million on music and merch—15x the amount of a normal Friday— helping artists cover rents, mortgages, groceries, medications, and so much more. It was truly inspiring. But the pandemic and its impact on the music community aren’t over, so on May 1, June 5, and July 3 (the first Friday of each month), we’re waiving our revenue share for all sales on Bandcamp, from midnight to midnight PDT on each day. Musicians will continue to feel the effects of lost touring income for many months to come, so we’re also sharing some ideas below on how fans can support the artists they love and how artists can give fans new, creative ways to provide support. It may sound simple, but the best way to help artists is with your direct financial support, and we hope you’ll join us through the coming months as we work to support artists in this challenging time.
Ethan Diamond Co-Founder & CEO Bandcamp
How To Get Involved...
If you’re a fan
We recognize that plenty of music fans are also seeing their livelihoods disrupted by this virus, but if you’re lucky enough to be in a position to spare some funds (or find yourself in that position in the coming months), please consider sharing your good fortune by buying music and merchandise directly from artists on Bandcamp. On May 1, June 5, and July 3, Bandcamp’s share of sales will also go to the artists and labels you choose to support, and as always, it will reach them in 24-48 hours.
If you already have all the music and merchandise you want from your favorite artists, consider discovering new favorites via our editorial publication, Bandcamp Daily — our best-of’s are a great place to start. Bandcamp Discover is another solid way to find new favorites, and browse our inventory of over 800,000 unique physical items, including vinyl, cassettes, and more. You can also send your favorite music and merch to a friend (there’s a “send as gift” option below every item on an album page and in your collection), or give them a Bandcamp gift card and let them make their own selections.
Finally, most of the items on Bandcamp have an option to pay more than the asking price, and leave a note for the artist. A tip and words of support are always appreciated, but especially so now.
If you’re an artist
Start by taking a look at the new Bandcamp Artist Guide, which is full of recommendations for how to maximize your sales on Bandcamp. The sections on community and merch may be particularly useful right now, as you look to replace income you’ve lost from canceled tours and shows.
We’ll be telling everyone with a Bandcamp fan account about the May 1, June 5 and July 3 events, but please help us spread the word via your usual social channels. You can also use the Bandcamp Artist App to message your followers about it.
Many of your fans are actively looking for ways to support you through this crisis. Even if you don’t have new music or merch, we know fans love live recordings and early demos, and this is a good time to release them on Bandcamp. We’re also seeing artists offering music production services, as well as video hangouts, lessons, and gear tutorials (these can all be listed as merch items).
Also, by setting up your own subscription service on Bandcamp, fans can provide you with their sustained, recurring support.
And if you’re an artist with at least 3 public albums or tracks, be sure to enable the option for fans to buy your full discography. Here’s how.
It’s also a good time for you to make sure your contact email and PayPal email are up to date so you get notifications from us and get paid promptly!
FOR MORE INFO, HEAD HERE.
Bandcamp Info: Ethan Diamond
BY TIANA SPETER
Comments