Bandcamp have been around since 2008 when Ethan Diamond and three developer friends set it up – a way to sell music and merch for all and any bands without need for a record label or pretty much anything else at all.
And since then they’ve proved their coolness and always extremely fair and transparent approach to doing business time and time again.
We’re very happy to report that Bandcamp have stepped up, and are stepping up, once again during the Coronavirus crisis, as the global lockdown by default cancels musicians and bands’ main source of income and promotion, that being playing live.
They say:
“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact all of us, and artists have been hit especially hard as tours and shows are canceled for the foreseeable future. With such a major revenue stream drying up almost entirely, finding ways to continue supporting artists in the coming months is an urgent priority for anyone who cares about music and the artists who create it.
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 for Bandcamp)
And I’m very happy to say that the music fans have responded wonderfully. Ethan again: “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.”
