Bandcamp to support musicians by suspending all fees for one day
In a note published by the music and album platform, Bandcamp has revealed plans to suspend all revenue fees on March 20, to support musicians all over the world who sell their tunes through their site.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is in full force, and artists have been hit especially hard as tours and shows are being canceled for the foreseeable future,” writes Ethan Diamon, Co-Founder and CEO of Bandcamp.
With the upheaval of all industries and day-to-day life around the globe due to the coronavirus, the music industry has seen a radical shift, and it could spell disaster for independent artists.
Concerts of all sizes have been canceled or postponed since the second week of March — almost globally — and the venue shut their doors almost immediately afterward. Folks are asked to stay home if they can, and this disrupts a musicians main source of income: gigging.
Bandcamp, aware of how much even a single day of boosted sales can do for an artist, is turning their gesture into a reason to celebrate. Musicians of all genres are asking for their fans to make a purchase on a day where their dollars will go to helping more with food, rent, and cost of living.
To put this gesture into perspective one waived revenue fee from @Bandcamp is more than most independent musicians get for being streamed all year on @Spotify.
Thanks to Bandcamp and to all who support true independent music and its value. https://t.co/DNT9ljVOaX— Leyland Kirby (The Caretaker) (@LeylandKirby) March 17, 2020
With effect from today until the end of the month, Hyperdub will give all the money from sales of releases on @Bandcamp directly to our artists who have been affected by cancelled shows and club nights.
— Hyperdub (@Hyperdub) March 18, 2020
The special event will take place on March 20 and will run from midnight (am) to midnight (pm) Pacific Time.
since bandcamp is giving all revenue to artists tomorrow, i’m going to release my EP early
it’s a compilation of tracks i’ve made over the past few months after my laptop died. i made them entirely on a cheap motorola phone using Sunvox for android
hope you enjoy pic.twitter.com/YrV5Tqa94B
— ezra j. ⛧ (commissions open) (@_equinox7) March 19, 2020
“It may sound simple, but the best way to help artists is with your direct financial support, and we hope you’ll join us on Friday,” adds Diamond.
Head over to Bandcamp and help support your favorite musicians.