Here is the just released statement from the music service:
“On most first Fridays of the month since March of 2020, we’ve waived our revenue share to provide additional support to the artists and labels who form the backbone of Bandcamp’s community and without whom we would not exist. Over the course of those 26 Fridays, fans have spent more than $91 million dollars, and participation has remained consistently high, with each Bandcamp Friday generating millions of dollars of extra income for artists and labels.
So, we’re going to keep a good thing going in 2023, and will hold the next Bandcamp Friday on February 3rd. We’ll share dates for the rest of the year soon.
Different from most other digital music platforms, Bandcamp has always done their best to serve the artist – rather than the people (and their money) behind the company.
Since the Covid-19 virus starting affecting people around the planet Bandcamp has gone above and beyond to help independent artists from around the globe who have struggled financially because of lockdowns and restrictions.
Since the pandemic began Bandcamp has raised 161 million dollars for artists around the globe through their Bandcamp Friday initiative.
Now, Bandcamp has created a new platform that allows artists to set up a live streaming event for their fans which will definitely enhance their opportunities especially during these times.
CEO Ethan Diamond explains: “When the pandemic eliminated a major source of musicians’ income, we immediately began working on ways to help the artists and labels on Bandcamp, without whom we would not exist. We started with Bandcamp Fridays, a day each month where we waive our revenue share, and so far those have raised $35 million in just 8 days (that’s in addition to the $126 million fans have paid artists via Bandcamp since the pandemic began). Bandcamp Live is the next step in our effort to help our community thrive during this crazy time. Streaming will never replace the experience of in-person performances, but we believe it’s the next best thing, and will provide artists with a powerful tool to build and connect with their fans both now, and when Covid is behind us and we’re all out enjoying the magic of live music once again.”
“Finally, pricing is completely transparent. We don’t pretend our ticketing service is free and then surprise your fans with a “convenience fee” when they check out. You set your ticket price to whatever you want, and that’s what your fans are charged. Our fee is 10%, and we’re waiving it entirely until March 31st, 2021.”
Today is Bandcamp Friday and once again musicians around the world will have the aid of one of the greatest music services this world has to offer. Since the COVID-19 hit the world, so far Bandcamp has helped artists sell $75 million worth of music during previous Bandcamp Fridays. All that money goes directly to the artists since Bandcamp waves their revenue share during these special days.
For hardcore and punk fans there is a fantastic compilation album being released this Friday featuring some heavy canons in the scene such as Minority Threat, Racetraitor, War On Women, SECT, Modern Life Is War, Sunn 0))), Jesus Piece and many more. All proceeds of the 46-song compilation will go to Movement for Black Lives (m4bl.org).
On their webpage Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond writes: “It’s a good reminder that Bandcamp Fridays are really an extension of what Bandcamp is about every day. Thank you to all the artists and labels who shared their music with us, and the fans who spent their hard-earned coins to support the artists they love.
Because the pandemic is far from over, we’ll continue to hold Bandcamp Fridays on the first Friday of every month until the end of the year. A more detailed calendar is below.”
Bandcamp Fridays 2020 Calendar:
September 4, 2020 October 2, 2020 November 6, 2020 December 4, 2020
