Many industries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The music industry is one of them as companies, bands, and artists have been coming together to find creative ways to survive this time of uncertainty, financially. Bandcamp is one of these platforms. Last month, Bandcamp waived their revenue share on Friday, March 20th, as all proceeds went directly to artists and labels. Fans ended up spending $4.3 million, resulting in a 15x increase Bandcamp would see on a typical Friday. Due to the recent success, Bandcamp has extended this to three additional Fridays: May 1st, June 5th, and July 3rd. Artists and labels will continue to work with this deal as there’s an extensive list of donations, special merch, and more at this location.
Read Bandcamp’s statement below:
“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.
(Over 150 artists and labels are offering discounts, exclusive items, merch bundles, and more this Friday.)
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”
