Bandcamp’s monthly artist fundraisers will happen for the rest of 2020
Due to coronavirus, many artists are unable to perform and tour. To help make up for artists’ lost revenue, Bandcamp has been hosting monthly artist fundraisers. During these days, known as “Bandcamp Fridays,” the digital music retailer gives its cut of fees to artists and labels.
Now, it has been announced that Bandcamp is hosting these “Bandcamp Fridays” for the rest of 2020.
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Although some cities around the world are starting to host live music again, various venues remain closed and tours remain canceled. For many artists, especially those who are independent, music sales mean more than ever right now.
Due to the sudden changes in the music industry amid the pandemic, Bandcamp began hosting Bandcamp Fridays. The retailer held its first fundraising day in March and saw massive results. The retailer ended up bringing in a total of $4.3 million for bands over the course of the day with 800,000 sales taking place. The sales figure is 15 times higher than its typical Friday sales.
Following its success, another Bandcamp Friday was held on May 1. On that day, fans spent $7.1 million in just 24 hours. The retailer then decided to donate fee revenue to artists on June 5 and July 3 as well.
These fundraising days were created to encourage shopping and help artists who are struggling during this time. Lots of artists have offered up exclusive releases for Bandcamp Fridays. The offers range from rarities from their archives, acoustic albums, live LPs or new music. Some artists even sell special merch.
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Now, it looks like Bandcamp is having fundraising days for the rest of 2020. On July 23, it was announced that five more Bandcamp Fridays are happening this year. The company shares that more than $20 million has been given directly to artists and labels since March.
“On the last four Bandcamp Fridays, fans put more than $20 million directly into the pockets of artists and labels. We’re going to keep doing them for the rest of 2020.”
On the last four Bandcamp Fridays, fans put more than $20 million directly into the pockets of artists and labels. We’re going to keep doing them for the rest of 2020, more details here: https://t.co/UJU3FMLNTc pic.twitter.com/fizXtRfZH7
— bandcamp (@Bandcamp) July 23, 2020
The new Bandcamp Fridays are being held on Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.
Following the success of these fundraising days, Bandcamp, artists and labels joined together to give back to Black Lives Matter. For Juneteenth, the retailer donated all of its sales to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
As well, Daughters, Anti-Flag, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, Equal Vision Records, No Sleep Records and plenty more donated their Bandcamp funds to BLM.
What are your thoughts on Bandcamp Fridays being extended for the rest of 2020? Let us know in the comments below.
