The rash of postponements and cancellations amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will have an undeniable impact on artists' livelihoods. In response, Bandcamp will waive its revenue share on music sales for 24 hours later this week.
In a statement today, the music platform revealed plans to waive revenue share on sales this Friday (March 20) from midnight to midnight PDT (3 a.m. to 3 a.m. EDT), while also acknowledging the "many fans going above and beyond to support artists across Bandcamp."
"With such a major revenue stream drying up almost entirely, finding ways to continue supporting artists in the coming months is now an urgent priority for anyone who cares about music and the artists who create it," Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond wrote.
"For many artists, a single day of boosted sales can mean the difference between being able to pay rent or not. Still, we consider this just a starting point," Diamond continued. "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 and through the coming months as we work to support artists in this challenging time."
The waiver will not include artist subscription payments or vinyl pressing campaign pledges.
Bandcamp adds that "Many others within the music industry are being impacted as well, including record store owners and staff, tour managers, event producers, venue staff, lighting and sound professionals, janitors, photographers, bartenders, security guards, and more," encouraging listeners "to find ways to reach out and support those affected in your local communities."
Read Bandcamp's entire statement here.
Read about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Canadian artists, and follow Exclaim!'s list of Canadian music and film events affected by coronavirus.
In a statement today, the music platform revealed plans to waive revenue share on sales this Friday (March 20) from midnight to midnight PDT (3 a.m. to 3 a.m. EDT), while also acknowledging the "many fans going above and beyond to support artists across Bandcamp."
"With such a major revenue stream drying up almost entirely, finding ways to continue supporting artists in the coming months is now an urgent priority for anyone who cares about music and the artists who create it," Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond wrote.
"For many artists, a single day of boosted sales can mean the difference between being able to pay rent or not. Still, we consider this just a starting point," Diamond continued. "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 and through the coming months as we work to support artists in this challenging time."
The waiver will not include artist subscription payments or vinyl pressing campaign pledges.
Bandcamp adds that "Many others within the music industry are being impacted as well, including record store owners and staff, tour managers, event producers, venue staff, lighting and sound professionals, janitors, photographers, bartenders, security guards, and more," encouraging listeners "to find ways to reach out and support those affected in your local communities."
Read Bandcamp's entire statement here.
Read about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Canadian artists, and follow Exclaim!'s list of Canadian music and film events affected by coronavirus.
