Bandcamp was initially conceived as a service to all independent (and other) artists who use its services. It makes it possible for potential customers and fans to not only stream music but also to acquire physical copies of the music.
In its push to diversify its services, Bandcamp has introduced one more service for the artists.
“Bandcamp Live” is a new live streaming service, fully integrated with the rest of the website it facilitates ticketed live streams, and comes with an optional chat option. It also allows for musicians to have a ‘virtual merchandise table’ for fans to browse during their performance. Fans will automatically be notified when artists they’re following announce a show, and new ticket buyers will become followers and can be added to mailing lists.
Coinciding with its other policies directed at helping artists, Bandcamp has said they will be taking a 10% fee from ticket sales but will be waiving their share until March 31, 2021.
Bandcamp founder Ethan Diamond wrote about this launch that “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.”
“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.”
Cloud Nothings, Hatchie, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are among a number of artists to have already announced live performances on Bandcamp. You can find a full list here.
