Bandcamp to extend Bandcamp Fridays for the rest of the year

When the you-know-what pandemic kicked off across the globe in March, the music industry at large was forced into a sudden, seemingly-overnight halt. Shows were cancelled everywhere, meaning the main source of income for many artists ceased to exist. Many put their heads together to think up new ways to help the industry generate income, and while we have seen innovations such as drive-in gigs and pandemic-proof rave suits, it has certainly remained a challenging time for many — especially artists.

Online music retailer BANDCAMP put their money where their metaphorical mouth is, and in March announced a 24-hour period during which they'd waive their usual fees on music and merch. This means the full amount of what fans are paying went directly to artists. The first day was such a success that Bandcamp announced they would do it again in April, and then extended that through to May, June and July. Now, the retailer has confirmed that the now-called "Bandcamp Fridays" will be extended for the rest of the year meaning for the first Friday of every month, they will waive their fees.

If you're wondering what kind of level the success of the Bandcamp Fridays campaign has been at, the retailer confirmed just how much money has been spent across the four days already. In a statement on their website, they advised that fans have spent over $20 million (USD). Not only that, Bandcamp also said that the spending hasn't just been on these particular days either with another whopping $75 million being spent on the site since March. This equates to over half a billion dollars going directly to artists and labels!

In their statement, Bandcamp said, "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."

So, if you're looking to spend some coins on the music retailer, you can note August 7th, September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th and December 4th in your calendars. Please note the 24-hour period on these dates is Pacific Time, so for Australians it kicks off at 5pm AEST. And, for those that might need to check, Bandcamp has also made a new website fittingly titled "Is It Bandcamp Friday?" which will be updated accordingly as the year progresses.

Words by Emma Jones

Image via Bandcamp

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