Bandcamp Friday generates over US$3.5 million for independent artists in 24 hours
The recent edition saw the music platform waive its share of revenue to support musicians.
A recent Bandcamp Friday initiative helped to generate over US$3.5 million for independent artists in just 24 hours, the music platform has revealed.
On August 1, the online music marketplace waived its share of revenue made by music and merch sales for 24 hours – giving 100% of money generated by artists and labels back to them.
It marked the third Bandcamp Friday of the year, following a recent edition in May that generated some US$3.2 million, and an earlier event in March.
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Bandcamp Friday began in 2020 as a way to support independent artists through the pandemic, and has since generated a huge US$140 million for musicians and labels in those five years.
“After five years, it’s fantastic to see another successful Bandcamp Friday,” says Dan Melnick, General Manager of Bandcamp.
“Over US$3.5 million generated in just 24 hours is a testament to the artists using Bandcamp for their music and merch, but also the loyal fans supporting them, knowing we waive our share of revenue on this day.”
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The platform will host three more Bandcamp Friday events this year, with the next scheduled editions to go ahead on September 5, October 3, and December 5.
Ahead of the August edition, Optimo called on fans to help support one half of the duo, JD Twitch, through the initiative by purchasing his music, after he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in July.
"Supporting Optimo music today is more than just buying music," the duo’s team wrote in an Instagram post. "It's supporting Keith, his artists, the community he's nurtured, and the legacy of care, curiosity, and connection that he's developed over decades."
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Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
