Bandcamp Extends 'Bandcamp Fridays' Campaign through Remainder of 2020
Bandcamp users have purchased more than $75 million worth of music since March.
In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bandcamp launched its Bandcamp Fridays campaign to support independent musicians. Initially, the promotion was to extend for the first Friday of May, June, and July. On Thursday Ethan Diamond, the company's CEO announced the move will extend for the rest of the year.
"Because the pandemic is far from over," he wrote, "we'll continue to hold Bandcamp Fridays on the first Friday of every month until the end of the year."
According to Diamond, fans have bought more than $75 million worth of music and merchandise directly from artists and labels. In just four days, "fans put more than $20 million directly into the pockets of artists and labels." On July 3, the company decided to waive its own revenue share for purchases. Previously, the site took a 15% share from digital music sales.
The campaign will continue on the First Friday of the month until the end of the year: August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4.
"It's a good reminder that Bandcamp Fridays are really an extension of what Bandcamp is about every day," he continued. "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."
In the first week, customers spent 15 times the amount of a normal Friday on the platform. On May 1, fans spent $7.1 million, and dozens of artists donated their proceeds to even more funds fighting for racial equity.