Bandcamp has significantly expanded its vinyl pressing service for artists.
Launched in 2019, the system allows bands, composers, producers and labels to crowdfund and pay the platform to press stock, which is then shipped to individual customers.
Originally limited to small trials, this week Bandcamp contacted a further 10,000 artists to offer them the service, with those numbers expected to increase throughout 2021.
A new online tool launched by Hype Machine makes it easy to convert your Spotify playlists into lists of tracks to purchase on Bandcamp.
Created by the music blogging aggregator Hype Machine, the ‘Merch Table’ allows users to copy and paste URLs of individual Spotify playlists into the platform, which will then source the releases and generate links to purchase the music on Bandcamp.
Bandcamp has pledged to continue its fee-free Fridays in 2021 to support artists whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Waiving its revenue share for all sales taken one Friday each month to allow 100% of proceeds to go to creators, the online music store has paid out over $40 million to artists and labels since the scheme first started in March - thanks to participation from almost 800,000 fans.
London based imprint 51-53 will drop its second release on Friday 11th December - a two track EP entitled ‘Fela’s Groove’ from the label’s founder, Blankson.
Under the moniker Blankson, Fab Goualin channels the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti in his debut 12” pressing.
Speaking about the EP, Blankson said: “2020 has been an important year for Black progression, black heritage and the Black struggle, so this EP was made in the same spirit of protest and perseverance that Fela made his music, which is now more important than ever.“
Bandcamp has launched Live, a new streaming platform for artists to stream ticketed events and shows. The new service lets users and artists charge any price for their streams, and Bandcamp will take 10% of the ticket price, which they’re waiving until March 31st 2021.
Fans of an artist are automatically notified when an event is added to their page, and Bandcamp will also display any merch in your Bandcamp shop throughout the broadcast. There’s live chat for fans to communicate. There's no word yet on takedowns or copyright issues for DJ sets.
