Image via Bandcamp

Bandcamp Expand Into The Livestreaming World


Bandcamp have announced their new service Bandcamp Live, a new ticketed live streaming service. The idea is to connect fans with their favourite artists during during a time where live music feels like a myth. On a blog post that went out Tuesday co-founder Ethan Diamond wrote: 

“Bandcamp Live is simple to set up, even if you’ve never streamed before, and is fully integrated with the rest of Bandcamp. This has several benefits: we automatically notify your fans when you announce a show, it’s easy to buy a ticket since so many people already have a Bandcamp account and saved credit card, and new buyers become your followers (and have the option to join your mailing list). You can also showcase your music and merchandise right alongside your stream in a virtual merch table.”

In addition to this there will be an optional chat box, similar to Twitch and YouTube. In this box fans can interact and comment on the show as well as artists being able to message fans. Not to mention notifications when merch is bought to help drive sales. Much like the pricing of digital and physical products on the site the artist can set their own price with Bandcamp taking their standard 10% fee. However, they are waiving the fee entirely until March 31st 2021.  

During this unprecedented time Bandcamp have become the unsung heroes of underground and emerging artists. Throughout the pandemic they have wavered fee’s during their monthly Bandcamp Fridays. So far this has raised $35 million (in addition to the $126 million paid to artists via band camp since the pandemic started. 

Although streaming will never replace the excitement (and sweatiness) of a live gig it does help bring us closer to live music in a time where there is little to none. As Ethan explains: 

“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.”

Learn more about Bandcamp Live here.

Upcoming Ticketed Live Streams:

Nov. 20: Chris Farren
Nov. 21: Brin
Dec. 4: Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti
Dec. 4: Madison McFerrin
Dec. 5: Hanna Mia
Dec. 10: Butcher Brown
Dec. 10: (Liv).e
Dec 10: Eyedress
Dec. 12: Frente Cumbiero
Dec. 12: Aroma
Dec. 13: Bobby Oroza
Dec. 17: Demae
Dec. 18: Dezron Douglas and Brandee Younger
Dec. 21: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Feb. 13: Moaning
Feb. 27: Cloud Nothings
TBD: Hatchie
TBD: Pedro the Lion
TBD: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
TBD: Genevieve Artadi
TBD: Surprise Chef