Bandcamp Live lets artist host virtual gigs and set their own price
The website waives its fees for the service until the end of March 2021
Image: Bandcamp
With the launch of Bandcamp Live, the music self-distribution website has officially entered the live-streaming market. Bandcamp’s users can now host their own virtual gigs and name their own price for admission.
The service rolled out today (18 November) with an announcement from Bandcamp’s blog. According to the music distribution website, the service will be “transparent” in how it handles pricing – meaning that whatever price artists set for tickets will be what their followers see.
To that end, Bandcamp’s cut from each show will be set at 10 per cent; however, the website will also be waiving its fee for the service until 31 March 2021.
Bandcamp Live works in tandem with artist pages to streamline reach to fans and the sale of music and merchandise. Followers get notified as soon as an artist they follow announces a show, and ticket purchasers automatically get converted to follower status.
While hosting a gig, artists will be able to sell their music and merch on a virtual merch table, as well as communicate with fans via an optional chat.
According to a statement, Bandcamp Live is the website’s latest effort to help artists (and fans) get through the coronavirus pandemic. “Streaming will never replace the experience of in-person performances,” Bandcamp wrote. “But we believe it’s the next best thing.”
They continued: “[Bandcamp Live] 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.”
To celebrate the service’s launch, Bandcamp also announced a handful of shows to take place through the new platform. Performing artists include the likes of Moaning and Cloud Nothings.
While the future of in-person gigs still remains hazy, ticketing giant Live Nation appears confident that “full scale” shows will be returning in the summer of 2021.
Learn more about Bandcamp Live at bandcamp.com
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