Bandcamp, which describes itself as “the world’s largest fan platform” has partnered with EMPIRE to increase sales opportunities for independent record label artists.
Bandcamp reports that it is operated by 47 million followers and that it has”played an important role in past activities 5 million musicians”.
EMPIRE artists, including Key Glock, Conway the Machine, Dinner Party, Olamide, Asake, Black Sherif and Shaboozey will be joining the stage to address the fans directly.
The partnership means EMPIRE artists can sell digital releases, vinyl, and exclusive merchandise directly to Bandcamp users.
According to the announcement, EMPIRE’s adoption of Bandcamp “means that a new generation of artists will have access to a community of music fans dedicated to supporting the artists they love”.
According to Bandcamp, fans paid for artists and their labels $1.32 billion with Bandcamp since its inception in 2008.
Fans have paid artists and independent labels $14.4 million by using the platform in the past 30 days only, Bandcamp reports on its website.
Since being acquired by Songtradr in September, Bandcamp reports that it has increased its editorial output with Bandcamp Daily, rolled out a Listening Party feature, and “created a new emphasis on Bandcamp’s Friday schedule”.
The platform celebrated its 40th Bandcamp on Friday May 3. This initiative was launched during the Covid shutdown in March 2020 and sees the platform withdraw part of its revenue from artist sales. Bandcamp reports that the artists have been produced $123 million with this plan since then.
Bandcamp was acquired by Songtradr from Epic Games, the maker of the hit video game Fortnitejust 18 months after Epic itself acquired Bandcamp.
Bandcamp reports that it saw a 5% year-over-year increase in unique visitors to its site and that the number of fans who “actively support” artists through the platform grew by 6% YoY.
Founded in 2010 by Bay Area native Ghazi, EMPIRE operates a record label, distribution division, and publishing arm.
The company recently expanded with EMPIRE Africa, with a lineup that includes Asake, Fireboy DML, and KiDi.
EMPIRE is also home to the supergroup Dinner Party, featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Kamasi Washington.
“EMPIRE is a true innovator and together with Bandcamp’s 47 million member community of passionate music lovers, we are creating a new era of creative control and sustainability for artists, focusing on connecting with artists’ true fans.”
Bryan Biniak, Songtradr
Bryan Biniak, President of Songtradr, Bandcamp’s parent company, said: “EMPIRE is a true innovator and together with Bandcamp’s 47 million member community of passionate music lovers, we are creating a new era of creative control and artist sustainability, with a focus on truth. communication with the artist’s fans.”
“Bandcamp’s artist-first approach aligns with our values, and we’re excited to see our artists thrive in this supportive community.”
Ghazi, EMPIRE
Ghazi, Founder/CEO of EMPIRE added: “Partnering with Bandcamp is a natural step for EMPIRE as we continue to champion our artists and provide them with the best tools to succeed.
“Bandcamp’s artist-first approach aligns with our values, and we’re excited to see our artists thrive in this supportive community.”
