Amid all the probably justifiable hubbub about whether the money earned by streaming services like Spotify is actually making its way to the artists, let’s give due respect to one website that I personally see fit to label a regular Jesus of Nazareth of the digital music world. Of course our Lord and Savior needs to earn a little dough (approximately 15%) for himself in order to sustain his humble lifestyle, but otherwise, he’s indiscriminately handing out loaves and happily turning people into jovial winos whenever the opportunity arises. Bandcamp’s such a loving entity. CEO Ethan Diamond is a saint.
And on that note, pertinent to listeners and participants alike, Bandcamp has just announced a new subscription service. It’s sort of like what Drip.fm has been doing, except minus the focus on independent labels, the artists themselves can offer their own subscriptions for a price entirely of their choosing. They also decide what bonuses subscribers get when they sign up, as well as what material (musical or otherwise) will be available to subscribers exclusively, going forward. In short, and in keeping with the spirit of the site, artists wield control.
Likewise, Diamond had the following to say on the theory behind Bandcamp subscriptions: “The whole motivation here is that when you get to a point that you love an artist - when you go from liking them to being a real true fan of theirs - at some point you just want everything they make. You just want to support everything they do.”
Consider it one elegant step short of stalking and passionately stuffing bills in their pockets.
• Bandcamp: http://bandcamp.com
