Bandcamp, which describes itself as the “world’s largest super fan platform” has partnered with EMPIRE to expand retail opportunities for the independent record label’s artists.
Bandcamp reports that it is used by 47 million fans and that it has “played a pivotal role in the careers of over 5 million artists”.
EMPIRE artists, including Key Glock, Conway the Machine, Dinner Party, Olamide, Asake, Black Sherif and Shaboozey will be joining the direct-to-fan platform.
The partnership means that 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 legends will have access to a community of music fans who are dedicated to supporting artists they love”.
According to Bandcamp, fans have paid artists and their labels $1.32 billion via Bandcamp since it was founded in 2008.
Fans have paid artists and independent labels $14.4 million via the platform in the past 30 days alone, Bandcamp reports on its website.
Since being acquired by Songtradr in September, Bandcamp reports to have increased its editorial output via Bandcamp Daily, released the Listening Party feature, and “created new emphasis around the Bandcamp Friday initiative”.
The platform celebrated its 40th Bandcamp Friday on May 3. The initiative was launched during Covid lockdown in March 2020 and sees the platform waive its share of revenues from artists’ sales. Bandcamp reports that artists have generated $123 million via this initiative since then.
Bandcamp was acquired by Songtradr from Epic Games, the maker of hit video game Fortnite, just 18 months after Epic itself acquired Bandcamp.
Bandcamp reports that it has seen a 5% year-over-year increase in unique visitors to its site and that the number of fans “actively supporting” artists via the platform has increased by 6% YoY.
Founded in 2010 by Bay Area native Ghazi, EMPIRE runs a record label, distribution division, and publishing arm.
The company recently expanded with EMPIRE Africa, with a roster featuring Asake, Fireboy DML, and KiDi.
EMPIRE is also home to 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 fervent music lovers, we are creating a new era of creative control and artist sustainability, focusing on genuine artist-fan connections.”
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 fervent music lovers, we are creating a new era of creative control and artist sustainability, focusing on genuine artist-fan connections.”
“Bandcamp’s artist-first approach aligns with our values, and we are 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 are excited to see our artists thrive in this supportive community.”
