Music platform Bandcamp is mobilizing its community to support musicians affected by Southern California wildfires by donating all proceeds on February 7th to MusiCares, a nonprofit organization providing emergency assistance to music professionals. During a 24-hour period from midnight to midnight PST, Bandcamp will channel 100% of its revenue to MusiCares, which offers preventive, emergency, and recovery programs for music industry workers. The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving multiple music industry partners, including A2IM, Harman, Lagunitas, Roland, Shure, Victrola, and WIN.
Dan Melnick, Bandcamp's General Manager, emphasized the significance of supporting Los Angeles' music community, noting the widespread impact of the wildfires on musicians, producers, and recording studios. Bryan Biniak from Songtradr highlighted the importance of platforms like Bandcamp in ensuring artists can continue creating during challenging times. MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging the organization's mission to provide vital resources to music professionals in need. A2IM President Dr. Richard James Burgess described the initiative as a demonstration of the music community's strength and resilience.
This fundraising effort builds on Bandcamp's history of supporting independent artists, including its Bandcamp Fridays program, which has generated over $131 million for musicians and labels. Artists are encouraged to add new music or merchandise to their stores, while fans can purchase tracks or discover new artists on the platform. The collaboration underscores the music industry's commitment to supporting its community during times of crisis, leveraging collective resources to provide meaningful assistance to those affected by the Southern California wildfires. The initiative matters because it addresses the immediate financial and recovery needs of music professionals whose livelihoods are threatened by natural disasters, while reinforcing the role of digital platforms in facilitating industry-wide solidarity.
