![]() “It seemed now would be the perfect time to try out for Happy Apple,” bassist Erik Fratzke said, recounting how the band scrapped more conventional release plans during the pandemic. Jazz trio Happy Apple issued its first album in 13 years - cheekily titled “New York CD” - as an exclusive “pre-release” download via Bandcamp over the past month to raise money for north Minneapolis food nonprofit Appetite for Change. In the Twin Cities, where the George Floyd tragedy and a rash of music-related MeToo stories have added to the drama of recent months, Bandcamp Fridays have also been used as a fun way to raise some serious money for social causes. “The lack of live concerts has freed up my music budget, and the artists and independent labels can use the support,” he said. Paul’s Will Crain, who said he has racked up Bandcamp charges every month during the pandemic. That’s good news for superfans such as St. The monthly offerings have proved so popular that the company announced last week it has waived more than $20 million over the first four Bandcamp Fridays, and that it plans to keep them going at least through the end of the year. On tap again Friday, Bandcamp’s monthly sale has become an event of sorts for musicians and music fans alike - a rare bright spot as the pandemic continues to keep most music venues dark. It’s a tradition that started in March, right after the coronavirus quarantine brought the music industry to an abrupt halt. “It seemed like a really obvious chance to offer something as a consolation.”įans certainly prized the backup offering: a live recording from the final night of Minneapolis’ Triple Rock Social Club, which the band posted for one day only - the day that many indie music fans worldwide now know as Bandcamp Friday.Įach first Friday of the month, the Oakland, Calif.-based online music retailer waives its in-house fees on albums and other products it sells for shipping or download, so more money goes directly to the artists. “The timing lined up so well,” guitarist Erik Funk said. ![]() After plans for another “D4th” Fourth of July blowout party were scrapped last month, Twin Cities punk hounds Dillinger Four wound up celebrating Bandcamp Friday instead on July 3.
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