With live performance tabled for the foreseeable future, merch sales have emerged as a central method to support artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. To get more money in musicians’ pockets, popular storefront and streaming service Bandcamp waives its share of sales made on the site made today, Friday, March 20.
The profit boost runs until 1:59am Saturday, Central Time.
The Oakland-based platform normally collects 15% of revenue from digital music sales and 10% from physical merch, and says funds reach artists within 24-28 hours. Bandcamp’s bonanza creates opportunities aplenty to help pay Austin artists’ rent. Alongside the wealth of locally sourced vinyl, CDs, and cassettes, link to these unique wares to kick off your shopping spree.
Why Bonnie’s Stairstep Shirt
Ahead of upcoming April 10 debut Voice Box on Fat Possum Records, dream-pop fivepiece Why Bonnie offers a whimsical new design from local artist Clare Drummond.
The Vapor Caves’ Trading Cards
Unpack a crisp, 10-card set of the players off Vapor Caves’ killer 2019 LP Feel Yourself, naturally including lead duo Yadira Brown and BoomBaptist. One stick of gum included.
Astral Spirits’ Logo Tee
Show off your allegiance to Austin’s outlet for “The New Wave of Heavy Free Jazz,” recently featured on the Bandcamp Daily blog.
Curved Light’s USB Drive
If you’ve been enjoying individual releases from psychedelic true.wav act Curved Ever, the entire discography of Holodeck Records-endorsed modular synthesist Peter Tran can now be yours. Get it on an artfully designed flash drive.
Austin Boogie Crew’s Archival Footage
In 2013, local funk specialists Austin Boogie Crew reunited Eighties soul outfit Trace of Smoke at a memorable SXSW event with Friends of Sound Records. Relive the proceedings on DVD.
Deezie Brown’s “Chrome Maverick” Shirt
Retro hip-hop riser offers imagery of a shiny, Westworld-style mechanical horse alongside a digital download of catchy February track “Amplifiers.”
Caleb de Casper’s Bed Poster
Get local “glamour horror” performance artist Caleb De Casper in print, on your wall, snapped by Austin Music Awards-winning photographer Ismael Quintanilla III.
Brother Sports’ Socks
Keep your feet cozy with local garage troupe Brother Sports’ iconic initials.
Glaze’s GlazeTV Long Sleeve
Wear your allegiance to the purveyors of locally sourced, shoegaze-inclined, guitar sounds on your sleeve.
Megafauna’s Trucker Hat
Take your pick among five colors, including a download of the rock group’s latest LP, Ghost Coast.
Croy & the Boys’ “Outlaw Against Hipsters” Tee
The front: “Outlaw amongst Hipsters.” The back: “Hipster amongst outlaws.” Choose your fighter.
Sobbrs’ Fortunato Long Sleeve
Local artist Jesus Acosta makes heart-wrenching electro-pop, as well as on-point graphic designs.
Keeled Scales’ Comfy Sweatshirt
Feel the love for local folk label Keeled Scales in royal blue or charcoal. Extra soft for working from home.
Glorietta’s Marlboro Poster
Own a permanent print-out of the logo for Matthew Logan Vasquez’s Nine Mile Records-backed supergroup.
Star Parks’ “Stairway to Another Place” Button
Consider it a token of appreciation for the dreamy rock group’s great new LP, The New Sounds Of Late Capitalism, on Modern Outsider Records.
This article appears in March 20 • 2020.