Opinion: 3 x Ways To Support Music During COVID-19

The ongoing situation surrounding COVID-19 has left few industries untouched, including the world of music and entertainment.

With music venues closed and shows, festivals and workshops cancelled many independent artists have had their main source of income placed on hold, with many also ineligible for government support schemes. Precision Record Pressing, like many other vinyl record pressing plants across North America has continued to operate with a modified schedule and protocol to allow for social distancing and extra sanitation efforts within the plant environment. As a plant that is trusted by DIY artists and large labels alike, we feel strongly that it is important that we continue to deliver projects on time to avoid compounding the disruption to the lives and income of independent artists and labels.

Below are three ways you can support the independent music industry during this time:

Bandcamp

Firmly established as the number one destination for downloading independent music, Bandcamp is perhaps the most direct way to support artists during this time of social distancing.

The platform takes between 10-15% per purchase with the remainder going to the artist, this compares favorably to Apple’s near 30% share of revenue from downloads on their Music app. The platform also has a “name your price” feature if you can spare a few dollars more, or you could choose to bundle your download with an item from the artist’s merch store.

For more inspiration and discovery, check out the Bandcamp Weekly radio show with Andrew Jervis for 2 hours of great music, purchasable on the platform.

Buy Vinyl Records Online

While many record stores around the world have closed, a select number of stores are operating mail order or pickup options in order to adhere to social distancing requirements. April has become an important month for record stores around the world with the annual Record Store Day event that usually takes place on the second Saturday of the month. This year’s event has been postponed until June, depriving the stores of an expected boost in interest and revenue. Our friends at Beggars Group have produced a map of record stores worldwide and their status to make finding and supporting your local record store as easy as possible:

USA
UK
Rest of World

Donate

There are many organisations that have stepped forward in recent weeks to support vulnerable artists during the COVD-19 pandemic. Whether it’s for medical expenses, housing, food or other vital wellness services, a small donation could help support an artist or music professional until social distancing measures are relaxed. Donate to an organisation in your area using the link below and Spotify will match donations dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million.

Spotify Music Relief (Global)

Photo credits: Tiny Record Shop (Becca Howes), Bandcamp Weekly Illustration (Hsiao Ron Cheng), Support Indie Retail (Beggars Group)