Universal Summarizer

(Summary generated with Kagi's Universal Summarizer.)

Bandcamp has operated as an online music store for over a decade, providing artists and labels with an easy-to-use platform to sell music directly to fans. While receiving little mainstream attention, Bandcamp has paid out $270 million to artists and maintained a simple, artist-focused design. The platform allows free streaming but encourages direct purchases from artists. Chance the Rapper has been a notable champion of Bandcamp, using it for early mixtapes and helping to bring attention to its role in supporting independent musicians. While other services focus on algorithms and playlists, Bandcamp prioritizes direct artist support through low fees and transparent sales data. It has changed little over the years but provides a niche alternative for direct fan-artist connections without the culture-diluting aspects of other streaming services. Bandcamp's low-key approach has helped it avoid issues faced by competitors while continuing to innovate for artists.