Support Artists on the New Focus Catalogue through Bandcamp
Bandcamp initiative
Many of the artists with recordings in the New Focus catalog are hard hit by the current crisis. As a small way to try and help, New Focus waived our label share of all sales coming through our Bandcamp page, from March 14 until May 1, paying artists 100% of net proceeds from those sales on a regular basis as they come in. We were able to send $5247 out directly to artists as a result of the wonderful generosity of listeners who took advantage of this opportunity.
Going forward, we will continue to waive the label share on the first Friday of June and July following Bandcamp's lead (6/5, 7/3), and donate the label share to advocacy funds for musicians.
Larry and Arlene Dunn, wonderful supporters of the new music community, have release a collaboration with electronic musician Kirk Pearson that is an homage to the iconic composer and electronic music pioneer Olly Wilson. All proceeds go to New Music USA's New Music Solidarity Fund until May 15, and afterward to other musician advocacy programs. https://newfocusrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/dunns-and-pearson-olly-wilson-remixed
Different labels have different sales breakdowns and different operating models, and many of our colleague labels either pay all sales to artists all the time, or are adjusting their model during this crisis as well. Check out their music too! We realize recording sales even in the best case scenario will likely not represent resources that will solve anyone's imminent financial problems. But hopefully this is another small way (amongst many others, see links below) that those who would like to support artists directly, and who also have newly found time to listen to great music, can do so. Physical sales through online retailers also remain a great way to support artists who have released their recordings on CD for those listeners who prefer that format.
One of the most attractive qualities of streaming services is that they avoid crowding your device with downloaded files. A possible solution -- if you buy the album on Bandcamp and stream through another service, the artists have still received money directly in a difficult time, while the additional plays help boost the album's streaming numbers. Bandcamp also has a great streaming app if that's your preferred way of listening.
Also, thanks to the JACK Quartet and International Contemporary Ensemble for posting links to larger initiatives that provide resources to artists suffering under the current wave of cancellations:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Mjte9NvzqKLs9LTRaqhe4NKYm7vzueVghbKDZlWyRQo/edit#gid=0
