Arts·Commotion

Should we be worried about Bandcamp?

Pitchfork contributing editor Philip Sherburne explains why people are concerned about the state of the popular music website.

Philip Sherburne explains why the sale of the popular music-sharing website has users concerned for its future

Students from YR Media’s “Remix Your Life” program.
Students from YR Media’s “Remix Your Life” program. (Salihah Saadiq)

As independent musicians struggle to make ends meet in the post-streaming economy, Bandcamp has emerged as a beacon of hope.

The platform allows artists to sell their music and merch directly to fans at a high profit margin, while spotlighting obscure music from around the globe through its editorial portal, Bandcamp Daily.

However, a recent sale to music-licensing service Songtradr has many users worrying about the site's future. Pitchfork contributing editor Philip Sherburne explains why people are concerned, and what's at stake.

Listen | Today's episode of Commotion on YouTube:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Philip Sherburne produced by Stuart Berman.