With the news that Epic Games purchased Bandcamp this week, we don’t know what the future of Bandcamp Friday is. So, since this might just be the last Bandcamp Friday where they pay bands with real money instead of V Bucks, I wanted to highlight some of the cooler releases and deals available. Today is a great day to support your favorite bands because Bandcamp waives all fees.
Bandcamp Pick #1 – Flying Raccoon Suit’s Afterthought
When Flying Raccoon Suit ran a Kickstarter to fund the production of their amazing full-length Afterglow, they offered up a few fun stretch goals. One of them was a chiptune rendition of the album. The other was a brand new EP of alternate takes of some FRS favorites. Well, the wait is finally over, that EP is now ready for the public. I backed the Kickstarter, so I got to hear it already, and let me just say, you’re in for a treat. The folks of FRS are absolutely amazing musicians, so it’s a treat to hear them deconstruct their songs and make them something new. You’ll hear moody electronic pop, acoustic folk, and even a song that almost sounds baroque. Then, the cherry on top, is a Joystick cover.
Bandcamp Pick #2 – Holy Schnikes Show Us “How Bizarre” They Are
One of the happy side effects of pandemic life these past couple of years is that meeting new people and collaborating becomes much easier. That’s how Holy Schnikes came to be. Mike from The Toy Yodas met Jacob from Young Costello haven’t met in real life, but they hit it off online and began to make music together. With the help of Ska Punk International, Holy Schnikes is ready to make their debut. They’ve had a few covers on various digital comps, but today, they’re releasing Born Under Power Lines, a collection of ska punk covers of songs originally recorded by folks like Operation Ivy, Anti-Flag, Blink 182, and OMC. Honestly, that OMC cover of “How Bizarre” is a surprise treat. It features Common Sense Kid on lead vocals, and he’s a perfect choice for a song like this.
Bandcamp Pick #3 – Sell The Heart Records Bundles and Mega Deals
When I first started buying music as a kid, I didn’t have the benefit of streaming to try before I buy. I had things like compilations, CD Listening stations in stores, cassette singles, and buying blindly based on record label. Back then, I knew that if I saw a certain label on the album spine, chances are, I’d like the band.
Seeing that logo on an album was powerful stuff, and led to me discovering some of my favorite bands. Experiencing the joy and exhilaration of what a label has to offer can be yours today on Bandcamp Friday because Sell The Heart Records has created some bundles that will scratch that discovery itch. The one I would recommend the most is their Bandcamp Friday Mega Deal. For a hundred bucks, you’ll get eight albums mixed between 12 inches, 10 inches, and 7 inches. Included in that bundle are two albums I really enjoyed last year – Neckscars and …And Out Come The Lawsuits – A Tribute to Rancid. This is the perfect bundle to pick up to show support for a truly independent label that is putting out great punk, rock, and indie bands. Also, if physical media isn’t your thing, all of the band’s albums are available to purchase digitally as well. Today’s a great day to take a flyer on a DIY label. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite band.
Bandcamp Pick #4 – The Slackers, Live at Arrogant Swine
I’m used to going to several shows a month, but in the last two years, I’ve been to one. That show was to see my absolute favorite band, The Slackers. There was a sense of catharsis standing there watching such a fine group of musicians leave it all out on the stage for two hours. The joy was evident between the band and the audience. To be quite honest, it was the salve my heart needed at that time.
Today, The Slackers release a live recording of one of their first shows back in 2021, with 100% of the proceeds made for this release going to the Ukrainian Red Cross. The Red Cross is providing vital aid to those in need in Ukraine. Great music. Great cause. Not much else needs to be said really.
These are just three of many bands and labels who will be doing something special for Bandcamp Friday. After checking the above suggestions out, I implore you to keep exploring. Things aren’t quite back to normal yet, so a lot of independent bands truly rely on Bandcamp Friday. A nearly limitless supply of music awaits.