Bandcamp, a music marketplace founded in 2008, joins Epic Games This is according to a statement published on Wednesday. Bandcamp will “continue to operate as a distinct marketplace and music community,” wrote Ethan Diamond, Bandcamp co-founder and CEO. Diamond will continue to lead the team, which will remain focused on an artists-first revenue model.
Epic Games, the developer behind Unreal Engine and Fourteen days, is at first glance an unlikely buyer for a music distribution service. Diamond writes that the partnership will help Bandcamp “expand and drive development internationally,” citing everything from tech systems to live streaming services.
Bandcamp is a notable marketplace because, unlike competitors like Spotify, the profit margin is in the artist’s favour; A musician keeps “an average of 82% of every sale”. And Epic Games started with margins in favor of developers. After the success of Epic Games with Fourteen days, The publisher has collaborated with influencers and integrated promoting artists through in-game cosmetics and digital concerts. Epic has also invested heavily in free game giveaways to increase audiences.
In a press release from Epic Gamesthe developer announced that “Bandcamp will play an important role in Epic’s vision to build a marketplace ecosystem for creators across content, technology, games, art, music and more.”
