Below is an overview / checklist for putting your recordings up for sale at the platform Bandcamp. If you find a better platform for this purpose, please let me know (rrsleigh@gmail.com)
I hope you find it useful – you can copy and paste links to all the various resources if the links don’t work…
Checklist for releasing your recordings on Bandcamp, including URLs and necessary steps.
1. Prepare Your Recordings
- Finalize Audio Files: Ensure all tracks are mixed and mastered professionally.
- File Formats: Bandcamp recommends lossless formats like WAV, AIFF, or FLAC.
2. Design Artwork and Liner Notes
- Cover Art: Minimum size 1400 x 1400 pixels (JPEG, PNG, GIF).
- Liner Notes: Include lyrics, credits, acknowledgments.
- Bonus Items: Consider behind-the-scenes photos, alternate takes, or videos.
- Details: Bandcamp Bonus Items – https://get.bandcamp.help/hc/en-us/articles/23020709792407-What-are-bonus-download-items-and-how-do-I-use-them
3. Obtain Mechanical Licenses for Cover Songs
- Identify Covered Songs: Make a list of non-original compositions.
- Calculate Needed Licenses: Estimate downloads per cover song.
- Use Songfile for Licensing (up to 2,500 downloads):
- Website: Songfile – https://www.songfile.com/faq
- For Higher Quantities: Contact publisher directly or apply via Harry Fox Agency.
- Website: Harry Fox Agency – https://www.harryfox.com/
- FAQ: Mechanical Licensing FAQ – https://ec2b-www-harryfox-com-2470-780317655.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/find_out/faq.php
4. Set Up Your Bandcamp Account
- Create an Account: Bandcamp Signup – https://bandcamp.com/
- Complete Profile: Fill in bio, location, social media links.
- Upload Music: Add tracks with metadata (title, credits, lyrics).
- Add Artwork & Liner Notes: Upload cover art, bonus materials.
- Set Pricing: Bandcamp allows flexible pricing (including “pay what you want”).
Bandcamp Artist Guide: Bandcamp Guide – https://bandcamp.com/guide
5. Develop Marketing Materials
- Create Promo Content: Design banners, social media posts, email campaigns.
- Use Bandcamp’s Tools:
- Embed music players on your website.
- Offer exclusive content to followers.
6. Engage Your Audience
- Announce the Release: Share on your website, social media, and email list.
- Offer Exclusive Content: Early access, bonus materials for subscribers.
- Gather Feedback: Encourage reviews and testimonials.
Contact Information:
- Harry Fox Agency:
- Bandcamp:
- Artist Guide – https://bandcamp.com/guide
How to Approach This Project (Based on Your Personality & Work Style)
Since you thrive in creative, flexible, and meaningful projects, here are key considerations:
- Authenticity: Make sure your music and branding feel personal.
- Connection: Share stories behind the music, engage with your audience meaningfully.
- Flexibility: Avoid rigid deadlines—allow time for experimentation.
- Reflection: Learn from each step and adjust for future releases.
This experiment will help you understand the process so you can scale your music releases effectively. Enjoy the journey!
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