Bandsintown adds live stream concert alerts as more musicians go online
As more musicians start performing online concerts amid the new coronavirus pandemic, Bandsintown is launching a new feature to support them. The concert notification service can now broadcast a “live watch” notification when musicians are live streaming shows. These notifications will appear on Bandsintown along with Facebook pages, Instagram Stories, and other places displaying Bandsintown mentions.
Twitch is increasingly becoming a popular place for indie musicians to make money during the pandemic. With touring largely stalled, many are looking at online platforms to try to recoup lost money from shows.
In addition, Bandsintown launched its own Twitch channel, with all proceeds to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The first show features South African DJ Black Coffee and airs today at 1:00 PM ET.
Bandsintown says it’s starting the channel to connect artists to fans while many are stuck at home, and to raise more money for MusiCares through Twitch. There are a ton of ways to financially support streamers on Twitch, as longtime Twitch user Ducky told The edge yesterday. Users can subscribe to channels or tip small amounts, and Amazon Prime members can subscribe to one channel per month for free.
“As true music fans, there are ways you can help us help artists,” Bandsintown announced. “If you can, avoid asking for a refund, buy their merchandise, attend their live shows when they return, donate to tip jars, or donate to MusiCares.”
MusiCares is a division of the Recording Academy that provides financial assistance to people in the music industry who are confronted with unexpected hardships. (Disclosure: I am the vice president of the Chicago chapter of the Recording Academy.) With many musicians currently unable to tour and out of work, the organization recently launched a separate fund especially for artists and other industry professionals affected by the pandemic.
Bandsintown says the next live stream is scheduled for next week and will be a multi-day live music marathon with both emerging and established artists.