Streaming isn’t enough: Here’s how to really support independent artists

Making ends meet as an independent artist is no walk in the park - especially in 2026. The system has done us dirty. Once upon a time musicians were gods, hailed for our creativity and celebrated for our contribution to culture. And the world fell in line. Our work was sold in physical format - a monument to our existence. If people enjoyed our music they would buy it and the money would inevitably flow. But it's not like that any more.

Our work has been reduced to a non-physical format. The quality of which is defined by the performance indicator metrics of algorithms and digital discovery platforms. Just getting ears on your music requires a small fortune and a corporate level marketing strategy.

Perhaps the volume of culture has outweighed the demand for it, and subsequently the value of the output has decreased because music is so readily available. Then again, now that the barrier to entry is so low there is more shit music out there than ever before.

It feels like the industry stood by while this all evolved. Digitisation didn’t happen over night. Gradually day by day, the wheels turned and music became a commodity that was easier to acquire. By traditional standards, modern systems are designed to exploit the independent artist.

But some of us have been fighting back, and now more than ever, it seems something is changing. Artists are boycotting the platforms that undercut them. Fans are rising up and intentionally supporting the work of the artists they love most.

In 2026, one of the best ways fans can support independent artists is by purchasing their music on Bandcamp Fridays.

Bandcamp Fridays started first 2020 as a crisis response during the Covid pandemic. It has since continued as a tradition, and a fantastic way to support artists. On Bandcamp Fridays, artists and labels receive more of the money from purchases, with Bandcamp waiving their commission fee. To date, Bandcamp Fridays have contributed more than $150 million to independent musicians around the world.

So if you're looking to support a local artist, buy their music on a Bandcamp Friday direct from Bandcamp. The next one is coming up this week on Friday September 4th.

If you wanted to support Empty Spaces, you could even purchase some of my own music from years back. My solo work has always been exclusively on Bandcamp since it was released. You can check it out here.

Bandcamp Fridays for the remainder of 2026:

• September 4
• October 2
• November 6
• December 4