Bandwear donates time to those affected by PledgeMusic collapse
“Bandwear’s sole focus during this crisis is the artist and the fan. This situation is creating a massive financial hardship for many hard working artists in the music industry.”
In early May, PledgeMusic, a crowdfunding music platform announced bankruptcy.
PledgeMusic described their platform as “a way that reaches far beyond a simple stream, download or CD/vinyl sale,” according to their site. Fans were able to donate money to artists in return for exclusive merchandise.
Co-founder Benji Rogers announced the news on Medium.
“I cannot begin to appreciate how all of you affected artists are feeling about this and I am deeply sorry for what you have been through,” he writes. “I ask all of the fans to please understand the awful and near impossible situation that this has put the artists that you love and supported in, and as such I ask you to bear with them as they do their best to make any obligations to you right.”
Due to the bankruptcy, artists are left without the money to deliver the promised merchandise to fans.
Bandwear, a Texas based apparel, merchandise, e-commerce and fullfillment group is stepping in to help artists that are hurt by PledgeMusic.
The company is offering to host and rebuild campaigns/online stores for any affected campaigns as well as offering extremely discounted pricing on manufacturing and fulfillment to help artists keep their word to fans.
“Bandwear’s sole focus during this crisis is the artist and the fan,” says a press release, “This situation is creating a massive financial hardship for many hard working artists in the music industry. Many are wondering how they will make it through a financial disaster of this magnitude. Bandwear wants to assist artists in getting back on their feet in building a sustainable long-term merch and crowdfunding business.”
One band affected by the collapse is 311.
“Thanks to Bandwear we’re running an impactful and efficient 311 new album pre-order campaign, giving fans a chance to buy bundled options of the album first, while providing incentives with prize giveaways and behind-the-scenes content (photos, videos, news)” says 311 manager Peter Raspler in a press release. “All of which helps build buzz for the new album launch.”
“Bandwear is well-versed in the d2c process and has done an admirable job in running our store page, sharing our content, handling all customer-service correspondence, and providing product fulfillment in a professional and diligent manner.” says Raspler.
For inquiries on how Bandwear can help artists and bands dealing with the turmoil and chaos left by the crash of PledgeMusic, or looking to launch a new campaign, please contact Jim Cocke at jim@bandwear.com or call 214-473-4532.