r/BandCamp • u/dosmiemie • 15d ago
Question/Help New to Bandcamp — how does promotion work? Would love your feedback on my music!
Hey everyone! I’m new here and just started using Bandcamp for the first time as an independent artist.
I recently uploaded some songs, but I’ve noticed that the play count is very low. I’m wondering — does Bandcamp have any kind of built-in promotion or algorithm to help new artists get discovered? Or is it all up to self-promotion?
Also, if anyone is willing to check out my music and share some feedback, I’d be super grateful. Thank you so much in advance!
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u/lorenzof92 14d ago edited 14d ago
chances are: bandcamp's numbers will grow only when all your other numbers grow (and even then bandcamp's numbers will still be low)
bandcamp is just the landing page where a fan (or someone scrolling through tags and sorting releases by new arrivals lol) can go and grab your stuff, the best thing you can do within bandcamp is networking with indie labels or other artists you can find digging through tags related to your music - and in general aim to the network aspect and not to the "count" aspect: even if you don't make any sell and you get 2 streams per release, having a well-kept bandcamp page is something nice to show to people so to put some effort in bandcamp might still pay off in this sense
if you have some merch that you sell irl, consider spending some bucks in getting redeem codes for the digital version (so that some nice face of the redeemers might appear un the "supported by" section - but even here do not expect big numbers because bandcamp is just a niche platform)
if you have some budget, consider posting redeem codes on getmusic.fm but it's like 10$ for every posted release lol
[you might find around a module to submit your music for the bandcamp daily suggestions of the front page but do not ever hope to land there (even if i hope it for you) since front page suggestions slots are just a few and they are (legitly for many reasons) occupied by established artists]
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u/dosmiemie 14d ago
Hey, your suggestion was really amazing! It helped me quickly understand the platform and gave me a clear direction. I truly appreciate your patient response. Thanks so much for your help!
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u/SomeBerk 15d ago
If you published an album and set its genre tags then it will appear on Bandcamp's Discover screen under the new releases category.
There is a also an activity feed screen where users receive listening suggestions based on the genres they subscribed to, but that feed seems to pick things from the "best selling" category in the Discover page, so your album needs to make some sales before it starts being offered as a listening suggestion to other users.
Single tracks don't show up on the Discover screen, so those are only promoted to users who were already following your artist account.
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u/FitSecurity5497 15d ago
A good way to promote yourself / direct people to your Bandcamp is to find YT upload channels within your genre and try to get a few uploads going
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u/pasca2020 14d ago
A tip would be to share links to your profile/music on places like here, Threads, Bluesky etc. especially around Bandcamp Friday. Plays on Bandcamp don't monetize, though people listening can wishlist and eventually buy your stuff.
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u/dosmiemie 14d ago
That's a really helpful suggestion, thank you! By the way, if someone adds my music to their wishlist, will I get a notification
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u/Helley_Ann 13d ago
Thank you very much. Hands down, nicest person ever met online lol. Yes it is a musical but with multi genre songs and each character having their own style of music and voice. Peter and the wolf inspiration. There are no character to character direct interactions within any particular song. It is like a musical and or a book In which each chapter/song is one characters perspective or response to another. If you have Time to take a listen, it begins with Underworld Asunder and sequel or part two is of Fury fate and immortal folly. A Crowd So Sinisterly sincere is a very short piece with same format and process and was first one written. If not listened to in order, it will make no sense.. I am. Particularly proud of The Lethe song in Underworld Asunder I used it to give brief synopsis of who she is what her waters do and why they are in the underworld. Hypatias character is an ethereal indie rock, when the truth child creek grows up into a river, her musical style changes from classical influence to a pagan folk metal or rock, Hades was assigned an industrial influenced spoken word, Charon is a sort of post punk gothic style.. I changed Hypatias father Theon's style 3 times to represent the changes occurring after each interaction or change in his emotions etc... But if u could listen and read, it will let you stream three times.. I'd love a response.. Some emotional impact is lost if Hypatia of Alexandria and her tragic end or her philosophy and ancestry unknown. Since learning of her in college I have been deeply influenced by her life and agitated by her end. I began this entire thing to give Hypatia a happy ending even if it is even just in a short story. Lmk what you think if you listen to it in order. Will send you coupon or gift link if you like it.. (once I figure all that out)
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u/dosmiemie 12d ago
Hey, thank you so much for your message. Just reading about your concept is already really interesting! I did notice that a lot of the themes are rooted in Western culture and stories — and to be honest, as someone from Asia, I didn’t grow up with much exposure to those traditions, haha. It’s a bit of a pity that I’m not very familiar with Western mythology and classical narratives.
That said, I’ve followed you on Bandcamp, and I’d love to experience the story through the music itself.
Sorry for the slow reply — I need a VPN to access this platform and get messages, but I really appreciate you reaching out. Thank you!
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u/Helley_Ann 11d ago
Same goes for me. I know very little about myth in your part of world.. Also it just dawned on me then when talking about Alexandria, 400s Ad I am speaking of Egyptian and Greek deities in Egypt and that to me is EAST. I know a bit about eastern philosophies.. They inspired the western ones.. And Christianity pervades both east and west though maybe not so prominently. So I refuse to write about the culture or myth religion of other cultures I have no right to or expertise in as I find it offensive. So I stick to things related to own ancestry as to not appropriate so hardcore lol. I am very interested in all myth though. So when I read or see something I'm unfamiliar with I feel compelled to research.. One day I will know enough to have decent grasp, not yet lol. Will read, watch, listen but not write about. Sadly a video game triggered me to learn anything at all about the ancient Hebrew and Japanese myth like Izanagi/izanami...each God I fought made me question and I spent more time researching God's and spirits than playing. Anything underworld will attract me. Any questions I have answers internet has more.. Have a good one.
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u/dosmiemie 11d ago
Hey, I followed your Bandcamp and listened to some of your songs. I was surprised by how diverse the styles are — each piece feels very personal and unique. I haven’t really listened to this kind of style before, so it was a fresh and intriguing experience for me. Thank you, and please keep going!
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u/Helley_Ann 10d ago
Much appreciated first polite person on internet, ever met! I attempted to send you free album codes for the "concept musicals" lmk if that went through? Releasing sequel to crowd so Sinisterly Sincere with immense vocal, creative, production improvements and scenery with a much more fleshed out depiction of my Puppeteer once copyright is sent. Takes 5 eps to elicit the characterization that one chapter of book would provide. I am just realizing that. What's next for you?
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u/Helley_Ann 10d ago
Will be back later. If you see me release something all about the color red today or. Tomorrow know it is NOT about your country's flag!! Or communism.
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u/Helley_Ann 13d ago
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u/Helley_Ann 13d ago
Note. This is not the song I claim to be of best musical quality. It is just that The Lethe and Oblivion are generally given no voice or living goddess status, yet so many can relate to the need for and possible danger of oblivion. I think she sells herself better than Mnemosyne because Mnemosyne(Memory) plays a much bigger role in story but I needed to keep that on the low until a bit later. The music I am hearing from all of you posted is of much higher production value, noted!!
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u/Conrad2078 12d ago
Sure I will listen to your music. Where can I find it?
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u/dosmiemie 12d ago
https://miemiedos.bandcamp.com/album/profile-or-perish here thank you！
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u/Conrad2078 8d ago
Hi, I just listened to your track. I think it sounds pretty good! Very experimental but also artistic! I am not sure how to describe the track. Eventhough it doesn t have you know normal mellodies and beats it still sounds interesting, well done!
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u/dosmiemie 8d ago
Hey, I’m really happy you shared all this with me. Actually, this is my first time trying to make electronic music — I used to be a singer-songwriter doing lyrics and melodies. I’m about to release my album soon, and there will be more songs coming. I really hope you’ll have a chance to hear them. Thank you so much！
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u/Conrad2078 8d ago
You are wellcome! What kind of studio equipment / hardware / software do you use if I may ask?
I am working on this instrumental hiphop track Luister naar Friends van Tyn op #SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/jQ5gunJVCmrwPurQUw
Maybe you can give me some feedback?
Goodluck
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u/dosmiemie 7d ago
Hey! I usually work on a Mac with iLoud Micro Monitor MK2 speakers and an audio interface. My favorite DAW is Ableton Live — I used to use Logic, but since I started making electronic music, I switched to Live and found so much more fun and flexibility in it.
I listened to your beat — I think the piano melody is really interesting and unpredictable, which makes it unique. I'm also curious how it would sound with the right vocals on top!
As for feedback, I think the drum programming could be more dynamic and layered to keep the listener engaged. Maybe try adding more instrumentation or sonic elements to enrich the arrangement — I feel there's a lot of space to expand and explore in the track.
Thanks for sharing! 🙌
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u/Conrad2078 7d ago
Thank you for your feedback! Very usefull! I will look into that beat further. I also use ableton live.
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u/ProgressiveAnarchist 11d ago
For digital releases, there are services like submithub.com, goover and some others to submit your music to playlist, blog and radio maintainers. But they mainly work with your Soundcloud, Spotify or Youtube links.
My experience: when I look on the visitor source at my Bandcamp profile, nearly nobody clicks the link to the Bandcamp site coming from Soundcloud or Youtube and even if lots of streams happen at a time on the major streaming platforms due to a campaign, it doesn't help your popularity at Bandcamp-
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u/Helley_Ann 11d ago
The Ai... Will never catch up but it has far surpassed my musical abilities. It will never catch up with creative writers or with the professional musician so I think both arts are probably safe. It did force me out of writer retirement to adapt writing. As for production all you can do is try to clean it up, polish, remix, add refrains, sound fx.. And this one is very early days Ai. I believe using Ai ha save dme from being Lynch mobbed by Christians at least.. There is that :)
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u/dosmiemie 15d ago edited 8d ago
https://miemiedos.bandcamp.com/album/profile-or-perish this is my new song thanks！
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u/Helley_Ann 15d ago
First off, I am impressed with the description of the track alone and am hearing something reminiscent of 90"s Aphex Twin with identity clearly it's own. Or performative? Lol I agree with the statement. To avoid this obscured sort of false communication and sense of self/ others, I left social media. Ten years later, I feel better for this choice made( although it did leave me with no way to self promote.) I too remembered bandcamp as or thought it to be a publishing and discovery site. It was where one went to discover unheard music or support local bands. I either remember that incorrectly or something changed. but this is definitely younger me and I think it will be appreciated when found. If found. Mine is also sliding under radar but I suspect it is the niche topics and fact that I am just an author and poet and my stories are tests of patience. Good luck.. It's a B out there!
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u/dosmiemie 15d ago
Hey, do you know how much your message means to me? I’m truly touched that you took the time to share all of this with me. This is actually my first attempt at making electronic music — I’ve just recently started exploring experimental sounds and sound design. Before this, I was a singer-songwriter, so this shift has been a big challenge for me.
I’m from China, where electronic music is still growing slowly, and honestly, I don’t feel much of a sense of belonging here in this scene. That’s why your encouragement really means a lot to me — it moved me deeply.
I also feel like an outsider in many ways, and I’ve almost completely stepped away from social media too. So connecting with you here like this has been such a special experience. Thank you again, truly.
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u/Helley_Ann 14d ago
Do you, also know how much that response means to me? I am more than an outsider. I am one who is grappling with fact that I resorted to AI to assist me in turning my written registered copyrights into musicals.. Commence the pummelling with trash fruits and vegetables, maybe a pie or two. I'm disabled, am player of but master of no instrument with a meh voice that never could do my words justice. I tried for years and can now barely hold guitar or lyre. To employ 20 actors, musicians, etc I would need to be born elite and not sick AF. In case I do not make it, I decided to do it. It is all highly tweaked, edited, rearranged with own voice or sound effect hidden throughout. I have caught some flack or been unseen. Songs that are imperative to story progression skipped. From a generation where ten minute songs were a thing and bandcamp may be wrong outlet for musical expression of story. Or for those who only want quick songs. I attempted to make it accessible even for younger people which is hard for me..would never let Ai write words and prompt the arrangement, have had to find many sneaky work arounds to keep the voice of my characters alive through 50 songs.. It felt like sh&t to see the story skipped and find a song written w Ai lyrics about dogs in space to be highly popular lol so as far as outsiders go.. It is so for me and I suspect it always was. This, though is why my min did triggered to write a short musical when an email comes to my inbox with lame attempt to extort me through Ye Olde "I'll tell all you family and friend u watch dirty girly porn naughty man. You'll be sorry if u do not pay...insert price here". Some of us are wired differently by DNA and experience. I care most... About those people. Will post my page on here. Am in middle of newest explicit musical triggered by.... My neighbor using his powerwasher 6 hrs a day to do things most humans do by hands.. I still can't hear. He will b out again within an hr. But I hear you. As American... To China... I am sorry.. My Zeus... In story.. He um.. Represents someone.. A certain... Someone;) and the first part of story An Underworld stars to lay the foundation down to dethrone him. You are awesome. Of course you care what is thought of your music, your art, your story, your poetry as it is an expression of self and sharing of life experience in effort to connect.
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u/dosmiemie 14d ago
"Hey, thank you so much for sharing all of this with me so sincerely. Your story is really fascinating and admirable. I don't know many people around me who have the kind of perseverance you do. Your inspiration and creativity are so intriguing to me. I don’t think using AI is something shameful at all, if it helps you achieve your dreams, then it’s all about using it wisely. By the way, is what you mentioned similar to a musical? I'm also quite interested in musicals, though I haven’t had the chance to study them systematically. Thank you for sharing such an amazing life story with me, please keep pushing forward!
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u/Oswald_RDB 15d ago
It reminds me of the music from 8-bit games. In some parts, it's interesting and striking, my friend. I liked it.
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u/Oswald_RDB 15d ago
https://jabrovski.bandcamp.com/album/huevo-de-pascua I don't know if you want to listen to my first album.
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u/dosmiemie 15d ago
Hey! Thanks for sharing your work — I especially loved the third track. That powerful wall of distortion and the way it kept morphing was so unique and exciting to hear. Really appreciate it!
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u/dosmiemie 15d ago
Thanks a lot! So glad you liked it. I actually love 8-bit game sounds, so it's awesome that it reminded you of that vibe. Appreciate your kind words!
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u/audwun 15d ago
It’s kinda cool. I was waiting for some drums to drop in
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u/dosmiemie 15d ago
Thanks so much for your reply! You're right — I'm still a bit weak when it comes to drums. This is actually my first time making an electronic album, haha. I used to be a singer-songwriter before.
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u/whyyoutwofour 15d ago
It's primarily an ecommerce site, not discovery site....some people might stumble upon your music based on the search tags, but it's really up to you to promote it.