Bandcamp Friday: Get Rec'd

Couldn't let Bandcamp announce the return of Bandcamp Fridays without a few recommendations, eh?

Over the last year, I've been steadily moving away from the streaming music monolith, back to purchasing music direct from artists; it's nice to finally be building up a little digital library that isn't victim to the whims of licensing and label issues. Alongside a treasure trove of physical music media lovingly gathering dust in our home (I swear we'll get that audio setup sorted soon!), I've found myself really enjoying the experience of really listening to music – putting great albums on repeat, building situational playlists and discovering new artists.

Which is where this list comes in! Every Bandcamp Friday, the platform waives their revenue share and passes all funds direct to artists and labels. Digitally, this is one of the best ways you can support musicians and independent labels–so why not give these rad records a listen and chuck 'em a few bucks next round?

• Rouge Carpet Disaster – Static Dress: One of my absolute favourite records from the last few years. Post-hardcore with pop sensibilities and a heavy dose of metal influence as well; basically, every elder emo's new release dream. Given this is their debut, I'm incredibly excited to see what comes next for this group – absolutely one to watch.
  
  
• Let It Rip – genCAB: Ahead of their next album release, genCAB dropped this EP as a taster for the direction to come. Both 'Six Hits (Let It Be)' and 'Cancer Causes Life' are melodic industrial at its best, with a great Wumpscut cover thrown in for good measure.
  
  
• Global Prison Experiment – Persecutor: Including 'crushing' and 'uncompromising' in their artist bio perfectly sums up Persecutor's approach to punk. Caught these guys live in 2023 and was blown away not only by their impassioned, direct lyricism, but the brutal wall of sound they created with each track. If you're in so-called Australia, keep an eye out for them in your local scene – you won't regret it.
  
  
• Ashes – Zanias: Eternally grateful for all the new tracks and remixes Zanias has been dropping recently, but this especially. A stunning soundscape and beautiful dedication to Palestine, with 100% of proceeds going directly to support aid on the ground in Gaza and beyond.
  
  
• Fómhar – Fuil Na Seanchoille: This one absolutely floored me on first listen; an incredible reflection on past, present and future through both the Celtic and Wurundjeri seasons before invasion. Block out a good half an hour and pop on your best headphones/speakers to get the most from these recordings.

Need more recommendations? Here's a link to my Bandcamp collection – heavy on goth rock, industrial, metal and punk, but all well worth your hard-earned cash.

updated: september 6, 2024