Roland Corporation, a leader in electronic musical instruments and creative applications, is stepping up its support for artists this October with a new initiative in collaboration with Bandcamp. On October 4, the two companies are joining forces for Bandcamp Friday, a special day when all proceeds from music sales go directly to the artists—without Bandcamp taking its usual revenue share. For musicians, this means 100% of the money goes into their pockets, helping them sustain their creative efforts. Since launching in 2020, Bandcamp Fridays have become a crucial lifeline for independent artists, and this partnership with Roland promises to extend that support in exciting new ways.
Throughout October, Roland is rolling out several initiatives designed to fuel creativity and strengthen the music community. These efforts range from exclusive software access to artist-driven events that connect fans and creators in new, meaningful ways.
This exclusive offer provides Bandcamp artists and fans the opportunity to unlock new creative possibilities just in time for Bandcamp Friday on October 4. To learn more about how to access the free offer and to learn more about the Roland x Bandcamp partnership, visit: https://www.roland.com/bandcampfriday.
Free Roland Ultimate Studio Suite: Elevating Creativity
As part of their collaboration, Roland is offering Bandcamp artists and fans free access to the Roland Ultimate Studio Suite, a collection of over 50 iconic instruments, including legendary gear like the TR-808 and TR-909. The suite also includes a range of studio software, artist sample packs, and preset collections—everything needed to create professional-quality music at home or in the studio. New Roland Cloud members can take advantage of a 3-month trial of Roland Cloud Ultimate, alongside 50% off Roland Cloud Lifetime Keys and 25% off Roland Lifestyle apparel and merchandise.
- A 3-month trial of Roland Cloud Ultimate
- 50% off Roland Cloud Lifetime Keys
- 25% off Roland Lifestyle apparel and merchandise
This free offer is perfectly timed to help Bandcamp artists unlock new creative possibilities ahead of the next Bandcamp Friday. Whether you’re a long-time Roland user or just discovering their legendary sound, this suite of tools offers a powerful way to enhance your music and connect with fans.
Matt Wechsler, Roland’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Roland is thrilled to provide Bandcamp artists with access to our Ultimate Studio Suite. By offering these tools, we’re helping artists fuel their creativity, expand their audience, and grow their careers. Bandcamp’s mission to empower artists aligns with everything we do at Roland.”
To learn more about the Roland Ultimate Studio Suite and claim this exclusive offer, visit the Roland x Bandcamp page.
Virtual Listening Parties: Bringing Fans and Artists Together
Another exciting aspect of this partnership is a series of Virtual Listening Parties hosted by Bandcamp. These events give fans a rare chance to experience full-album performances from celebrated Roland artists in an intimate, interactive setting. Starting on October 4 and running throughout the month, these virtual events will feature artists like Shigeto, Svaneborg Kardyb, Kelly Lee Owens, and The Hard Quartet.
During each Listening Party, fans can interact directly with the artists via live chat, ask questions, and hear the stories behind the music. These sessions offer a deeper connection than a traditional album drop, giving fans insight into the creative process and offering an exclusive look into the artists’ journeys. Here’s the schedule:
- Shigeto – October 22, 2024, 6:00 p.m. EDT
- Svaneborg Kardyb – October 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m. EDT
- Kelly Lee Owens – October 18, 2024, 1:00 p.m. EDT
- The Hard Quartet – October 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. EDT
Fans can follow the artists on Bandcamp and get automatic updates for the Listening Party events, making it easy to join and engage.
Exclusive Artist Interview with Undeath
In addition to these events, Roland and Bandcamp are hosting a special Roland x Bandcamp Artist Interview with Undeath, one of the rising stars of the metal scene. Set for October 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. EDT, this interview marks the 100th Bandcamp Metal Show and will feature Undeath’s Alexander Jones in conversation with Bandcamp Metal Show host Brad Sanders.
This event offers fans a unique opportunity to hear directly from the band about their creative process, their latest album, and their journey in the metal world. For fans of heavy music, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to get an inside look at what makes Undeath one of the most talked-about bands in the scene today.
A Shared Mission: Supporting Artists at Every Level
Both Roland and Bandcamp are known for putting artists first, and this partnership is a natural extension of that commitment. Bandcamp President Bryan Biniak shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “At Bandcamp, supporting artists is at the heart of everything we do. We’re thrilled to partner with Roland, a company that shares this artist-first philosophy and has been empowering musicians for over 50 years.”
Through this partnership, both companies are reaffirming their dedication to helping musicians thrive, whether they’re just starting out or established stars. Roland’s innovative tools and Bandcamp’s artist-centered platform come together in a way that offers new creative opportunities while giving fans a direct line to support the music they love.
How to Get Involved
For artists and fans alike, getting involved with this initiative is simple. Bandcamp Fridays are open to all, and every purchase made on October 4 will send 100% of the proceeds directly to the artists. Fans can also participate in the Virtual Listening Parties, snag exclusive deals on Roland gear, and tune in for the Undeath interview.
To learn more about Roland’s involvement in Bandcamp Friday and take advantage of the free Roland Ultimate Studio Suite, head over to the Roland x Bandcamp page. Whether you’re a musician looking to elevate your sound or a fan wanting to show your support, this is the perfect opportunity to engage with music in a meaningful way.
With Roland and Bandcamp joining forces, the future looks bright for artists and fans alike. So, mark your calendars for October 4 and get ready to celebrate creativity, community, and the music that brings us all together.
Hello from the Magnetic editorial desk.
