Dischord Records, a well-known indie punk record company based in the District, has made its entire discography available for free on Bandcamp amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Fans are now able to stream tracks from Dischord bands at no cost through Bandcamp, an online platform that provides music digitally.
Users can also opt for buying the music files, if they would like to support the artists.
In an effort to help musicians, Bandcamp recently suspended taking fees for purchases for the next three months, allowing 100 percent of the paid amount to be received by the artists.
Today, @bandcamp is waiving its revenue share to help artists impacted by Covid-19. The complete Dischord catalog is currently available on the site as are works by a number of labels, musicians, and bands who will benefit directly from your support. https://t.co/id1da2UcbZ
— Dischord Records (@dischordrecords) May 1, 2020
Dischord Records was co-founded by Ian MacKaye, vocalist of the D.C. rock band Fugazi, and Jeff Nelson, drummer for the D.C. hardcore punk band Minor Threat in 1980.
Among the significant bands under the label are Minor Threat, Bikini Kill, Fugazi, Government Issue, The Faith, Rites of Spring, Embrace, Lungfish, Nation of Ulysses, Scream, Soulside, S.O.A., The Teen Idles and dozens of others.
In a statement on their website last month, the company owners wrote:
“With the shut down of distributors and record stores still in place across the country and world, Dischord has decided to postpone the release date of the Coriky record until late May. We realize that there are many people who have been waiting for the records they ordered and we very much appreciate their patience. The decision to further postpone the record was made in solidarity with the shuttered shops and distributors and with the hope that the independent music network will survive. This is uncharted territory, but we’re doing our best to look out for all concerned and hopeful that we can all get to the other side of this together.”