bandcamp friday: february 2026
Although I already broke up with Spotify last year (good riddance!), I would ideally prefer to leave music streaming platforms altogether. In addition to not paying their artists much money and, bigger platforms (YouTube, Amazon, Apple) have increasingly heinous "ethics" that I wish to minimize my contribution to in whatever small ways that I can. Not to mention, I am a chronic repeat listener. It feels a bit silly to pay a monthly subscription to listen to the same handful of albums in a month rather than just buying and owning that individual artist's work.
While I have delved into purchasing physical records, many of the artists whose work I love cannot afford to pay the premium costs of pressing vinyl. So I have been researching Digital Audio Players recently and putting together a shopping cart of albums to buy on Bandcamp Friday, which is tomorrow (2/6)!
If you aren't familiar, Bandcamp Friday is a day where all purchases go directly to the artists. I thought it would be a nice way to promote some of the artists I love by spotlighting their work, while also giving myself the chance to gab a little bit about cool music I enjoy.
Here's what is in my shopping cart this month (so far):
1. music for bugs, cambrian animals !!, and echoes of a little natural journey by camiidae
These gentle, instrumental albums really make me feel like I am inhabiting a little world and it's utterly delightful. Some of my go-to music for when I am writing or reading and need something quiet on in the background. I also find camiidae's passion for their projects infectious and wonderful. Here's a snippet from their notes on their second album, which was inspired by creatures from long ago:
i don’t know, life on earth is such a breathtaking thing and it’s kinda shocking to think about how there were living beings so different from us and so long before us that one day just... disappeared. and life just kept going. like the whole universe and time and things just started to happen and life appeared and developed and diversified and created so many different things and... and here we are.
life led us to this moment.
it’s strange, but also beautiful in so many ways.
2. I Love My Computer by Ninajirachi
Ideally, I would love to own this record on vinyl; however, it's been sold out for a while and I'm not sure if or when it will receive an international release. Since this was one of my most streamed albums of 2025, this was an easy choice for me. Though I can easily listen to this on repeat with zero skips, "iPod Touch" and "Delete" are good tracks to check if this is your vibe.
3. Meanwhile by aivi & surasshu
Steven Universe introduced me to aivi & surasshu's compositions and I have been a big fan ever since. Plus, their community support for digital fusion, including aivi founding Infloresce Records ("gentle music that goes hard") has introduced me to so many great musicians. Every song on Meanwhile is fantastic, but I am especially fond of "Time Travel"(tab:https://aivisura.bandcamp.com/track/time-travel).
4. I Am Here, Now by Jason M. Yu
A discover through Infloresce records. I need to listen to Yu's other works, but I Am Here, Now is such a soothing, meditative album. It makes me feel so calm and I featured his songs on multiple decompression playlists. The opening song, "Morning (feat. Alyssa Whitwell)" has been a friendly companion on many early morning walks. If you want something serene to listen to in the morning, definitely check this album out!
5. in love with a ghost full discography
I can't remember where I first heard in love with a ghost's music, but I always come back to her work - especially healing. It feels so nostalgic to me now even though it wasn't that long ago. ilwag has her discography on discount and I am chipping in what I can!
6. Saddest Girl at the Party by Suzie True
It was so cool to see Pitchfork review Suzie True's most recent album, How I Learned to Love What's Gone because I have been following them since they were still relatively small. Jer of Skatune Network fame included them in a playlist of recommended bands, and collaborated with them on a cover of "Blank Space". Saddest Girl has such a fun, punk, emo nostalgic sound that I know I would have been obsessed with in high school. "Bailey" is a fantastic opener that was the perfect song to belt out on road trips.
7. roots by quarkimo
quarkimo has several cool projects, but since I am so fond of roots I knew that was the piece that would go straight into my cart this month. The thematic concept of the album (connection and conversation) comes through beautifully. "Bubble" sounds ethereal as though we are listening to a gathering of spirits, while "tiptoe" has a playful jauntiness like joining a group of friendly folk on a sunny afternoon.
8. tiger & water by aivi
aivi's first solo album was in frequent rotation for me for a long time. It features a beautiful range of playful and bouncy to sweet and comforting tracks. I could listen to the track "undercurrent feat. atti" for hours. The combination of the arrangement, lyrics, and vocals speaks so strongly to my soul.
9. City Girl full discography
This is an indulgent one since it's the most expensive entry in my cart, but I have definitely listened to more than $40 worth of City Girl's music over the years. For the cost equivalent of one record, I can listen to all of my favorite works by her now. Her range is excellent - from the chill vibes of her most recent release "i don't know I feel ok right now, but it's nice" to the bombastic pop of "C-Girl"](tab:https://city-girl.bandcamp.com/album/c-girl) - and I want to look more into all of the people she has collaborated with over the years - especially all of the great vocalists.
10. i'm so glad i feel this way about you! by insignificant other
This was another recommendation I took from Jer that has stuck with me for years. They haven't released a new album since this first one, but they are actively touring and I have my hopes up that maybe we'll get some more new music as a treat. In addition to the titular track, I love "brushes". The most excellent sentimental yearning that hits me in my queer heart.
11. "Sound Traveller" by and Lumi by Snail's House
It was hard for me to narrow down what to purchase from Snail's House this month, but I behaved and chose one album and single. Even though Ujico* is known for his upbeat chiptune tracks, like Pixel Galaxy, I'm really drawn to these two quieter, understated entries. By summer, I'll definitely want to jam out to loud, fast beats, but I want to enjoy the pensiveness of winter a bit longer and these feel perfect for that.
Thank you for reading! ʕᵔᴥᵔʔ
Got any music recommendations for me? Reach out to me via email!