Mitxoda Weekly #37: Songs That Remember, Songs That Remain

Song of the Week : Bootleg Charm by Tossing Seed 

Hello Dear Friend!

Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #37! it’s great to have you with us!

Enjoy the read!

Mitxoda

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On an ordinary summer’s day in Ayr, Scotland, 1876, a fire broke out in Templeton’s carpet factory. 28 women and girls, and 1 man, James Barr, lost their lives in the blaze. The horror was so intense that only two coffins were needed to carry the ashes of 28 victims. One young woman, Catherine McKinnon, just 16, jumped from the third floor. She died hours later from her injuries.

Debbie and her collaborators, Scott Nicol and lyricist Robert Neil, have turned this nearly forgotten tragedy into a haunting and heartfelt ballad. The lyrics echo the panic, the loss, and most of all, the bond that united these women in life and in death:

"Forever Sisters they will be / Locked in time for eternity / Sisters through such tragedy..."

There’s a Celtic symbol of sisterhood woven into the artwork, and above the “i” in Forever Sisters, a small forget-me-not flower, because stories like these must not be forgotten.

Let’s pause for them this week. Let’s listen not just with ears, but with hearts.
And on June 16, we’ll do more than stream a new release.
We’ll remember.

💔 Follow Debbie Campbell Music to be there when Forever Sisters is released.

Long Play with Andy Smith

When Andy Smith describes his music, he doesn’t just use genres, he conjures a full-body experience. Think of it like a sonic ambush: the kind that leaves even a mythical creature breathless and disoriented, somewhere between a 90s Britpop memory and a heartfelt confession.

From the Adelaide Hills, where he now resides, all the way back to Bristol, his hometown, Andy brings with him the ghosts of a golden age, when the 60s met the 90s in a heady collision of melody and attitude. His music blends indie rock, Britpop and alt-pop with the easy authenticity of someone who’s lived and loved every note. There’s no posturing here. Just truth, craft, and a little bit of fire.

Andy’s creative process is deeply personal. His lyrics? Real events. His sound? Built around them like scaffolding. "Close your eyes, step into the song" he says. "Imagine it is you telling the story".

After years in a covers band and a lifetime of self-taught exploration, Andy now produces everything himself, from recording to mastering, often bringing back ideas written years ago, polishing them when the timing finally feels right. His upcoming release, #50at50, marks a massive milestone: a best-of album celebrating fifty songs on his fiftieth birthday. And while he’s experimenting with NFTs to forge deeper listener connections, he remains firmly grounded: "Exciting times ahead, but it’s all about engaging with people who actually want to listen".

"The lyrics tend to come first and then I build music around it… but sometimes, when the block arrives, I down tools and walk away. That’s how I reset. Then, boom."

With ISSAs in Atlanta, new EPs on the way, and a head full of genre-crossing inspiration (from Sinatra to REM, Andrew Cushin to his mates’ bands), Andy Smith is walking into the next chapter like a well-scored scene from the romcom of your life.

If you listen closely to his song This Alone Love, you might find yourself in a moment of cinematic heartbreak, just before the two lovers find their way back to each other.

So go ahead: let the wall of sound hit you. Vampires, heartbreakers, and hopeless romantics alike, you’ve been warned.

PSST... Before You Go!
Andy just dropped TWO brand-new tracks on Supercollector, and they’re not your average downloads.

These are verifiable digital editions for true super-fans. $10 gets you more than just the music: your name gets linked to the track. Forever. Like, forever ever.

I like the idea, I just tried with my very first release, Echo Plastique. I will let you now, their discord sounds very encouraging!

So if you’ve vibed with Andy’s words today, go claim your spot in his sound universe. 🌌
Go get yours now → Click here 🎧

👉 Listen to Andy’s whole catalog on his website
👉 Follow Andy Smith on Facebook and Instagram

SABOTAGE — Part 5 of 6: Exit Route Bandcamp+

Songtradr's October 2023 acquisition eliminated half of Bandcamp's workforce during a broader tech industry downturn. Despite ownership upheaval, Bandcamp maintains its artist-centric payout structure: 82% of each sale reaches musicians within 24-48 hours.

Bandcamp Friday's impact has grown substantially, the initiative has now generated over $140 million for artists since its 2020 pandemic launch. The May 2025 Bandcamp Friday alone delivered $3,2 million to independent creators. The economic comparison remains stark: a $10 Bandcamp purchase equals approximately 2.000-3.300 Spotify streams at current rates of $0,003-$0,005 per stream.

Recent platform changes include updated default pricing, albums now start at $9 (up from $7) and tracks at $1.50 (up from $1). The 2025 Bandcamp Friday schedule includes dates in March, May, August, September, October, and December.

Don’t build a single-pillar house. Keep a mailing-list widget on your Bandcamp page; every “thank-you” email converts better than an Instagram Story and remains algorithm-proof.

For sustainable income diversification, artists should leverage Bandcamp's direct fan relationship tools while maintaining multiple revenue streams across platforms.

In next week’s finale we zoom out to Resonate, Audius, Patreon and the fan-owned future, plus a pocket-sized 2025 survival kit.

Until Next Week: Resist and Connect

This week reminded us: music is remembrance, resistance, and real connection.

As we await the release of Forever Sisters on June 16, let’s hold space for the voices it revives. As we explore Andy Smith’s catalog, let’s not just hear, but feel. And as Bandcamp artists continue to adapt and rise, let’s choose how we support the music we love, with intention.

Until next time, keep listening with your heart.

With love and fun,
🖤 Mitxoda

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