Mixcloud is launching a livestream monetization platform called Tickets. The system appears to be replacing tips and donations with a pay-for-entry model, allowing DJs to capitalize on their home sets while giving up and coming DJs a chance to reach their ideal target - a paying audience.
Fresh approach
Mixcloud is becoming the obvious choice for many DJs who’ve been forced to pivot to livestreaming. The DJ-centric platform is leading the way with their baked-in licensing arrangement with copyright holders, allowing DJs to play basically anything they want without fear of takedowns. Working with copyright holders instead of constant warring still seems to be the exception to the rule for which we have Mixcloud to thank.
Selling exclusivity
Putting up a paywall filters out the masses and attracts the true fans. The ones willing to part with a few bucks. Most of the internet is already too free to be useful, and we can all see the appeal of the thinking. But are fans of dance music the types to part with a few bucks without the actual appeal of the awesome sound and lighting rigs of an actual live show? No answers there yet, but the most would agree that professionalization of DJ culture is a welcome concept.
Beta testing
With the rollout of new modes of behavior brought on by lockdown, what’s likely to happen? Fact is, there are more people DJing and watching live sets online than ever before. So we can anticipate the same pattern of online enterprises: a slow trickle of early adopters followed by a breakout story, followed by mass adoption. Big names currently registered to use Tickets include Flying Lotus, Róisín Murphy and Leon Vynehall.
All of this is obviously speculation, but it seems that Mixcloud isn’t content to remain in the music streaming category alone. The platform already enjoys a dedicated following, and is uniquely positioned to provide (and fund?) quality live performances for fans of DJing the world over. Tickets is currently invite only (apply here), but labels and artists can apply on the site. Until they get rolling, why not see what DJ Courses Online has to offer in the way of professional DJ courses.