Prepping a new setlist for every new event can be a pain. Buying new tracks, crate digging, loading them onto your DJ software platform, transferring to USB. Not always ideal, and in the case of last-minute gigs, a straight up nightmare! One new development of interest to online course DJs might be of help. Meet Beatport DJ.
What is Beatport DJ?
Beatport DJ is a web application that runs in your browser and aims to streamline a DJ’s workflow. Using the service, DJs are able to browse tracks in the Beatport catalog, search and build playlists and preview full tracks. You can even layer songs without having to download and import them to your software. Basically, Beatport has taken advantage of the fact that web browsers are feature-rich and sophisticated enough to process audio on the fly.
Pros
Beatport DJ looks dope when it comes to track curation and high-quality, full track preview playback. The industry benefits when paid music services are done right. The service allows for cross-device playlist curation and serves as a hub for crate digging and more. Essentially, Beatport DJ is LINK on steroids. On the web. Oh, and while you’re on the web, level up your skills with an online DJ course.
Cons
To sign up, users require LINK, which is Beatport’s cloud subscription service currently starting at $15/mo. Currently only available on Google Chrome web browser. Safari is being promised later in the year, along with mobile devices. Another challenge is the fight against the forces of subscriber lock-in. By its very nature, DJing track selection is (or perhaps used to be?) about having access to tracks that others can’t or don’t have. When everyone has access to the exact same catalog of conveniently categorized tunes, you might as well have DJ Suggesto-Bot running the event.
But do check out Beatport DJ. There’s currently a 30-day free trial if you haven’t signed up for LINK yet. As per the official hype, Beatport DJ promises a “truly effortless experience that you would expect from dedicated desktop software”. And all things considered, it looks like a real time-saver for professional DJs on the road. For the rest of us, Beatport Link does look like a fancy new way to organize your library. As with all things tech, just remember to keep focused on the music!