Mixcloud does a number of things differently. They have licensing deals with major labels, allowing DJs to do live streams of their sets without copyright takedowns. They have a killer web app, which allows visitors to the site to create playlists in the bottom player bar. They have a video component. And now they’re introducing the ability to upload single tracks alongside DJ sets.
New feature: track upload
Amazingly, Mixcloud and Soundcloud have never really had beef with regards to their respective places in the ecosystem. Soundcloud was always for tracks and Mixcloud was for DJ sets. Now that’s changing. Mixcloud has launched their track upload feature. Users can upload single tracks and get private or public feedback on them via comments.
Creation and curation in one place
Soundcloud has long been a source of new fans (and much joy) for artists who produce original music, specifically rappers and home producers. It’s pretty incredible, when you think about it, that someone can now create a track in the morning and have it known to 1000 people by the evening. And while Mixcloud has always been about curation in the form of DJ sets, creators now have another place to put their tunes. The DJ Courses Online Level III mixing course goes into depth on how to create a DJ mix.
DJs think Mixcloud is cool
Certainly the most DJ-friendly community on the web, Mixcloud has built their whole brand on the ability to make life easy for DJs. Their humble approach towards musical expression and curation is most welcome in a world of hype and self-promo (check out the CEO explaining new Mixcloud features from his sofa).
Sure, I hear you. Another platform that wants my songs. But before you write off another music upload site, think about it. Having your own music first in line for inclusion in a commercially licenseable DJ set on a platform known for attracting crate-diggers? That’s a new type of opportunity! So get your music on Mixcloud and get connecting. And while you’re at it, connect with one of our pro DJ instructors in the Serato online DJ course by DJ Courses Online.