Mixcloud to the rescue for livestream DJs?

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.

Twitch gets better for DJ livestreams

While Facebook throws ever more obstacles in the way of livestream DJs, Twitch is doing everything right. The most recent development? A catalog of over one million tracks from 30 independent labels and distributors is now available to spin as part of their new “Soundtrack” feature. The road to being a professional DJ has never been more favorable. 

What’s new?

Streaming your set live on Twitch has the advantage of being able to get through your set without the plug being pulled due to copyright issues. Downside? You can’t keep the recording. But now, with the new “Soundtrack” feature, you’ll be able to draw on a million tracks across the categories of “dance”, “electronic” and “rap” - with more on the way. 

Who’s in?

Basically, the publishers of certain tracks have agreed to waive their copyright for livestreaming on Twitch. Artists now available to stream include mxmtoon, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson, SwuM, RAC, and many others. The feature was launched last week and we can expect it to be available to all Twitch users over the next few weeks.

What does this mean?

If you’re still rocking the underground, Twitch is now officially a safer place to play your set, which almost certainly includes rights-protected music. As usual, the major labels are the slowest to respond. Mainstream DJs will not experience any major changes. 

Reputation is everything in this game. And Twitch is rapidly becoming the more trusted streaming platform for DJs to continue working, even if it is just for the occasional donation.The general  buzz right now is to favor Twitch as a place for your live set. You know what else the general buzz is saying? Level up with a DJ course with DJ Courses Online today!

3 DJ apps making mashups easier

For the most part, DJing has moved on from playback of records. In an era of stem separation, remix decks and mashups, re-edits are becoming more common than the originals. Let’s check out a few apps making mashups easier

Mixed In Key Mashup

Mixed In Key is best known for their flagship software which allows beatmakers and producers to easily produce harmonically pleasing mixes. Mashup takes it a step further by taking the thinking out of which songs to mix into a mashup. You’re able to get quick ‘compatibility rating’ and A/B track syncing. Drag in a few options, line things up and export. Easy.

Serato Studio

Unlike most DAWs, Serato Studios provides an easy way to get started with making re-edits. Their DJ-centric layout and functionality allows you to “play” elements of the track over the top of your source track. This makes it useful for creating bootlegs. If you’re a Serato user, the integration with your Serato library is even more useful. 

Ableton Live

Live is something that basically every professional DJ has a working understanding of, and it’s easy to label it alongside all the other DAWs. But what makes Live so special is its session view, which is (currently) an unparalleled way of generating new ideas through layering and insane playability. If you’re in the business of re-edits that sound like they’ve been organically created, Live should be your go-to.

DJing is fast becoming a more creative outlet than ever. Less playback and more play. Get to grips with the ever-evolving industry of career DJing and sign up for an online DJ course by DJ Courses Online today.

The near future of DJing

Things are never going back to normal normal. There’s a new mentality which puts social distancing at the center of how we behave and interact. This new way of doing things will likely outlast any actual health risks by years. Time to adapt to a post-Covid world. 

DJing to crowds

People are more than likely to be cautious around crowds for years to come. Not the greatest news for DJs. More than one professional DJ career is based on strangers being comfortable getting sweaty together. Indoor events are particularly hard hit, with regulations aimed at reducing numbers to less than 50 people. Oh, and no more spit-spraying water over the crowd.

Booking contracts for DJs

Nobody wants to be blamed for facilitating the spread of a pathogen, so it’s likely that booking contracts will start to contain indemnity clauses. This just means both parties will be required to acknowledge the risks associated with parties, gatherings and other events where a DJ might be present. When it hits the paperwork, it’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Masks for DJs

Whether or not you agree that wearing a mask in a booth is effective, there will likely be cases where DJs are required to mask up in order to play. Even after the pandemic is seen as a threat, people will still wear masks as a show of solidarity for average global health. The masks might work in stopping infection, but they’re most effective in showing cooperation. 

Are DJs being hit hard by the pandemic? In terms of gigs and events, sure. But there are upsides to having less setwork to plan. Time. If the doors haven’t started opening in your area yet, you’d better be using the time to brush up on your software and even get producing. You know what helps? A course of industry professionals who want to help you succeed through the difficult times. Sign up today. 

New DJ livestreaming woes

Facebook already has a reputation amongst livestream DJs that resembles something you’d clean out of the shower plughole. Now, with a new set of Terms and Conditions, it appears that even more restrictive measures are being taken to avoid copyrighted songs being played to your Facebook fans. 

Starting October 1st 2020, Facebook’s legal usage will prohibit using “videos on our Products to create a music listening experience”. The official statement is below

“We want you to be able to enjoy videos posted by family and friends. However, if you use videos on our Products to create a music listening experience for yourself or for others, your videos will be blocked and your page, profile or group may be deleted. This includes Live.”

What’s next for DJs?

So no more playing copyrighted music in your Facebook videos, live or otherwise. You might get away with it, but the update reinforces a precedent that is tending towards blanket restriction on using copyrighted songs. The rules are enforceable, and many DJs already have stories of their streams being pulled mid-set or deleted afterwards. 

What can DJs do about it?

The legit solution for this is unfortunately to ditch Facebook and begin building the audience elsewhere. Twitch is pushing for copyright clearance and fast becoming a friendlier alternative to Facebook. Mixcloud Live is leading the charge negotiating with the publishers to allow the use of copyrighted material on their platforms. Consider looking around. 

It’s safe to assume that over time, there will be less support by the big networks for livestreaming DJs. Kinda sucks, but it might also just be time to leave behind the easy clicks and likes on Facebook and start aiming to get through to people who would follow you wherever you stream. The industry is changing super fast, but trust being earned? That’s timeless. Sign up today for the industry-savvy DJ Career Tips course.

3 creative live streams from 2020

For a moment there, it was getting a little stuffy. Now that lockdown restrictions are starting to ease up everywhere, we’re looking forward to more live in-person sets. Until we get there, livestreaming to the rescue! Here are 3 professional DJs who have been busy pushing the boundaries of what a stream means. 

Madeon’s Secret Sky Festival Set

If messing with the video threshold to create old skool psychedelic 90s visuals is your thing, you’ll love Madeon’s livestream set from Secret Sky Festival. The festival was a virtual event which brought users together for a 14-hour DJ and live event. Best moment? This highly flamboyant slow jam fist toss towards the end. 

John Digweed’s Bunker Sessions

John Digweed is still going, apparently every week in a regular livestream event on Mixcloud Live and Facebook. Pretty cool place to hang out with the neon blue lights and floor-to-ceiling vinyl collection. Two little dayglo pixies (daughters?) run around during his sets. There’s plenty of older techno being played for those who feel like a weekly timewarp. Check them all out on Mixcloud Live (for just $3.99/mo)

Four Tet’s Modular Charity Gig

Electronica pioneer Four Tet sure puts on a good show. For charity, in this case, as he joined with Streaming From Isolation for an hour set from a woodlands bedroom spanning a range of genres and playback devices. Favorite? The modular synth moments, which saw him tweaking those knobs like he was running out of voltage. Very cool.

DJs don’t seem to be staying put. The more restrictions are placed on them, the more creative they’re becoming in the simple task of sharing good music. Keep grabbing those opportunities by joining a DJ program from DJ Courses Online today. 

Stem separation with Virtual DJ 2021

Demixing is in. Being able to import a single track and separate it out into its component stems is a promising development for the creative side of DJing. Now, VirtualDJ has announced that their 2021 update will lead the way with real-time stem separation of up to 5 stems. 

Isolate them stems

VirtualDJ is paving the way for many professional DJs and students of DJing to take their craft to the next level. Their 2021 update is scheduled to include a stem demixing mode which will essentially enable the separate components of completed tracks to be played back individually.

Mashup control

The power of having access to individual stems is that DJs can select tracks by matching key and superimpose basslines, melodies, harmonies and vocals on other tracks like never before. The result is a far more creative approach towards DJing, one which will allow even more expression than track selection and mixing currently allows.

How does it sound?

The technology isn’t perfect, but it is a leap forward. For example, isolating the vocal stem will still result in some artifacts (chirps, squeaks, blips) being heard. There’s no clean fix just yet. But considering we’re still in the early days of the AI-powered EQ that enables the feat, it’s a promising sign for dancefloors all over the world. 

It just keeps moving forwards, doesn’t it? As the pace quickens, you’ll want to keep up. Sign up for a course by DJ Courses Online today and stay in step with the tech trends (and communities of passionate DJs who use them) as they happen.

Three obstacles to being a vinyl DJ

Vinyl DJing is the stick shift of partying. It’s a skill you’ll probably be OK without, and also one that gives you an edge when DJing with software. Coming to grips with ‘analog DJing’ is not only an impressive way to stake your claim, it’s a whole lot of fun once you get past the hurdles. Let’s march onwards to a professional career in DJing with three challenges to learning how to DJ on vinyl.

Heavy

Before Serato, but there was a time that actual crates were the way to get vinyl from one place to another. Carrying (and flying) them around is always going to be the main challenge to a career in DJing, but having the temerity to show up with a limited collection of only the best tunes is what grabs the attention of the DJ purists. Be warned: 50 vinyl records weighs around 165lb (75kg).

Expensive

Vinyls are a costly hobby, which is probably the main reason so few DJs are able to spin them. A single collector’s 12” cost around $20 on average. That’s around 2-4 songs, often remixes and B-sides of a single. And because the industry is driven by exclusivity, not too many ‘hit collection’ compilations are pressed. Having a dope vinyl collection is certainly gonna set you back.

Fragile

One mean scratch and your record is done. Couple minutes in the sun and it could end up sounding like it’s being run through a pitch LFO. Nobody likes the idea of taking their prize items into a dark noisy public space, where so much can go wrong. Again, part of the allure. Show up with a winning track on vinyl, however, and you’ve got a shot at impressing those that matter most. 

Vinyl isn’t for everyone, and that’s cool. But it is a sort of statement. Spending the cash, carrying the crates and protecting them like your children is a good way to demonstrate your commitment to the art. And with digital detox movements getting more popular, it’s the vinyl DJs who still rule the underground. Get more into DJing today with a course by DJ Courses Online and take your skills to the next level.

John Bartmann is an audio producer and DJ.

Ditch the USBs and stream your DJ set

Recently, software for gear by Denon was updated to enable streaming SoundCloud Go+ and Beatport Link tracks on any standalone Prime device without any downloading required. Tidal has already made this available. The benefits are immense for DJs - access to millions of tracks without the need to download. But if you’re a serious DJ and aren’t using any of those three services, let’s check out a few ways to transfer your collection.

Tune My Music

Tune My Music allows you to move your collection from any major streaming platform to another. You simply designate the source platform and paste the URL to one of your Spotify playlists into the target platform. Log into both your target platform and source account and follow the steps to transfer. Once done, you’ll be able to stream tracks via Engine OS on any Denon gear. 

Soundiiz 

Soundiiz can help you move your collection from Spotify to Tidal, given that Tidal can already be streamed on Engine OS. The basic services are free, but to transfer individual tracks or albums you’ll need to be on premium. You’ll need a Tidal membership, but other than that, using Soundiiz is a seamless process. 

SongShift

Songshift is an iOS app allowing you to shift your music between services. It unfortunately doesn’t currently include Beatport and will require an Apple device if you’re doing it all on mobile. You also need to upgrade your account if you want the platform to automatically scan Tidal to match the tracks. Worthwhile for Tidal power users. 

The service you end up using will depend on your DJ gear or software. You’ll also need the newest version by Engine OS if you want to stream using SoundCloud Go+, Beatport Link, and Tidal. It’s worth the effort once you’re done and able to stream directly to your decks! Stay with the times by signing up for a course by DJ Courses Online. 

John Bartmann is an audio producer and DJ.

DJ lockdown prep

Lockdown is affecting everyone, DJs included. Fortunately, it’s left us with loads of time to check out new ways to get the most out of our software. And it will come and go. Make the move towards a serious career in career in DJing and check out a few things to keep you busy while we wait. 

Set your cue points

Just do it. Traktor, Serato, VirtualDJ and Rekordbox all have ways to set the start and loop points for your favorite tracks. Yeah, it can be a pain, but if you’re planning on playing the stuff, you’ll need to do the prep. Been waiting for a sign? This is it. Set your cue points while you’re trapped in lockdown. 

Create a new set

Sometimes, getting away from your gear is all you need to create something new. A fresh perspective. After months of not playing out, you’ll probably be feeling the need to do something a little different when you’re back on it. So why not take the opportunity to get stuck into your collection and make a new DJ set? If nothing else, it will make you feel like you’re still on top of things!

Flush out the old stuff

Yeah, there comes a time to once again test your recycle bin’s bulk storage capabilities. You see, 2006 was a while ago now. And while it hurts letting go, you don’t need a bunch of stuff cluttering up your playlist. Take the plunge, let it go and experience a cleaner, more impactful track collection.

You heard the saying ‘make hay while the sun shines’? Might not feel like the sun is shining, but there’s good reason right now to quit the procrastination and get prepared for the end of this woeful lockdown. Your career as a DJ requires the awesomeness to see this bleak time for what it is - a dud track. Keep smiling with a course from DJ Courses Online today. 

John Bartmann is a creative audio producer and DJ.

3 DJ livestream tips

We’re probably never going all the way back to the pre-Covid era. That blissful time when the politics around mask usage didn’t exist, and throwing a party was even an option. So welcome to the era of online options. DJs perform remotely. For now. Here are a couple quick easy tips to keep you on the task of professional DJing. 

Use Restream.io

People behave similarly online to how they do in real life. Only difference here is that instead of getting 50 hardcore fans out to your party, you’re able to reach thousands with a similar amount of effort. Use a platform called Restream.io to broadcast your show to multiple social platforms at once. That way you’re not entirely reliant on the Twitch crowd alone to big up your show. Restream.io forwards comments between Twitch, YouTube and Facebook. Go bigger.

Picture beats audio

Live shows are meant to be visual When you’ve reached a suitable audio quality (with as few audio dropouts and CPU crunches as possible), start putting the attention on how it looks. Let’s face it, people kinda listen with their eyes. Lighting is important. It doesn’t have to be bright, but it should resemble the experience that your selected audience is there for. Use custom overlays. If it’s late night, make it dark and neon. The angle of the camera(s) should expose your face and hands. They’re there to scope out your gear and watch you enjoy yourself. 

Keep it simple

No sense having a hardware-software hybrid rig that collapses with CPU strain on the night. If it’s two decks and a soundcard, great. Throw a mic in so you can respond to incoming chats. Whatever the case, it’s better to invest in gear that makes your look good (lighting, cameras) than gear which does a fantastic job until you factor in the complexities of broadcasting. 

It makes sense to embrace live streaming right about now. In the unlikely event that society returns back to normal, the online whale has been harpooned and we’re in for a ride in the direction it chooses. You better, uh, learn how to waterski...? Check out how to level up with DJ Courses Online today. 

John Bartmann is a creative audio producer and DJ.

Sampling AI music services in DJing

Music generation is well and truly here. Already, you’re able to create your own royalty-free backing tracks from scratch. But for career DJs, the power will be in creating sample-able sections of songs using a combination of neural nets and the more discerning human ear. Here are a few platforms which are already available as a source of new (and currently uncopyrightable) musical material.

Loudly

Think of Loudly as a remix studio. Loudly is a byproduct of the team which made the Music Maker JAM mobile app. The aim of the Loudly AI system is to utilize its Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to produce new music from what you upload. The platform hosts a sample size of over eight-million tracks and is currently fundraising to open to the public. 

AIVA

If there’s a tool for generating orchestral music, it’s likely AIVA. AIVA creates bespoke pieces of music using machine intelligence. Over time, the system has been fed orchestral input and is better known for its understanding of musical scores than its ability to output music from other genres. Vodafone and TED are among its clientele. Good place to generate some classical-sounding samples for remix!

Musenet

Musenet has some spectacular results. It’s been considered the ultimate AI in composition, and uses - you guessed it - a neural network and a massive catalog of input, from classical to pop. Musenet both responds to input and can create brand new compositions internally. The results are worth taking note of! 

All the big players from Google to IBM are behind automated music generation. It’s certainly going to be a very interesting transition period for DJs and producers as we once again redefine what music is. Make sure you keep up with the trends and continue to upskill by checking out the DJ courses offered by DJ Courses Online today. 

The rise of AI music platforms

Generative music services are popping up everywhere. The demand is there and the competition is propelling AI music platforms into providing ever better options to consumers. From professional DJs to hobbyists, you can expect more interest in augmented music services. Let’s check out three of the best. 

Amper

Amper received a huge swath of publicity when reality TV star Taryn Southern used it to produce a hit album. The platform is user-friendly and aimed at musicians and content creators. You can both import your own ideas and start new ones from scratch, depending on the style of music you’re aiming for. Check out Amper. 

Evoke 

Evoke is certainly one of the easiest AI music platforms to use, with no real musical background required. You can create music by typing keywords into a tool which then spits out music. It’s closer to a royalty-free music library than a creative tool. Check it out. 

Deepjams

Deepjams (like deepfake, geddit?) allows you to make new compositions out of your existing input. Boasting a broad-ranging machine intelligence, Deepjams outputs fields of music based on what you upload. Deepjams makes a case for three models - jamming out, composing and driving engagement - and you’ll see fair results in all three cases. 

AI music services are a fast and dynamic industry, one which is currently quite diversified in their offerings. Once the experimental phase tapers off, we’ll likely start to see large-scale implementation of AI songwriting and production services become the norm (and good old fashioned manual editing go the way of film photography). But skill is always in demand! Head over to the DJ Courses Online programs to check out how you can level up today.

Three standalone production devices

The march towards standalone music production devices continues. Staring at a screen and using a mouse to generate musical ideas and perform live just aint that cool. Not with all the other toys available to DJs now. Let’s continue our own march towards a successful career in DJing and check some of them out.

MPC Live II 

Akai Professional once again tops the list of device manufacturers to declare war on the laptop. Their latest offering? The MPC Live II. It offers built-in stereo monitors in a battery-operated standalone unit with a small touchscreen LCD, allowing you to sequence and play beats wherever. Built in wifi and Bluetooth allow you to connect up to Ableton if need be, but the idea here seems to be that you play it like an instrument. One that now makes its own sounds. Check it out.

Synthstrom Deluge

Perhaps one of the most unexpectedly cool things to ever come from New Zealand, the Deluge is an all-in-one grid sequencer which makes the improvisation of electronic music a remarkably productive process. At a tidy 1.5kg and currently costing just $899, Deluge looks like a ton of fun and is certainly one of the more hands-on DJ controllers on the market. Check it out. 

Elektron Octatrack

Elektron’s eight-track sampler upgrade brings an improved hardware build to their previous release. Despite a lack of new features, the device is arguably unbeatable from a performance point of view. Placing creativity at the heart of the process, the Octatrack does seem to require a little more brain power to operate. But in return you’re rewarded with a deeper level of sequencing and automation than its peers, along with great effects and a comprehensive song and pattern-building system. If the goal is to go screen-free, this might be the way. Check it out.

Based on how things are going, it seems to be the goal of DJs to fully escape studios and return to natural environments, where the inspiration flows more freely. Freshening up your gear is one way to level up. Another is to sign up for a DJ course by DJ Courses Online and figure out some of the skills you don’t know you’re missing. 

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ

Labels turn Twitch-friendly

Dance music record labels appear to be entering a new phase in Twitch-readiness. Performing DJ sets on the streaming giant can land you with a takedown notice. Now, labels appear to be pre-clearing their catalogs with Twitch, greenlighting the way for DJs to stream without hitting the copyright wall. 

Anjunadeep goes first

London-based deep house label Anjunadeep has announced that they’ve cleared 500+ tracks for playback on Twitch, This means that DJs who spin those tracks will not be hit with copyright infringement notices. This could potentially be very good news for the average streamer, professional DJ and others. 

Pushback?

Whether or not there will be resistance from the music industry (and copyright holders) is unknown at present. It’s understandable that rights holders would want to be fairly compensated for plays of their work, something that livestreaming services aim to defend by issuing takedowns. But in the present gig drought, it’s more likely that producers will take what they can get in terms of hype and allow for more permissions to be granted to their DJ audience. 

Official playlists

Ajunadeep appears to have manifested the best of both worlds by allowing only for the playback of songs listed on their official playlist. DJs are thus able to download any of up to 500+ and escape the copyright bots when they stream. Sure, 500 isn’t a lot (especially if everyone’s playing the same tunes), but it does set a welcome precedent in accessibility for DJs.

Copyright issues or none, Twitch is still the leading DJ streaming service and the shift by Anjunadeep towards pre-cleared song permissions may well prompt similar behaviour from other labels. This development signals a new direction for anyone looking to make a living from professional DJing - keep paying attention and level up with a course from DJ Courses Online.

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ

The rise of demix culture

Thanks to the bionic chip released by Apple in 2017, we’re on the cusp of a new era in DJing: signal separation or ‘demixing’. The tech has finally hit DJ software, and it probably won’t be long before we see stem separation a standard feature in Traktor and other leading software. Get on board with the new direction in professional DJing and check out what’s now possible. 

DJay Pro AI

DJays Neural Mix is billed as the world’s first AI-powered DJ feature. The feature allows users to separate the stems of a single track into its component parts in realtime. It’s not a particularly new trick. Software like Melodyne and AudioSourceRE have been able to perform demixing for years. What makes it impressive is that it’s now available for real-time playback on mobile devices. It’s a serious win for DJing. 

The community

There’s a community for everything now. Including those who aim to make signal separation a standard feature in all audio processing in the future. The Signal Separation Evaluation Campaign are leading the field in demix research. They’re even tackling non-DJ-specific fields such as clearing up background noise and distinguishing between multiple people speaking through different microphones.

Acapella gold

The usual slew of concerns around intellectual property aside, it’s an increasingly awesome time for acapella hunters. Being able to rip a high-quality vocal stem from your new favorite track is fast becoming an accessible option. We can expect even more creativity to be shoehorned into the crowded marketplace of DJs. Our advice? Start getting creative with them acapellas now, before the race gets going. 

Push a button and the vocals disappear. Flip a fader and the vocals come in solo. It’s apparently that easy. Which means everyone’s racing to get on it. So if you’re along for the ride of career DJing, get up to speed with a course by DJ Courses Online today. 

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ.

Hosting your DJ mixes post-Soundcloud

The time might be coming to part ways with Soundcloud. It’s all good having your music up on as many different platforms as possible, but it appears that Soundcloud’s time might be up as a place to host your mixes. Here are a few other services you might want to consider switching to. Follow an online DJ course to train yourself up, then get uploading to these post-Soundcloud sites.

Mixcrate

Like Mixcloud, Mixcrate is a place for DJs to host their mixes and indeed places most of its emphasis on the long mix format. The upload policy discourages single tracks and playlists, allowing DJs with top mixing ability to shine. There’s an upload limit on files (190mb). There’s clearly a caring DJ community behind the site, one that shares a wide range of influences. Chances are good you’ll find something you like. 

Soundclick

Since 1997, Soundclick has been providing a community of music listeners, creators and DJs to share and sell their stuff. There’s no overall upload limit, but there is a 10mb limit on individual songs on a free account. No hi-def files and no long mixes. Unlike most other streaming services, Soundclick has baked direct download and licensing into their interface. Tracks are often accompanied by a price tag (but no play counts), making it easy for fans to see what the artist feels their stuff is worth. 

HeartThis.At

The German platform HeartThis.At mimics Soundcloud in its diverse offering, with tracks ranging from electronic  to hip-hop and even podcasts and festival performances. The “Maps” feature allows you to see the locations of submitted tracks. Useful to see what’s trending at the production end of the pipe, and a great tool for touring DJs. For a free account, it’s free track hosting until you reach either 5000 downloads or 10,000 plays. 

We’re all gonna miss Soundcloud angels, fresh music and yeah, even those comments from puppet accounts. As the music industry moves ever forward, we’ll all have to keep an ear to the ground for the heartbeat of DJ communities around the world. Get connected by signing up for a DJ course by DJ Courses Online today and join the flow.  

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ.

3 black-run labels in the spotlight

Labels are the flagbearers of our favorite new artists, and we support the role that black-run labels have had on dance music since the beginning of recorded music. We stand in solidarity with black-run record labels. And in our efforts to present DJ education in the form of online courses, we feel it’s time to shine a little light on three labels presenting fresh stables of upcoming artists. 

Sneer Records

Sneer Records is the brainchild of funk ambassador Brett Eclectic. The DIY aesthetic and curatorial approach behind Sneer Records is also evident in the choice of artists, a wide range which includes electro, boogie, future funk, synthwave, ambient and more. Plenty of territory to cover if you have an unrestricted listening ear or two. Check out Sneer Records.

Morph Tracks

Morph Tracks is a small label with a very loyal following. Based in Atlanta, GA, the label currently lists only two artists: Leonce, whose blend of American urban and experimental electronica results in a hardline style that reflects his southern (New Orleans) upbringing. And JSPORT, whose soca and West Indian influences are hammered into accessible shape for modern dance floor audiences. Check out Morph Tracks.

NDATL

Also based in Atlanta, GA is NDATL, a focused community run by Kai Alce, the Haitian-born New Yorker who describes himself as ‘a DJ for DJing’s sake’. Simply true to the music, Alce has built NDATL (which stands for New York, Detroit, Atlanta) to connect the power of his soca-jazz background to a list of club-influenced artists including Miranda Nicole, Ed Nine and Cherry Pie. Check out NDATL.

Even after all the gates have been opened, labels are still the backbone of the music industry. We still require tastemakers and risk-takers to put the good stuff in front of us, and hats off to all those doing it despite - or perhaps because of - the challenges. Get into the game by upping your DJ skills with a course from DJ Courses Online today.

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ.

3 black DJs in the spotlight

There’s absolutely no doubt that black DJs have been among those to build the foundations of dance music. Worldwide. No question. In the spirit of recent events, Bandcamp has released a massive database of black DJs, artists and black-led labels in the hopes of sparking off support initiatives. In our efforts to raise the bar by providing DJ tutorial courses, here are a few choice selections of black artists worth checking out. 

Black Jazz Consortium

Black Jazz Consortium is the alias of Fred P, the New York-turned-Berlin resident with an uncountable back catalog of releases on labels including Soul People Music, Perpetual Sound and Private Society. Years of podcast releases, live mixes and appearances on Boiler Room Berlin, Breakfast Club and many others solidify his reputation as a valued contributor to dance music culture. Check out Black Jazz Consortium on Bandcamp.

LAKIM

Virginia native Lakim’s inspired fusion of dance music, hip hop and alternative is indeed a fresh voice in a crowded room. His sound has been described as a “blend of crisp drum patterns, dreamy synths, and lush vocal chops.” His touring schedule has seen him perform in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, sharing the stage with Nas, Kendrick Lamar and Lauren Hill. Check out LAKIM.

ABYEE 

Label Deepblak’s Armon Bazile aka ABYEE is described as “an ecosystem of rhythm”. Whether we’re talking about the hip-hop and techno influences or the sample-cut African chanting of a track like Wave Principles, it’s clear that Bazile’s music reflects a host of influences. Founded in Oakland, CA and now based in Berlin, expect soulful music on the outskirts of dance from ABYEE.

Music is arguably the most powerful tool we have to break down divisions. When we dance together, we realize the similarities far outweigh the differences. Keep fighting the fight to make things more fair. Be inspired to sign up for a DJ course by DJ Courses Online today. 

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ.

DJ Collaboration tools

When it comes to remaining inspired and motivated, collaboration is key. Making beats on your own is fun, but having other people able to get involved is where it’s really at. Keep moving forward into your career as a DJ by getting others on board with what you’re doing. Here are a few tools designed to keep you collaborating. 

Realtime beat jams

Endless is an iOS app created by Tim Exile, the DJ and software engineer who brought us performance tools like Flesh. Endless allows you to collaborate with others wherever they are in the world by recording loops and interacting with each other's recording - in realtime. Strictly speaking, it’s not fully realtime - there’s still the bandwidth latency problem - but being able to stack layers and effect each other’s loops looks like way too much fun.

Submitting your tunes for collab

Soundstorming is a place where “musicians, artists, and songwriters can instantly record ideas, share in a global community, and collaborate easily.” It’s not particularly aimed at DJs per se, but offers opportunities to meet like-minded music creators with a view to collaboration. Download the free app. Record or upload a piece of your music. Share it with the community. Collaborate with the takers. 

Finding acapellas

Sourcing good acapellas is always a chore for those among us looking to do live remix sets. Get original by finding rappers and singers looking for their own break by scouring sites like HitRecord. HitRecord was founded by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and hosts a friendly community of artists open for the business of collaboration. Search ‘acapella’  on HitRecord to get started. 

It takes an openness to others to make it in the DJ game. Start by linking up with others - regardless of how many followers they have - and build something of your own. The pride you take in your work is the reason that people share it. Go for it! And while you’re at it, check out some of the online DJ courses that are going to help you get there.

John Bartmann is a music producer and DJ