Top 10 places DJs source their tracks.
Back in the day, DJs lived in record stores, digging through crates of vinyl to spin in their sets. Why? Because DJs were all weird reclusive types that were unable to interact with society (jokes, kinda) but mostly because vinyl was the primary way in which everyone consumed music. DJ Equipment was geared toward playing vinyl, and at times cassette tapes, but the real takeaway here is that it was designed to play back a physical format Now, it’s all about digging for tracks online, however sourcing these tunes to download can be tricky because how people consume music is centred around streaming – and streaming is not how DJ’s play in clubs. (let’s hope it stays that way!!)
So where do you source music to download and add to your DJ sets? As a DJ, finding new and fresh music is essential for keeping your sets interesting and engaging. Here are the top 10 places for DJs to source music from online.
DJ Record Pools
DJ record pools are subscription-based services that provide DJs with access to a large collection of digital music files, often before they are officially released to the public. These services allow DJs to discover and download new music, remixes, and exclusive edits, which they can then use in their live sets and productions.
Real quick – Here are some record pools I’ve tried in the past and thought were cool and pretty dope.
- BPM Supreme – BPM Supreme provides DJs with an extensive catalogue of music, ranging from mainstream hits to underground tracks. They also offer a variety of DJ tools, including acapella, instrumentals, and remixes.
- DJcity – DJcity offers a vast selection of music, including hip-hop, dance, and electronic genres. They also provide curated playlists, DJ tools, and exclusive remixes.
- Digital DJ Pool – Digital DJ Pool provides DJs with access to high-quality audio files, including new releases and exclusive remixes. They also offer a variety of DJ tools and playlists.
- Club Killers – Club Killers focuses on providing DJs with exclusive edits, remixes, and mashups of popular tracks. They also offer a wide range of DJ tools and acapella.
- iDJPool – iDJPool offers a broad selection of music, including mainstream hits and exclusive remixes. They also provide a variety of DJ tools and playlists.
It’s worth noting that there are many other DJ record pools available, each with its unique offerings and features. DJs should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a record pool subscription service.
Beatport
Everyone knows this one. Beatport is one of the most popular sources for electronic dance music (EDM) and features a vast selection of tracks from a range of genres, including techno, house, and trance. The site offers a range of filters to help DJs find tracks that fit their specific style and preferences.
Traxsource
Traxsource is another popular site for finding house, techno, and other electronic genres. The site is known for its high-quality tracks, which are often exclusive to the platform. I buy tracks from here ALL.THE.TIME. it’s an awesome place for house music and disco.
Bandcamp
Bandcamp is an excellent source for discovering independent artists and smaller labels. The site offers a wide range of genres, including electronic music, and allows users to preview tracks before purchasing. Even just for digging and finding new underground tracks that no one’s heard of.
Soundcloud
Soundcloud is a popular platform for independent artists and producers, making it a great place for DJs to find unique and fresh tracks. The platform offers a wide range of genres and allows users to follow artists and build playlists.
Juno Download
Juno Download offers a broad range of electronic genres, including house, techno, and drum and bass. The site also features a range of exclusive tracks and remixes from established artists.
CC TRAX
CC Trax Music is a website that provides free and legal music downloads under Creative Commons licenses. The website features a variety of genres, including electronic, hip-hop, rock, and experimental music, among others. The website is designed to support independent artists and allow them to share their music with a wider audience.
Bleep.com
Bleep is a music website that specialized in selling electronic music, including genres such as techno, house, and experimental music. Bleep.com was known for its curated selection of music, high-quality digital downloads, and limited-edition vinyl releases. It also offers a personalized recommendation system based on the user’s listening history and preferences.
Spotify
While Spotify may not offer downloads, it’s still an excellent source for discovering new tracks and building playlists. This and Apple Music are super accessible so it’s a good place to discover music and then download them from one of the above places to include in-hour DJ sets.
There are numerous sources available for DJs to source music from the internet, ranging from well-known platforms like Beatport and iTunes to more niche sites like Traxsource and Resident Advisor. By utilizing these platforms, DJs can stay up to date with the latest releases and keep their sets fresh and engaging.
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