Pro DJ Secrets: Building Your Ultimate Music Library

Pro DJ Secrets: Building Your Ultimate Music Library

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Downside of Ripping Music from YouTube and SoundCloud
3. Record Pools: A Legitimate Source of Music
4. Paid Services for Downloading Music
   • DJ City
   • BPM Supreme
   • Digital DJ Pool
5. Streaming Services for DJs
   • Tidal
   • SoundCloud
   • DJ by Algorithm (Spotify)
   • Virtual DJ
6. Free Sources of Music
   • Royalty-Free and Copyright-Free Music Channels on YouTube
   • The Artist Union
   • HeiPod
   • Record Label Mailing Lists
   • Buying Music from Beatport, Amazon, and iTunes
7. Bonus Tip: Discovering New Music through Streaming Service Playlists
8. Giveaway Announcement
9. Conclusion

Where Do DJs Get Their Music?

When it comes to being a DJ, one of the most crucial aspects of the craft is sourcing and acquiring music. Whether You're an aspiring DJ looking to build your music library or an experienced DJ searching for new tracks, finding the right sources for high-quality music is essential. In this article, we will explore various methods and platforms that DJs use to get their music, discussing both paid and free options.

The Downside of Ripping Music from YouTube and SoundCloud

At the start of their careers, many DJs turn to ripping music from popular platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud as a cost-effective method of acquiring a large collection of music. However, this approach comes with its downsides. Ripping music from these platforms often results in obtaining lower-quality audio files due to compression and other factors. While the ripped files may sound decent when played on headphones or home speakers, they fail to deliver the same quality on professional sound systems found in clubs. Therefore, relying solely on ripped music can hinder the overall experience for both the DJ and the audience.

Record Pools: A Legitimate Source of Music

Record pools serve as legitimate sources for DJs to access a plethora of music from various labels and artists. These platforms allow DJs to listen to music, rate it, provide feedback, and download high-quality files for use in their sets. While record pools require a subscription fee, the benefits they offer make them an excellent investment for DJs serious about their craft.

One highly recommended record pool is DJ City, which has been a popular choice among DJs for many years. DJ City offers a vast selection of tracks, including exclusive remixes and re-edits that cannot be found elsewhere. With multiple versions available for some songs, DJs can find intro versions or acapellas to enhance their mixing abilities. Another notable record pool is BPM Supreme, which offers curated sets that DJs can download in addition to individual tracks. With its user-friendly interface, BPM Supreme provides an effortless music downloading experience.

Digital DJ Pool is another option worth considering, especially for DJs on a budget. With a lower monthly membership fee of $15 and a $1 trial option, Digital DJ Pool provides access to a wide range of music. Although personal experience with this platform may vary, many DJs recommend it as a reliable source for building a music library.

Paid Services for Downloading Music

Apart from record pools, several paid services offer DJs a vast collection of music for download. These services allow DJs to purchase individual tracks or albums in a legal and convenient manner.

DJ City, previously Mentioned as a record pool, also offers a vast selection of individual tracks available for purchase. DJs who enjoy the experience provided by DJ City may opt to buy specific tracks to expand their collection further.

BPM Supreme, in addition to its record pool subscription, offers a Premium Membership with additional features. This upgraded membership includes curated sets, allowing DJs to download entire playlists created by BPM Supreme. Although priced similarly to DJ City, BPM Supreme's Premium Membership provides added value.

For DJs using Virtual DJ as their preferred software, I DJ Pool offers a subscription service that integrates seamlessly with the Virtual DJ interface. This subscription allows DJs to access the I DJ Pool music library directly through the Virtual DJ software.

Streaming Services for DJs

In recent years, streaming services have become increasingly popular among DJs as a source of music. Two notable streaming services that integrate directly with DJ software are Tidal and SoundCloud.

Both Tidal and SoundCloud provide DJs with the ability to Create playlists within their platforms. These playlists can then be accessed and managed directly within DJ software such as Serato DJ. By subscribing to either of these services, DJs gain access to a vast library of tracks that they can incorporate into their sets seamlessly.

While Tidal and SoundCloud offer integration with a variety of DJ software, Spotify only integrates with select software applications designed specifically for iOS devices. The DJ application by Algorithm is an example of such software that allows DJs to use Spotify playlists and music within their DJ sets.

Free Sources of Music

For DJs on a tight budget or those looking to discover new and emerging artists, several free sources of music are available.

YouTube channels specializing in royalty-free or copyright-free EDM and other genres are an excellent starting point. These channels feature music from producers who have submitted their tracks for showcasing. While not all tracks may be available for free download, many include download links in the video descriptions. These channels often require a simple action, such as liking the track or subscribing to the channel, to unlock the download link.

The Artist Union is another platform where up-and-coming producers upload their music for DJs to discover and download. DJs can access a diverse selection of tracks on this Website by connecting their SoundCloud or Spotify accounts and providing minimal personal information. Supporting these emerging artists by downloading their tracks not only expands your music library but also helps boost their careers.

Platforms like HeiPod and HypedIt offer similar opportunities for DJs to find and download tracks. These platforms connect with SoundCloud and provide a curated list of popular downloads. Although these services may require some form of engagement, such as entering an email address, the ability to discover new and trending music makes it a worthwhile trade-off.

Some record labels have mailing lists that DJs can join to receive exclusive music directly from the labels. While gaining access to these mailing lists may require an invitation or special consideration, reaching out to your favorite labels directly and explaining your DJ credentials may open doors to receiving unreleased tracks for your sets. However, it is crucial to demonstrate your status as a working DJ to be considered for such offerings.

Buying Music

Finally, purchasing music remains a reliable method of acquiring high-quality tracks for DJs. Platforms like Beatport cater specifically to DJs, offering extensive collections of dance and DJ-oriented music. DJs can explore different genres, purchase individual tracks, and even discover exclusive releases on Beatport.

For more mainstream or commercial music, Amazon and iTunes are popular platforms where DJs can buy singles in digital formats. These tracks can be downloaded and imported into DJ software for immediate use.

Bonus Tip: Discovering New Music through Streaming Service Playlists

If you're looking to refresh your music library or find inspiration for new tracks, streaming services can be a valuable resource. Services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer offer curated playlists for different genres and moods. Exploring these playlists can help DJs discover new music and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. While DJs may not be able to directly download tracks from these streaming services, the playlists serve as a valuable resource for finding new music to acquire through other sources discussed in this article.

Giveaway Announcement

Before concluding this article, we want to inform you about an exciting giveaway that is currently running. At the time of this video's upload, We Are hosting a giveaway where you can win either the Pioneer DDJ 400 along with our beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses for either Serato or Rekordbox, or the Pioneer DDJ SB 3 along with the beginner, intermediate, and advanced Serato courses, as well as our complete scratching course. To participate in this giveaway, please refer to the link provided at the end of this video. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Conclusion

As a DJ, building a diverse and high-quality music library is crucial for delivering exceptional performances. By exploring the various sources and platforms mentioned in this article, you can find the perfect Blend of paid and free options that suit your preferences and budget. From record pools to streaming services and direct purchases, the world of music acquisition has Never been more accessible for DJs. Embrace these sources, discover new tracks, and continuously curate your music library to elevate your DJing skills and keep your audience enthralled.