Where DJ’s Get Music From
Streaming Services
Streaming services are fast becoming one of the most common places where DJ’s source music. With such services you pay a monthly subscription and get instant access to a pool of music to use in your sets.
Great to build a collection quickly however bear in mind that some services require a constant internet connection. In this modern era where music is less timeless than it used to be, streaming can be particularly useful if you don't intend to play a track beyond a couple of DJ sets or if you get one of those really obscure requests from a customer which you never intend to play ever again!
You do need to consider the fact however, that you do not own any of the music so the moment that you stop subscribing is the moment you won’t be able to play those tracks from that particular service any more. I
In addition to this, please bear in mind that you cannot record directly in your music software using streaming tracks as you do not own the music and some streaming services do not permit the use of STEMs.
Services to consider
Spotify
Tidal
Beatsource
Beatport
Apple Music
Soundcloud
2. DJ Record Pools
Similar to a streaming service you pay a monthly suscription and get instant access to a pool of music however the key difference here is that you download each song directly to your hard drive. The music is yours to keep even after cancelling your subscription.
This is great as the music can be used over and over for as long as you have the track, playable both on and offline, but bare in mind that record pools may not cover everything you might need. Record pools often have DJ friendly edits, mashups and exclusive versions of tracks however typically are particularly limited usually when it comes to back catalogues of music as they are largely seen as promo sites for newer music.
In addition record pools can go through dry spells so it is advisable to subscribe for the shortest time possible (usually a month). You will pay a slight premium for this however there is nothing worse than signing up for 3 months and then finding the pool doesn’t cater to your needs for 2 out of those 3 months. Now this may not happen, but why run the risk!
Services to consider (to name a few)
Heavy Hits (use Karlthomas at checkout to get your first month for $5)
DJ City
Zip DJ
BPM Music (formally BPM supreme)
Franchise record pool
3. Online Stores & Physical Records
Keeping things as simple as it gets. You hunt out your favourite tracks and download them one by one and pay per track or go into a store and buy vinyl/ CDs to play in your sets.
Places to shop
Beatport (the store)
Traxsource
Juno Download
Amazon
iTunes
Your local record store
4. Soundcloud & Download Gates
Often producers upload music is onto Soundcloud and offer this as a free download. If you find a track like this, in order to access the download you will typically be taken to a site and required to provide feedback and give some information in order to unlock the download. This is known as a download gate as the information you provide ‘open the gate’.
Make sure you trust the producer who has uploaded the file! Also be aware that you are giving away information such as email addresses, following people of social media so make sure that the track you are downloading is worth it!
Sources
Soundcloud (for finding the tracks)
Hypeddit (the gate site tracks are downloaded from)
5. Bandcamp
An Aladdin’s cave when it comes to independent artists and unique tracks. Here you will discover tracks made my independant artists for download, making your sets sound different from the rest. Artisits decide their own fees per download.
Website
bandcamp.com
Check this video out for further information
