Where do DJs find the music that they play? This is a question that is difficult to answer for the vast majority of people. However, if your mission is to find the best music for your audience, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post you will find different ways to get music, expand your collection and discover new sounds. Continue reading to find out where DJs get their music and the answer to this burning question if you’ve been wanting to start a career as a DJ.
Discovering and acquiring new music
DJs can get music for their music sessions in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common sources:
Record labels and distributors
These are companies that produce and distribute music from national and international artists or record labels. This is a way where DJs can purchase music or tracks with these companies, either physical (e.g., on CD or vinyl) or digital (e.g., through a website or music platform).
DJs often go to record stores to buy new music and also to find older tracks that they can use in their sets.
Digital Music Stores
There are many online stores that allow DJs to purchase individual tracks or entire albums. Some popular options are Beatport, Juno and Traxsource.
These platforms also allow DJs to access a much wider variety of music than they could find in a record store.
Streaming services
Many DJs use streaming platforms such as Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music to access a vast library of music. While these platforms do not allow DJs to download songs for use in their sets, they can be useful for discovering new music and creating playlists.
Promotional funds
Some record labels and distributors offer “promo pools,” which tend to be collections of new tracks that DJs can download and use in their sets. They are usually offered for promotional purposes and are not usually for sale.
Record swapping
Many DJs maintain relationships with other DJs and industry professionals, and may exchange music with each other. This can be a good way to discover new tracks and expand your music collection.
This can be a good way to access new and exclusive music that is not yet available on the market. In addition, some DJs create their own music, either producing tracks themselves or working with other producers.
This allows them to create music tailored to their specific sound and style, and to have exclusive tracks to play in their sets.
DJ-specific music libraries
There are also several websites and platforms that cater specifically to DJs, and offer a wide selection of tracks that are suitable for use in sets such as SoundCloud or Bandcamp.
They can include royalty-free music, edits, remixes, and exclusive tracks from emerging artists. It’s an option where DJs get their music for free.
Things to consider when choosing where to get your music from
Keep in mind that DJs should be careful about where the music comes from, as using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal problems. Many DJs choose to use only tracks they have purchased or obtained through legitimate channels to avoid these problems.
Finding the tracks you need can be challenging, but if you’re willing to put in a little work and learn how to navigate these sites effectively, it’s worth it.
In addition to obtaining music, DJs can also create their own tracks or remixes using music production software. This allows them to add a unique touch to their sets and set themselves apart from others.
In general, most top DJs can access music for their sets in many different ways, and the best source will depend on their specific needs and preferences.
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