Music Industry

Beatsource Launches First-Ever Licensed DJ Edits

Beatsource Launches First-Ever Licensed DJ Edits

As DJs, we know how important it is to have versions like intro edits and instrumentals in your arsenal. That’s why our friends at Beatsource have teamed up with Create Music Group and EMPIRE to offer exclusive DJ versions of thousands of tracks from their catalog in the Beatsource LINK music streaming service for open-format DJs. The versions include “intro edits,” whereby approximately 15 to 30 seconds of the instrumentals are added to the beginning and end of the track to facilitate easier mixing. Instrumentals and acapellas will also be available.

The collaboration is the first step in Beatsource’s broader initiative to authorize and monetize DJ edits for streaming, which has never been done before in the music industry. The initiative will provide DJs with official DJ versions while introducing new revenue streams and data for artists and labels.

Beatsource’s President, Brian “DJ Quickie” Wong​, says:

“While streaming has saved the music industry from over a decade of declining revenues, DJs were left out of this wave of innovation because they were never officially provided with the content they need. … Not only does this collaboration create, for the first time, an authorized and monetized channel to stream DJ edits, but artists will gain unprecedented insight into how DJs are playing their music … We can now track things like how many plays a song is getting in the clubs, who played it, and performed to what size audience. This information was never aggregated until our forward-thinking partners at EMPIRE and Create helped challenge the music supply chain to better serve the most important tastemaker in the industry, the DJ.”

Create Music Group’s EVP of Operations, George Karalexis, comments:

“Alongside the rise of streaming we’ve seen a striking downturn in the tools and resources that music creators and record labels offer to open-format DJs, an extremely important group of tastemakers that can really help to break new artists. In order to re-engage this vital part of the music promotion ecosystem, we’ve opened up our catalog to Beatsource who have tailor-made a huge catalog of custom mixes and edits for their vast network of DJs. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with them as our catalog grows and their network of DJs expands.”

EMPIRE’s Founder and CEO, Ghazi, adds:

“EMPIRE’s focus on innovation through technology has transformed providing independent music to the world … and the support of the DJs as tastemakers and record breakers has been integral to our success. We know these tools are essential to DJs, and this partnership with Beatsource will ensure that our most dedicated supporters have access to the right content to continue making an impact with our artists. Salute the DJ.”

Create Music Group and EMPIRE have mined deep into their catalogs, identifying some of their most popular tracks, and assembled a variety of DJ edits exclusively for Beatsource. Tracks included in the first wave of edits include hits by Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Rich The Kid, Anderson Paak, Tory Lanez, the Insomniac Records catalog, and more.

Beatsource is currently engaged with the major labels to ensure their content is included as licensed DJ edits by April. In the meantime, hits from Create Music Group and EMPIRE are now available exclusively to Beatsource LINK and DJcity subscribers.

Don’t have Beatsource LINK? Try it free.

Related Post: Beatsource Launches ‘VIP Crates’ Curated by World’s Top DJs

Beatsource Launches ‘VIP Crates’ Curated by World’s Top DJs

Beatsource Launches ‘VIP Crates’ Curated by World’s Top DJs

Today Beatsource announced the launch of VIP Crates, an on-going series of playlists curated by the world’s most influential DJs. Compiled exclusively for Beatsource, the playlists give insight into which tracks grace the sets of top tastemaker DJs worldwide.

To kick off the series, Beatsource has called upon a diverse group of open-format DJs from hot spots like Los Angeles, London, Las Vegas, Miami, and beyond. They include:

  • Lil Jon, GRAMMY award-winning multi-platinum artist
  • Tay James, Justin Bieber’s tour DJ
  • DJ Amen, music director at LA’s REAL 92.3 and DJ for San Francisco 49ers
  • ZHU, GRAMMY-nominated artist
  • Walshy Fire, member of Major Lazer
  • DJ EFN, co-host of Drinks Champs podcast
  • Craig David, GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum artist
  • Charlie Sloth, host of Apple Music 1’s Charlie Sloth Rap Show
  • Joel Corry, platinum artist
  • Nathan Dawe, platinum artist
  • James Hype, platinum artist
  • DJ Javin, mixer at SiriusXM’s Globalization and Phoenix’s Power 98.3

Beatsource board member, A-Trak, says:

VIP Crates is a perfect example of Beatsource’s brilliance. DJing is more than just keeping up with the newest releases and knowing the classics. Every DJ has their own personal go-to’s, those tracks that never leave the crates even though they never charted. Weapons, tools. Being able to tap into that with a subscription is huge.

Kidd Spin, Beatsource’s head of curation, adds:

“DJs are often curious as to what other DJs are playing in their sets. Clubs and live shows are far and few between these days, so there’s virtually no way to know what our favorite DJs are currently into or being influenced by without a direct connection. VIP Crates gives insight into what top tastemaker DJs are feeling right now, and the varying playlists show great diversity – from all genres, eras, and styles.”

Edwin Paredes, Beatsource’s chief content officer, also commented:

“The groundswell of support we’ve received from these enormously successful artists and DJs wanting to be a part of our initial rollout of VIP Crates has been amazing. We’re looking forward to adding more influential tastemakers to the VIP Crates mix in the coming months.”

The playlists are available on the Beatsource LINK music streaming service for open-format DJs.

Browse VIP Crates here.

Related Post: A-Trak Talks Potential of Beatsource LINK, Definition of ‘Open-Format DJ’: 20 Podcast

Beatsource LINK Is Now Available in Serato DJ

Beatsource LINK Is Now Available in Serato DJ
(Source: Beatsource)

The Beatsource LINK streaming service for open-format DJs can now be used with the industry-standard performance software, Serato DJ. The highly anticipated integration is available in Serato DJ Pro 2.4 and Lite 1.4, which were released on Monday.

Launched in May, Beatsource LINK lets DJs stream tracks from the Beatsource library, including thousands of expertly curated playlists, directly from their DJ software.

A-Trak, renowned DJ/producer and Beatsource board member, says:

“It’s inevitable that DJs will need access to the massive streaming libraries of songs for their DJ sets. The important thing is to not force DJs to change the equipment or software that they use. That’s why Beatsource’s integration into Serato is so important. Also, what impressed me the most was the ability to create playlists on the Beatsource site as you’re searching for music and having them sync up to your Serato.”

Brian “DJ Quickie” Wong, president of Beatsource, adds:

“Lead by Serato in the early 2000’s, the transition from vinyl to digital changed DJing forever. Trailblazers like A-Trak, DJ AM, and Jazzy Jeff opened our minds to what Serato’s technology could allow us to do. Today, over 15 years later, we are living in a moment that will again change DJing forever. DJs no longer need to shop for, purchase, and store their music. Instead, DJs will simply access the Beatsource DJ library, which will be available instantly and everywhere with Serato, and the value will be in each DJs curation and knowledge of their personal playlists and crates. DJs will no longer be limited by what they can own and store, but rather by what they can do with their musical creativity. This opens up a world of imagination for the next generation of DJs, and I can’t wait to see what they do with our technology.”

Beatport LINK, which is based on the same technology as Beatsource LINK, is also now available in Serato DJ Pro 2.4 and Lite 2.4.

Get a free trial of Beatsource LINK here and download Serato DJ here.

Related Post: Beatsource LINK Is Now Available in Denon DJ Devices

Serato Announces Serato DJ Pro 2.3.7 With Support for Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 Mixer


(Source: Serato)

The latest update to Serato DJ Pro has arrived and includes support for the Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 mixer. With Serato DJ Pro 2.3.7 and a Serato DJ Club Kit license or subscription, DJs can fully tap into the capabilities of the six-channel mixer.

By using Serato DJ Pro or Serato DVS, DJs are able to control up to four decks, while the mixer offers a number of ways to creatively sculpt your sound including four-band EQ, filters, and effects.

Serato’s Chief Strategy Officer Nick Maclaren says “The Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 gives professional DJs all the flexibility and creativity they need. It’s the first 6-channel mixer supported in Serato, and we’re excited for DJs to be able to add extra instruments and dimensions to their set, while keeping control over the 4 decks in Serato DJ Pro.”

Download Serato DJ Pro 2.3.7 here.

Related Post: Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 Mixer: The Definitive Review

First Ever Official Afrobeats Chart to Launch

With the rise of afrobeats in the UK, this week see’s the launch of the first ever official UK Afrobeats Chart. A new Top 20 weekly rundown which was initiated by Afro Nation and compiled by the Official Charts Company.

The Official UK Afrobeats Chart is to be compiled using UK sales and streaming data from over 9,000 outlets, incorporating audio and video streams, downloads and physical sales.

The first chart will be unveiled in a special “The Official UK Afrobeats Show” on BBC Radio 1Xtra on Sunday 26th July from 1-3pm. The Top 20 chart will be published every Sunday thereafter at 2pm via a weekly Spotify “Official UK Afrobeats Chart” playlist.

Related Post: Top 30 Remixes, Bootlegs and DJ Edits of 2020 (So Far)

Instagram To Pay Content Creators Via ‘Badges’ Program and Ad Revenue


DJ Louis XIV. (Source: Vanity Fair)

As of June 2020, Instagram will finally financially reward content creators using Instagram Live as a creative and broadcast portal. Via both the rollout of 10-15 second ads in Instagram Live, as well as new program, “Instagram Badges,” creatives will be rewarded for live fan engagement. Instagram’s updates were announced on May 27 via a blog post.

Created, in part, due to a 70% increase in Instagram Live usage at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program — similar to incentivization programs used by online broadcaster Twitch — ultimately allows for creatives to earn revenue via their tune-in fanbase “tipping” during creators’ live videos. As well, the platform will engage in ads that will play at the start of each user’s active engagement. The revenue from these ads will be paid at 55% to the creator, and 45% to Instagram. There is no word, as yet, regarding how long a user must be engaged with the live stream for the revenue to be paid.

Many would presume that the spike in online DJ and music sets, including, but not limited to, the likes of D-Nice and the Verzuz concept would have a significant role to play in the development of this revenue concept. In the month and a half between D-Nice’s March 22 DJ set (which peaked at 150,000 users) to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu’s May 9 Verzuz battle (where 750,000 users tuned in), Instagram Live engagement with well-advertised musical events grew 400%. Unless paid for by a third-party sponsor, these are events that are occurring for free.

Four Color Zack (and others) have adapted to online DJ sets. Moreover, there is potential that festivals like Coachella will either be rescheduled entirely or be streaming-only events. Instagram making a financial play to help content creators and brands having to adjust live-first activities to the current digital-only era makes sense.

Recently, DJs broadcasting live on Instagram had their sets flagged for copyright violations. As of May 28, DJs have been advised to play 90-second clips of music. Furthermore, they have reminded users that “people also have access to a library of custom music and sound effects at no cost using [parent company] Facebook’s Sound Collection.”

Badges will begin testing next month with a small group of creators and businesses. Over the coming months, it will expand across the US, Brazil, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico. Instagram asks content creators wanting to be considered for Badges access to fill out this form.

Within the past month, numerous updates to Instagram’s relationship with the DJ community have occurred. This is likely the first of many updates on a creative and financial level between the portal and the creative community.

Related Post: D-Nice’s Instagram Live Set Goes Viral

Beatsource LINK Launches Integrations With Algoriddim’s djay and djay Pro Apps

Algoriddim Beatsource LINK
Source: Beatsource

Beatsource LINK, the joint venture between DJcity and Beatport, has launched new integrations with Algoriddim‘s djay and djay Pro apps. The announcement follows the beta launch of Beatsource LINK in Pioneer DJ‘s rekordbox software in early May.

With a subscription to Beatsource LINK, open-format DJs can access millions of curated tracks and hundreds of playlists within their performance software. Premium subscriptions offer Beatsource LINK’s patented offline mode, which enables DJs to play their tracks without an internet connection.

Algoriddim, which has millions of customers, offers their djay app on iOS and Android devices, and their djay Pro app on Mac and Windows.

Beatport LINK, which is built on the same technology as Beatsource LINK, has also been integrated into djay and djay Pro.

Algoriddim Beatsource LINK
Beatsource LINK in Algoriddim’s djay and djay Pro app. (Source: Beatsource)

Karim Morsy, co-founder and CEO of Algoriddim, said in the press release:

“We’re excited to partner with Beatport and Beatsource to bring the best in electronic and open-format music to millions of djay users. Having the entire Beatport and Beatsource catalogues right at your fingertips, including the top tracks played by the world’s top DJs, opens up a new gateway into the art form.”

DJs can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Beatsource LINK here.

Related Post: First Look: Beatsource LINK Public Beta for Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox 6.0.1

European DJs and Artists Will Require a Visa to Perform in the UK Starting 2021

Busy P
Busy P performing at the XOYO Club in London. (Source: Facebook)

Earlier this week, Britain’s Home Office announced that EU artists and performers will need to apply for a Tier 5 visa to work in the UK once the Brexit transition comes to an end in December.

This controversial decision will halt freedom of movement for any live performers between the UK and the EU. A Tier 5 visa will cost performers up to £244 and requires a certificate of sponsorship. Once granted, the permit will last between 12 to 24 months.

There have been a lot of disagreements on this subject within the UK government, Culture Minister Nigel Adams stated last month that “it was absolutely essential” to protect free movement for artists post 2020 in an interview with Music Week.

Music industry groups in the UK have started petitions demanding a free or affordable two-year working visa for artists and performers.

Related Post: DJcity UK’s Most Downloaded Tracks of January 2020

‘MikiDz Podcast’: The Charlie Sloth Interview

On this week’s episode of the MikiDz Podcast, UK radio personality Charlie Sloth pays the crew a visit. They discuss his come up on BBC Radio 1, his Fire In The Booth freestyle sessions, the London club scene, and more.

Watch the MikiDz Podcast above. It is also available on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud, and Spotify.

The MikiDz Podcast is a talk-show that discusses news and topics in the DJ and nightlife industries. It is hosted by MikiWAR, DJ Dainjazone, and DJ Rell. The MikiDz Show, which is also hosted by Miki and Dainjazone, features live performances from the world’s most-skilled DJs.

Related Post: ‘MikiDz Podcast’ Special Edition: Memories of Kobe Bryant

Mr Eazi x DJcity UK Ticket Giveaway

We’ve teamed up with Mr Eazi to give away three pairs of tickets (1 pair for each show) for his upcoming UK tour Lagos 2 London.

13th November – Manchester
15th November – Birmingham
17th November – London

For a chance to win a pair of tickets, follow DJcity UK on Instagram, then like and share the DJcity UK Instagram post using ONE of the below hashtags for your chosen city.

#Lagos2London13 – Manchester
#Lagos2London15 – Birmingham
#Lagos2London17 – London

Make sure you also tag DJcity UK and Mr Eazi when you share your Instagram post.

Winners will be chosen at random and notified prior to the event.

Related Post: Mr Eazi Drops New Single ‘Supernova’

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