Episode 180: Spring Updates for DJs

BONUS EPISODES: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Today, we go over recent news headlines in the DJ and music industries as we head into the spring season. Here are the news topics we cover in Episode 180:

Serato DJ Pro 2.1.1 Released

Lets you sync up with Roland drum machines (e.g. TR-8S, TR-8, TR-08, TR-09)
Remapping capability for OSAs (Official Serato Accessories, e.g. Novation Dicer, Reloop RP-8000MK2)*
Independent pad modes per OSA device
* Excludes CDJ/HID devices

Rekordbox 5.4.4 beta Released

“Cloud Analysis”
Track Analysis data sharing between users
Reduce overall time that users spend analyzing music, by downloading it from server whenever possible

Traktor 3.1 Update

Overmapping (for Kontrol S4, S8, D2, S2)
Alter function of a single knob/button in an “additive” way, without destroying entire mapping.
Standalone Mixer for S4
Firmware update. Filter still works!
New View Options
Preparation view (single deck)
Parallel waveforms (2 or 4 decks)
External Mixing (bypasses all internal audio processing)
Gets cleanest and clearest signal straight out of Traktor for pro systems. Can still use limiter.
Tag-writing Mode (select whether to write tags to files)
Preferences Tooltips (to understand what everything does)

Speaking of Native Instruments...
A recent Windows Update “killed” several NI products without warning
In latest builds of Windows 10, 8, and 7, the Kontrol S4 mk2, Maschine Studio, and Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards were all unrecognized by the OS.
Problem now fixed

Mixvibes Cross DJ 4 Released

“Album Cover” view in library
Parallel Waveforms
Customizable UI through Maquillage (scripting language)
Touch-screen compatibility
3 synchronized FX per player, create your own FX with “Tweaker”
SoundCloud Go integration
Improved Autoplay
“Phrase Analysis” - find the intro, outro, “best track parts”
Master clock & Ableton Link
New remote app for iOS and Android
“Track match” and “Track playlist” panes
Import/Export from Rekordbox, Serato DJ, Traktor, and Virtual DJ
Export to external USB

Kado Shuts Down

Kado was an app that let you drag a song from your collection, and pull tracklist data from thousands of DJs (see what was played before/after, and by whom)
Operations will cease on March 31, 2019. All subscriptions have been canceled.
Founded by two former Twitter and Google employees + Ean Golden

Rane Twelve allowed at DMC

“RANE and DMC are excited to jointly announce that the RANE TWELVE motorized turntable controller is now officially accepted as performance hardware in the DMC mixing championship events from this year onwards. This announcement includes all regional heats, finals and the online competitions. To support this, RANE is offering custom made 12” acrylic control discs to any DJ that competes in the 2019 DMC globally using the TWELVES.”

Streaming Music Domination

RIAA report: streaming services now account for 75% of music industry revenue
Digital downloads = almost half of industry sales, but dropped by 25% from 2017
Vinyl sales saw its most profitable year since 1988, at $419 million

Beatport LINK is almost here

In-software integration of Beatport library
Store songs in an “offline locker”, making it available for use in DJ apps
Based on Pulselocker technology, which they purchased in 2018.
Platforms haven’t been announced, but Pulselocker was integrated w/Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ, Rekordbox DJ

Return of Beatsource

Partnered with DJ City
Caters to open-format, Top-40 DJs needing access to charting songs
DJ City’s record pool will be accessible within BeatSource
Will work with Beatport LINK, potentially making this a great resource for mobile/wedding DJs!

Spotify vs. Apple Music

Spotify filed complaint with the European Commission, after resolving directly with Apple Music team didn’t work.
Spotify alleges that paying a 30% tax via Apple’s forced payment system, it gives their platform an unfair advantage.

Warner Makes Deal with Dubset

Dubset is a startup which help DJs publish licensed songs, and monetize.
Helps give access to artists like Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, etc.
Sets can be distributed via Spotify and Apple Music.
Sony was the first to partner, in August 2017, followed by Tidal and Merlin. In October 2018, SoundCloud partnered with Dubset to add them as a distribution channel.

SoundCloud Premier Distribution

Get payouts from all major music services (e.g. Amazon Music, Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify, Tencent, and YouTube Music).
No additional cost… comes as part of SoundCloud Pro or Pro Unlimited.

Fyre Festival Merch Auction

Your chance to win branded t-shirts and other merch from the infamous festival that never was.
All proceeds of the event go to those who were scammed.
Billy McFarland left a $25M+ debt when his event collapsed, and is currently serving a 6-year sentence in an NYC jail after pleading guilty to fraud.
https://PassionateDJ.com/172 (Cross Fyre)

Kernkraft 400 turns 20

The Zombie Nation classic celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 18.
The most well-known version is actually the later-added DJ Gius remix.
“It was a weird feeling because this track kind of became the original,” the creator recalls. “A lot of labels didn’t bother to say it’s a remix.”

And finally, RIP to Keith Flint of The Prodigy.