Pulselocker, the DJ-focused music streaming service, just announced that it is ceasing operations. In an email sent out to users, Pulselocker cited “a combination of market circumstances and financial constraints” as the reasons for shutting down.
Pulselocker steadily gained traction these past few years, gaining integration within DJ software like Serato DJ, Rekordbox DJ, and Virtual DJ. It was one of only two music streaming services which allowed you to legally stream songs for public performance. Virtual DJ’s online music service is the other, which is split among three plans from different providers: Music (provided by iDJ Pool), Karaoke (DigiTrax and Karaoke Cloud), and Video (VJPro).
Music streaming becoming the norm for DJs is something that we believe will happen, but clearly Pulselocker was not the service to make that a reality.
As Spotify and Virtual DJ’s providers are now the only music streaming choices, currently the only laptop DJ apps capable of streaming are djay Pro and Virtual DJ (though iPhone / iPad users can also stream with Spotify through Pacemaker).
However, if and when Apple Music allows its files to play in DJ software, then we feel streaming will instantly go “mainstream” for DJs; despite Apple’s seemingly best efforts to put us DJs off using iTunes for music organisation, about half of us still do – and with offline mode built-in to iTunes, being able to play locally stored Apple Music tracks in DJ software this way would be a path of zero resistance for many DJs to doing so.
Did you use Pulselocker? How do you feel about its closure? Do you think music streaming for DJs is still a likely proposition? Share your thoughts with us below.
Joey Santos
