DJing Is Dead, Long Live DJing! The Digital DJ Tips 2024 Roundup

DJing is undoubtedly evolving at a rapid pace, but based on the influx of both young and seasoned DJs joining our school at Digital DJ Tips, interest in the art of DJing remains robust and vibrant. So here’s our look back on the past 12 months in DJing, including changes in how DJing is being done, what it’s being done with, and much more. Enjoy!

Some things change, some stay the same…

Despite the decline of traditional clubs in certain areas, DJing continues to thrive in a variety of venues and formats. These include bars, lounges, underground spots, private parties, DJ podcasts, specialist radio shows, and innovative festivals and events that champion forward-thinking and creativity.

A significant development in the DJ world is the rise of what we call TikTok transition DJing. This phenomenon involves quick, creative mashups crafted by creators who may possess immense talent but have maybe never set foot inside a nightclub or even used traditional DJ gear. Equally noteworthy are the DIY Boiler Room-style sets where DJs host intimate parties for friends and broadcast them to potentially millions worldwide. This trend further demonstrates the transformation of DJing into a mainstream social media spectacle.

Read this next: Where To Get DJ Gigs (Beyond Clubs & Festivals)

Since obtaining legal clearance for DJs, Twitch has become a hub for DJs of all ages, many of whom are building fanbases and – even more notably – earning income through their streamed DJ sets. But remember, for countless enthusiasts, DJing remains simply a fulfilling hobby and a form of enjoyment. And actually, even if these trends do not align with your current interests, there are still numerous fascinating developments worth your attention.

At least some software developers are innovating…

A key area of innovation is the emergence of new software and enhancements to existing tools, which have made DJing more accessible and enjoyable. It doesn’t happen particulary fast in the world of DJing, but that’s not to say it doesn’t happen at all.

One particularly exciting app is DJ.Studio. This tool leverages AI to automate mixes and has evolved from a simple concept into a comprehensive utility for DJs. It works with a wide array of music sources and introduces a groundbreaking method for creating DJ mixes using YouTube music videos, which can then be shared legally and easily. We are excited to see how this will progress further, as it represents a game-changing development.

Learn to DJ with us: The Complete DJ Course

In more traditional DJing circles, Algoriddim’s Djay software has made strides in simplifying the once-tedious task of manual beatgridding. Ensuring your DJ software accurately identifies beats and bars is crucial for utilising its features effectively, and Algoriddim’s new Fluid Beatgrids employ AI to handle this automatically, even for intricate tracks, allowing DJs to focus on more creative aspects of their craft.

Density, another innovative company, has emerged with the purpose of preserving DJ sets, capturing the essence of a DJ’s performance without recording the audio directly. This approach offers potential for editing and public sharing afterward and represents just one of many exciting technical advancements in the DJ landscape.

 

 

Everyone’s having a go at stems

A particularly significant leap forward is the progress in real-time stems mixing. This feature allows DJs to separate elements like vocals, drums, melodies, and bass lines, enabling live remixing beyond simple transitions between songs.

In recent months, the sound quality of these systems has notably improved across platforms, and DJs now have multiple options for preparing and using stems in their performances.

Innovations such as seamless stem “swaps” between tracks are being integrated into software like AlphaTheta’s Rekordbox with “Groove Circuit” and VirtualDJ with its “StemSwap Sampler”, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live DJ performance.

Music wants to be free (from your laptop)

Finally, the traditional concept of storing your music exclusively on a laptop or USB drive is becoming outdated. Cloud and connected DJing are edging closer to mainstream acceptance.

Sure, subscription streaming services have been available on all software and most hardware for a while now. But increasingly, cloud libraries allow DJs to store their own music securely online, ready to access on various devices, whether that be laptops, hardware, or smartphones.

This shift is particularly appealing for Rekordbox users, where the concept is well developed, but Engine DJ and VirtualDJ both now offer it too. We foresee a future where DJs can enter a booth, log in, and instantly access their entire music collection and playlists, similar to how we expect lights to turn on at a flick of the switch.

DJing is still DJing (phew!)

Yet, amid this technological revolution, it’s crucial to remember that DJing fundamentally revolves around selecting and playing the right music for your audience. The tools and equipment, regardless of their sophistication, are merely conduits for your creative vision. The magic of DJing comes from the connection between the DJ and the audience, and the ability to read the room and respond with the perfect tracks.

Read this next: How DJs Always Know What Song To Play Next

Therefore, regardless of the technology you choose to embrace, never lose sight of the fact that the tech only enhances the skills of the person using it.

Finally…

Keep your eyes on the Digital DJ Tips website throughout 2025 as we continue to cover the latest and most exciting developments in DJing. Embrace the changes, stay inspired, and (most of all) continue to develop and express your unique style through your music. We look forward to seeing how you and the rest of the DJ community will innovate and push boundaries in the coming year.