SoundCloud may be about to impose even stricter limitations on DJ mixes, in a move that would effectively ban the vast majority of mixes from the site. In a major switch from simply tolerating mixes, it appears SoundCloud may shortly impose a blanket ban on those that are not fully cleared of copyright restrictions.
This news is unconfirmed and was reported by the site Digital Music News. They reached out to SoundCloud for comment earlier today, but have not had a reply thus far. You can read the full story here.
SoundCloud made headlines earlier this year after it finally reached an agreement with Sony Music Entertainment, effectively inking deals with all three major record labels (Warner Music Group and Universal are the other two). It also launched its SoundCloud Go premium paid membership service in the US, which provides an ad-free listening experience for US$9.99/month, with the UK and Ireland having been added just earlier this month.
No word yet on what these restrictions are and if and when they’ll surface, but if they do come out the way Digital Music News thinks they will, then it’ll be an enormous blow to the already indignant DJ and remix community which fuelled much of SoundCloud’s growth in the first place.
UPDATE: Another source says that SoundCloud has now denied this is the case: See more here. We’ll bring you more as we get it.
What do you think of this ongoing development in SoundCloud’s strategy? Are you still a subscriber, or have you left for greener pastures? Or are you a fan who can’t see what the fuss is all about? Give us your thoughts below.