Pulselocker – the subscription streaming music service available within Serato and Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox DJ software – has just teased its forthcoming iOS app. This is the only screenshot we have, but the app will clearly offer users the ability to explore, work on playlists, and preview music right from their phones.
One of the advantages of using a streaming service built in to your DJ software is that the workflow is simplified even over buying music (where you need to use stores, maybe a library management program and so on) before you even get to your DJ software and performing that music.
While Pulselocker has always had an in-app search in Serato DJ and Rekordbox DJ, and a browser app for laptops, iOS app means that iPhone and iPad users can now work on music discovery and organisation anywhere, and be able to access that work instantly when they next open their DJ software.
Streaming has a way to go before it is a viable alternative to actually owning local copies of music (mainly around catalogue contents, licensing issues meaning tracks may disappear, and the services themselves having too many user issues at this stage), but one thing that Pulselocker does solve is that you won’t need an internet connection while DJing to play the music you’ve selected – as long as you use the service’s option to cache local copies of the tracks in your playlists, you’re good to go.
Right now, Pulselocker is a good backup and place to audition tracks, as well as to have playlists of tracks you won’t need too often (great for mobile DJs), and the iOS app is going to be another step towards this service growing towards being a fully fledged alternative to music ownership at some point.
Do you make music playlists while you’re out and about? Do you audition tunes for DJing while in the car or during your daily commute? Would an app like this make playlisting easier for you? Share your thoughts below.
Phil Morse
