SoundCloud has launched a new tier of streaming subscription, called “SoundCloud DJ”, which allows offline DJing with the SoundCloud catalogue, for US$20 a month.
The new tier gives an unlimited offline “locker” for storing tracks to play in your DJ software, meaning you don’t need the internet to DJ from SoundCloud’s library – as long as you’ve remembered to download the tracks you wish to use first.
The nearest equivalent to this is Beatport LINK, which for $30 a month also gives you an offline locker for tracks from their catalogue, although this service is capped at 1000 tracks.
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SoundCloud DJ has been launched in addition to SoundCloud Go+, which is the company’s other DJ-focused offering. SoundCloud Go+ has integration into DJ apps such as Serato DJ, Rekordbox DJ, Virtual DJ and more, but you have to have an internet connection when DJing to use it.
First thoughts
SoundCloud has morphed in recent times from a service dominated by user-generated content, to one which also has millions of tracks licensed from record labels too. If this blend of music appeals to you, it may well be worth checking out… assuming it works with your DJ software, of course. We’d expect this to be offered in other platforms soon, but we have not been given a timeline for when more will be added.
Of course, it comes with the usual “The usage of SoundCloud tracks through SoundCloud Go+ or SoundCloud DJ is for private use only” disclaimer, frankly ridiculous in any service bearing the name “DJ” (it’s like selling tennis shoes “only for use off the tennis court”), but that’s where we are with the minefield of music licensing right now, and such small print is not only limited to SoundCloud.
• Find out more about SoundCloud DJ on the SoundCloud website, where there is also a free 30-day trial.
Phil Morse
