Apple has introduced a new feature called “DJ with Apple Music” that allows one to mix and create sets directly from the Apple Music library of over 100 million songs. The integration is backed on several leading DJ software and hardware platforms like AlphaTheta, Serato, inMusic’s Engine DJ, Denon DJ, Numark, RANE DJ, and Algoriddim’s djay Pro software. This move significantly simplifies the creative workflow for DJs to access, play, and discover music in real-time with greater ease.
The integration is Apple Music’s broader attempt at serving DJs. According to Stephen Campbell, Apple Music’s Global Head of Dance, Electronic & DJ Mixes, with this breakthrough, the full power of Apple Music is ingrained into the creative workflow, allowing DJs more ease than ever before in crafting their sets. This integration follows the initial integration with djay Pro and builds upon Apple Music’s DJ Mixes program, which launched in September 2021. Apple Music’s DJ Mixes program was created to attract creators of DJ mixes and sets to the platform by utilizing the technology of Shazam to allow artists to receive their rightful royalties.
With “DJ with Apple Music,” users can find a new dedicated category page within the Apple Music app. It contains DJ-friendly editorial playlists and curator pages for each DJ software and hardware platform, spotlighting mixes and sample playlists for practice. The integration opens up a world of creative possibilities for both beginner and professional DJs, allowing them to mix anywhere, anytime. Whether playing with Automix for a hands-off, gapless experience or creating unique sets with the powerful mixing capabilities, this integration represents a significant move towards opening up DJing to more people.
The collaboration with leading DJ platforms provides DJs with the strength of innovative software that fuels performance and creativity. For instance, inMusic’s Engine DJ platforms now provide instant access to Apple Music’s vast catalog so that DJs can build and create their sets seamlessly. Similarly, Serato’s artist community is excited about the possibility of combining their passion with access to one of the largest streaming catalogs in the world.
This step is different from what other music streaming services have done. For example, Spotify used to allow integration with third-party DJ apps but abandoned the feature in 2020. Djay Pro, on the contrary, supports Tidal and SoundCloud, apart from Apple Music, which provides customers with a number of choices to use for their DJing purposes.
Overall, “DJ with Apple Music” is an excellent step towards making DJing more enjoyable and accessible. It is also part of broader trends in the music streaming industry, where services are now focusing more on providing song creation and remixing features. The integration will not just be beneficial to professional DJs but also to aspiring ones, as it provides them with a quality platform to try out their creativity with Apple Music’s extensive catalog.
