How to DJ from a Spotify playlist.

 

 

There was a time when CDs were considered as advanced tech for DJs, then MP3s came along. However there is now a generation of younger DJs who will see the thought of paying for an individual song and downloading as simply archaic.

Streaming is the way forward, it's a simple truth that everyone needs to get used to.  While the professional side of the DJ market has to navigate the issues of royalties and licensing with music (and rightly so) many hobbyists shouldn't have to worry about this.

Most budding DJs will already have a subscription to a streaming service like deezer, apple music or Spotify and it's the latter which is the most popular so this is what this article will focus on. How to DJ with your Spotify playlist.

What you'll need

Let's go through the essentials of what you'll need to DJ from Spotify

• A paid spotify subscription - sorry the free one won’t cut it.
• The DJay app from algoriddim (ios, mac os or android)
• An internet connection
• An ios  mac os or android device
• A DJ controller that works with above
• Some headphones and active speakers (optional but usually helps)

DJay app and controllers

Algoriddim have been the one company fully committed to getting people to DJ on their iPhones iPads and now mac computers and android devices.

The Djay app has featured in Apple presentations and has been the go-to app for budding and pro DJs alike.

Now without going into it, DJay is technically not meant to be used with spotify in a professional manner but that's a whole other blog post!

So, you've got your device, your spotify premium account, what next? Well you could just plug headphones in and DJ to yourself, but that would be boring and if you're using a phone, a bit fiddly. So you'll want a controller, a box with buttons, knobs, spinny wheels and flashing lights.

This will connect to your phone or tablet, and depending on your device, you could have a massive choice available.

Firstly if you're using an iOS device you can use these which are made to connect to your device and DJ from Spotify:

• Pioneer DDJ-WeGo4
• Reloop Beatpad 2
• Reloop Mixon 4
• Reloop Mixtour
• Pioneer DDJ200 (via bluetooth)

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If you use a camera connection kit or have a newer ipad pro with USB C, you can use the following :

• Pioneer DDJ-400
• Pioneer DDJ-SB3
• Numark Party Mix
• Numark Party Mix Pro
• Numark Mixtrack Platinum
• Numark Mixtrack 3
• Numark Mixtrack Pro 3
• Denon MCX8000
• Denon MC7000
• Denon MC6000mk2
• Denon MC4000
• Hercules DJ Control Instinct

Android users have a slightly smaller choice of controllers:

• Pioneer DDJ-WeGo4
• Reloop Mixon 4
• Reloop MixTour
• Reloop Beatpad 2        

 

These will give you functions like track browsing,  including your spotify lists and favourites and more. You'll be able to cue, scratch and apply effects without the need to touch your phone or iPad. These will also route the audio "properly", like sending the main mix out through separate sockets and a dedicated headphone output to pre-listen to the next track.

Algoriddim list a whole load more controllers as being compatible and with the right cable, you can connect any of them to your device. However as the controllers and audio interfaces may act differently,  there’s a chance they won’t work.

This exhaustive list of controllers will work with the computer version of their app and some have found with the newer iPad Pros which are equipped with USB -C.

If you’re using DJay on a Mac here’s just a few of the controllers that will work and let you run your Spotify playlist:

• Pioneer DDJ-400
• Pioneer DDJ-SR2
• Pioneer DDJ-SX3
• Numark Mixtrack Pro3
• Numark Mixtrack Platinum
• Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300

Other accessories to consider will be some headphones and some active speakers to hear what you’re playing and about to mix.

So if you want an easy way to DJ from your favourite music source with a crazy amount of tracks to choose from, the list above should help. If you need any advice on this or any other aspect of DJ’ing, please feel free to call out team and we’ll be happy to help.