Finding the right music is hands down one of the most critical parts of being a DJ. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or already have some gigs under your belt—your track selection is everything. But in 2024, with so many platforms, pools, and streaming services available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I get it—I’ve been there, trying to figure out where to find those bangers that’ll set the night off, while balancing my own unique style.
If you’re serious about DJing and you want to build a killer music library that reflects your taste and sets you apart, this guide is for you. Let’s break down the essentials of where and how to find the best music for your DJ sets in 2024.
The Basics: Free vs. Paid Music Sources
Let’s start with one of the biggest questions new DJs have: “Should I pay for music, or can I get it for free?” The answer is both, but it’s important to understand where and when to use each.
Free Music Sources:
There are plenty of platforms offering free and legal downloads if you know where to look. The key is understanding Creative Commons licenses. Some tracks are available for free, but you’ve got to respect the terms, like giving credit to the artist or using the track only for non-commercial purposes.
- Free Music Archive: This is one of the most popular sources for free music across genres. It’s great for discovering underground and indie artists who make their tracks available for download.
- Jamendo: Another solid platform with a vast library of tracks that are free to download and use, especially for non-commercial gigs.
- SoundCloud: You’ll be surprised at how many artists offer free downloads here, especially in niche genres or experimental sounds. Bookmark your favorite artists and labels to stay on top of new releases.
Pro Tip: If you’re building your library using free music, always check the licensing terms. Some tracks might not be cleared for commercial use, which could cause problems if you’re spinning at paid gigs.
Paid Music Sources:
Now, if you’re getting serious about DJing, you’ll eventually want to invest in paid music. Whether it’s buying individual tracks or subscribing to a DJ pool, paid sources give you access to higher-quality tracks, more DJ-friendly formats, and exclusive edits you won’t find anywhere else.
- Beatport: The go-to for electronic music. Whether you’re into house, techno, or something more niche, Beatport is packed with tracks curated for DJs.
- Juno Download: Offers a wide variety of genres and high-quality formats like WAV and FLAC. This is a good option if you want flexibility in how you store and use your tracks.
- Bandcamp: This platform is unique because it directly supports artists. Many underground and indie musicians post their music here, and you can often find gems that will set your sets apart from the crowd.
DJ Pools: Your Shortcut to Building a Library
Alright, now let’s talk about one of the best-kept secrets in the DJ world: DJ Pools. If you’re not already subscribed to one, you’re missing out. DJ pools are online libraries offering DJs access to a huge collection of tracks, including edits that are specifically tailored for live mixing.
Here’s why DJ pools are a game-changer for building your collection:
- Exclusive Edits and Remixes: You’ll get tracks with extended intros/outros, acapellas, instrumentals—everything that makes mixing seamless.
- High-Quality Downloads: Unlike some free sources, DJ pools offer high-bitrate files like WAV or FLAC, ensuring top-notch sound quality at your gigs.
- Wide Range of Genres: Whether you’re into house, hip-hop, reggaeton, or even Afrobeat, DJ pools have you covered.
Top DJ Pools in 2024:
- DJ City: This is perfect for DJs who focus on club and radio gigs. It’s especially strong in hip-hop and house, with in-house remixes and edits you won’t find elsewhere.
- BPM Supreme: Known for its diversity, BPM Supreme covers pretty much every genre under the sun. They even offer scratch tools, which is gold for those of us who like to incorporate some turntablism into our sets.
- zipDJ: If you’re all about house and its sub-genres, this is where you want to be. With unlimited downloads and tracks directly from big labels like Ultra Music, zipDJ is a great choice for house-heads.
Pro Tip: A lot of pools offer a free trial or low-cost introductory period. Take advantage of this to test a few out and see which one has the music that fits your style.
Streaming Services for DJs: Pros and Cons
Streaming has taken over everything—from how we listen to music personally to how we discover new tracks for our sets. But can you rely solely on streaming services for DJing? The answer is tricky.
Most of the major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music don’t work with DJ software anymore, but there are still solid streaming options that integrate well with programs like Serato, Traktor, and Rekordbox.
Best DJ Streaming Services in 2024:
- TIDAL: With a huge catalog that includes mainstream music and high-bitrate files, TIDAL is the closest you’ll get to a service like Spotify but DJ-friendly.
- Beatport Streaming: If you’re into electronic music, Beatport’s streaming service is ideal. It offers a huge catalog of dance tracks and allows you to cache up to 1,000 tracks for offline use.
- Beatsource: This service focuses more on open-format DJs, so if you play a mix of genres, Beatsource is for you. It also has offline caching, so you can avoid any connectivity issues during a set.
Advantages of Streaming for DJs:
- Instant Access: You’ll have access to millions of tracks without having to purchase every individual song.
- Music Discovery: It’s a great way to keep up with new releases, trends, and explore genres outside of your typical playlist.
The Catch: Relying solely on streaming services can be risky. Not every venue has solid internet, and streaming services sometimes lose licensing rights to tracks, meaning songs you’ve added to playlists can suddenly disappear.
Pro Tip: Use streaming services for discovery and occasional gigs, but always have a backup of owned music for those moments when the Wi-Fi drops, or you lose access to a key track.
Old-School Methods: Ripping CDs and Vinyl
Not every track you want will be available on streaming platforms or even DJ pools. This is where crate digging—whether digitally or physically—comes into play.
- Discogs: This site is an absolute goldmine for rare vinyl and CDs, especially if you’re looking for older tracks or underground releases that aren’t available digitally.
- Thrift Stores and Record Shops: If you’re in a city with a good music scene, hit up your local record shops or thrift stores. You never know what gems you’ll uncover.
Ripping Your Physical Music Collection: If you’ve got vinyl or CDs at home, consider ripping them into digital format to use in your DJ sets. Here’s a quick rundown on how to do it:
- For CDs: Use iTunes (Mac) or Windows Media Player (PC) to rip your tracks. Make sure to rip in a high-quality format like WAV or FLAC.
- For Vinyl: You’ll need a good quality turntable, needle, and recording software. It’s a time-consuming process, but for those rare gems, it’s worth it.
Pro Tip: Only rip the tracks you can’t find online. Ripping can be time-consuming and sometimes results in slight quality loss, so focus on those special tracks that you can’t live without.
Organizing Your DJ Music Library: Pro Tips
Once you’ve started building your music collection, organization is key. It’s easy to let your library become a mess of random tracks if you’re not careful.
1. Use Metadata to Your Advantage:
Make sure you’re tagging your tracks with key information like genre, BPM, key, and energy level. This makes it much easier to pull up the right track in the middle of a set.
2. Build Playlists and Crates for Different Vibes:
Group your tracks into playlists or crates based on the type of set you’re planning to play. Whether it’s a chill lounge set or a peak-hour club banger, having pre-built playlists can make your life a lot easier.
3. Regularly Prune Your Library:
As you grow as a DJ, your taste and style will evolve. Regularly go through your library and delete tracks that you no longer vibe with. A clean, curated library is way better than one filled with deadweight tracks you’ll never play.
Final Thoughts: Keep Exploring and Stay Open to New Sounds
Finding the best music for your DJ sets in 2024 isn’t just about digging into DJ pools or relying on streaming services. It’s about staying curious, constantly exploring, and being open to different sources. Don’t be afraid to mix it up—use free downloads, hit up streaming services, buy from your favorite artists on Bandcamp, and never stop searching for those hidden gems.
The more diverse your music library, the more versatile and creative your sets will be. So get out there, dig deep, and keep evolving your sound.
To my seasoned DJs, for all us up and coming DJs, where do you all get your music from?
This article is fantastic! I’d love more information on organizing and tagging tracks using metadata. Can you elaborate on the best practices for tagging tracks with genre, BPM, key, and energy level? Are there any specific software or tools you recommend for library management?
This guide is incredibly comprehensive! Thank you for sharing your expertise. I’m curious, how do you stay up-to-date with new releases and emerging artists? Are there any specific blogs, podcasts, or social media channels you recommend for music discovery?”
Hi Cyril, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and for taking the time to engage with the post! 🙌 I’m thrilled you found it helpful.
Your questions about organizing and tagging tracks using metadata, as well as staying up-to-date with new releases, are fantastic—and super important for any DJ building their library and honing their craft. Honestly, there’s so much to dive into here that it deserves its own dedicated post!
Keep an eye out for my next blog post, where I’ll go in-depth on metadata best practices, the tools I recommend for library management, and my favorite methods for discovering new artists and tracks. I’ll make sure to pack it with actionable tips and resources so it’s easy to follow.
Thanks again for your support! In the meantime, feel free to share any other questions or topics you’d love for me to explore. 🎧🔥
This comprehensive guide offers invaluable insights for DJs of all levels seeking to build a strong music library. I particularly found the advice on balancing free and paid sources, exploring DJ pools, and effectively organizing your collection to be extremely helpful.
As an aspiring DJ myself, I’d like to add that personal connections and networking within the music industry can also be a fruitful source of new music. Building relationships with artists, labels, and other DJs can provide access to exclusive tracks and hidden gems that may not be readily available on mainstream platforms.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for highlighting the importance of personal connections in the music industry! 🎧 You’re absolutely right—networking is such a powerful tool for discovering unique tracks and exclusive releases. I’ve personally found that building relationships with local DJs and even engaging with artists on social media has opened doors to music I never would’ve stumbled upon otherwise.
It’s great to hear you’re on your own DJ journey—keep nurturing those connections because they really do set you apart as a curator of unique vibes. If you’re ever curious about how to approach networking or want tips on collaborating with artists, feel free to reach out or drop another comment. We’re all in this together! 🙌