Home | The Future DJ

The Future DJ

Your backstage pass to the latest in DJ tech, AI, AR/VR, and must-have gear. Get insider tips, game-changing tools, and expert insights—because the future of DJing waits for no one. Don’t miss out—subscribe now! 🔥📦

Written by

Aaron Traylor, +2

Connect

What's New

Sep 22, 2026

•

5 min read

The Smartest DJs Stay Flexible

This week: RANE expands its software options, VirtualDJ breaks down another ecosystem wall, Claude 5.5 raises the AI bar, and Instagram adds a feature every wedding DJ should use. Plus, Aaron's latest video on authenticity behind the booth—and don't miss tonight's Fix My Crates Hackathon, where Aaron reviews real DJ crates live, shares what he'd keep, cut, and improve, and helps DJs build stronger, more intentional playlists.

Travis Bizzell, +2

Sep 11, 2026

•

5 min read

The Search Bar Is Dead

From Serato's intelligent beatgrids to Crate Hackers' new AI assistant, DJ software is finally starting to think like DJs do. Add in Audacity's biggest update ever, radio's surprising comeback, and TikTok's latest viral revival, and you've got one of the biggest workflow editions yet. Plus, the Crate Hackers team heads to Toronto for Bastid's BBQ!

Travis Bizzell, +2

Sep 1, 2026

•

6 min read

New Gear. New Ideas. Same Dance Floor

The PRIME 4 G2 is finally here, artists are selling music directly to DJs, Dr. Dre is embracing AI, and Instagram wants to save your next Reel idea before you forget it. Plus, Aaron goes searching for the future of DJing, and tonight we're building the Top 100 crate together.

Travis Bizzell, +2

Aug 18, 2026

•

6 min read

The Future Just Added Some Fine Print

AI music gets new rules, AI writing gets invisible fingerprints, and YouTube changes the way creators measure success. Throw in Yacht Rock Cheat Codes, Aaron's latest hot take on trolls, and a major Crate Hackers update during tonight's Yacht Rock Hackathon, and you've got one packed issue.

Travis Bizzell, +2

Aug 13, 2026

•

6 min read

The Crowd Is Still The Algorithm

This week's issue explores the future of DJing from every angle: Spotify's latest AI move, why shorter songs demand smarter DJs, fluid beatgrids for every platform, and a thought-provoking look at how our industry has changed since 2020. Plus, don't miss the FREE Hacker Hotel Bonus Day, where AI takes center stage for six straight hours.

Travis Bizzell, +2

We Accidentally Made A DJ Magazine This Week

Jul 14, 2026

•

5 min read

We Accidentally Made A DJ Magazine This Week

AlphaTheta drops a new standalone, Spotify wants you to talk to your music, Numark lowers the entry barrier, and a new study says DJing is the dream job—because nobody included the load-in. Plus, Aaron breaks down how to actually read the room, and Nick Spinelli joins tonight’s Hackathon to build the ultimate World Cup crate.

Travis Bizzell, +2

$1,699 Is Budget, AI Wants More Money, and Aaron Went Through My Hard Drive

Jul 7, 2026

•

5 min read

$1,699 Is Budget, AI Wants More Money, and Aaron Went Through My Hard Drive

This week: AlphaTheta redefines “affordable,” iZotope packs its bags, AI subscriptions may start charging like actual employees, and your crates probably need a passport. Plus, Aaron judges my 2010s throwback decisions, and DJ Ragoza joins tonight’s Hackathon to build the ultimate classic hip-hop crate before we inevitably turn it into a scratch session.

Travis Bizzell, +2

Meta Wants Your Face. Amazon Wants Your Wallet.

Jun 23, 2026

•

5 min read

Meta Wants Your Face. Amazon Wants Your Wallet.

This week: Meta ships $299 AI glasses to compete with its own Ray-Bans, Prime Day puts actual DJ gear on sale, Instagram's Edits app gets smarter, and one Crate Hackers video makes the case that your massive music library stopped being the flex. Plus: Chicago DJs meet us at The Bean!

Travis Bizzell, +2

Jun 9, 2026

•

5 min read

Your Next Employee Might Be AI

Claude becomes a DJ co-worker, Spotify proves nostalgia still beats new music, Apple finally upgrades Siri, and why the best DJs don’t have bigger libraries—they make fewer bad decisions. Plus: Don't miss the next installment of the AI Accelerator course with Dom & Friends this week.

Travis Bizzell, +2

...