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AI Debates, Beatles History, VR Classrooms & Instagram’s Big Change

This week, we’re diving into the hot topics shaping music and tech: DJs split over AI’s role in the booth, The Beatles’ groundbreaking AI-assisted track, Meta’s push for VR in education, and Instagram saying goodbye to hashtag followers. Don’t miss out!

DJs Everywhere Are Divided Over AI

AI DJ technology is sparking major debates in the music world, as highlighted in a Semafor article. While some see AI as a game-changing tool, others fear it could strip DJing of its soul. Even prominent figures in the industry, like DJ Ellen Allien and Ben Klock, are weighing in, offering a glimpse into how this tech is dividing the scene.

The AI Advantage:

Perfect Mixing and Endless Creativity: Proponents of AI argue that it can create flawless transitions and experiment with sounds that push the boundaries of what’s possible. AI systems can even analyze crowd energy and adjust sets in real-time, offering a level of precision that’s hard to match.

Cost and Consistency: Clubs and venues are eyeing AI as a cost-effective solution, delivering consistent performances without the need for human DJs. It’s an enticing option for smaller venues with tight budgets—or those looking to experiment with tech-driven experiences.

The Pushback from DJs:

Human Connection is Irreplaceable: DJs like Ben Klock argue that AI can never replicate the energy and intuition of a live performance. Reading a crowd, improvising, and crafting a journey through music are deeply human skills that machines can’t truly emulate.

A Threat to the Craft: For artists like Ellen Allien, DJing is more than technical skill—it’s storytelling, spontaneity, and connecting with people through sound. Replacing that with AI risks turning an art form into something mechanical.

Why DJs Everywhere Should Pay Attention:

As AI continues to evolve, its role in DJing is no longer a hypothetical. Whether you view it as a revolutionary tool or a potential threat to the profession, its impact is undeniable. For DJs, this tech offers opportunities for collaboration—AI can assist with tasks like track selection and live effects—but it also raises the stakes in preserving the artistry of the craft.

The Semafor article shows just how divided the DJ community is over this technology. The real question is: can AI enhance the DJing experience without taking away what makes it special? Only time—and some serious experimentation—will tell.

The Beatles Make History With The First AI Assisted Song To Be Grammy Nominated

The Beatles are breaking records once again, but this time, it’s with a little help from AI. Their newly released track, “Now and Then,” was created using AI-assisted technology to restore and complete a demo originally recorded by John Lennon in the 1970s. According to Billboard, the song is already generating buzz as a potential Grammy contender, marking a historic moment for the music industry.

How AI Helped The Beatles Create “Now and Then”:

  • Restoring Lennon’s Voice: AI technology was used to isolate and enhance John Lennon’s original vocal recording, which had been captured on a cassette tape. The process brought his voice to life with stunning clarity, allowing the remaining Beatles to build the track around it.

  • Preserving the Band’s Legacy: By using AI as a tool rather than a replacement, the track maintains the authentic sound of The Beatles while introducing innovative production techniques. It’s a delicate balance of past and future.

  • A Collaborative Effort Across Time: With Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr adding new instrumentation and vocals, “Now and Then” becomes a true bridge between eras—a collaboration across decades with AI acting as the connective tissue.

Why This Matters for DJs and Creatives:

“Now and Then” isn’t just a testament to The Beatles’ enduring legacy; it’s a game-changer for the music industry. This track shows how AI can be used to revive and enhance creative projects without losing their authenticity. For DJs and producers, it opens up possibilities for reimagining older recordings, collaborating with legacy artists, and even creating entirely new sounds using historical elements.

The Grammy Buzz:

If “Now and Then” secures a Grammy nomination, it could be the first AI-assisted track to receive such recognition, setting a precedent for how AI-driven music is valued in the industry. This milestone could pave the way for more artists to explore the creative potential of AI in their work.

Whether you’re a fan of The Beatles or a curious DJ looking to experiment with AI tech, “Now and Then” is a must-listen. It’s not just a song—it’s a glimpse into the future of music creation.

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Meta Teams Up for VR Education – Changing How We Learn?

Meta is doubling down on virtual reality’s potential, announcing new VR education partnerships designed to bring immersive learning experiences to schools, universities, and training programs. As reported by Social Media Today, this initiative aims to leverage the power of VR to make education more interactive, accessible, and engaging.

What Meta’s VR Education Partnerships Bring to the Table:

  • Immersive Learning Environments: Meta’s VR platforms will allow students to step into virtual classrooms, simulations, and even historical recreations. Imagine exploring ancient ruins or dissecting virtual organisms—all from a headset.

  • Partnered Institutions: Meta is teaming up with top educational organizations and universities to create tailored content that aligns with curriculum needs. These partnerships are designed to ensure VR isn’t just a gimmick but a meaningful addition to learning.

  • Skill Training and Upskilling: Beyond traditional education, Meta’s VR tools will be used in professional training programs, offering hands-on simulations for industries like healthcare, engineering, and creative arts—including, potentially, music production and DJing.

Why DJs and Creatives Should Care:

While the focus is currently on academic education and professional training, this move underscores VR’s growing role in creative spaces. Imagine learning music production, sound engineering, or DJ techniques in an immersive VR environment, with real-time feedback and virtual equipment to practice on. Meta’s push into VR education could open doors for accessible, high-quality training for artists, DJs, and producers in the near future.

The Bigger Picture:

Meta’s latest initiative isn’t just about education—it’s about positioning VR as an essential tool for the future. With growing interest in VR across industries, these partnerships are likely just the beginning of how immersive tech will shape both learning and creative work.

Whether you’re in the classroom or the DJ booth, Meta’s VR education tools hint at a future where learning and creativity blend seamlessly with technology. Time to start thinking about what you’d want to learn in VR!

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In last weeks poll about DJying in the Metaverse, 38% will replied No way! I’m sticking to my traditional setup

I’ve tried mixing in VR and it just didn’t make any sense. I need to touch knobs and such when I’m djing

dotornotdj

Instagram Drops Hashtag Following

Instagram has officially announced the removal of the option to follow hashtags, a feature that has long been a staple for creators and users looking to discover niche content. While this might seem like a minor tweak, it’s part of a bigger shift in how the platform wants users to engage with content.

Why Instagram’s Dropping Hashtag Following:

According to Social Media Today, Instagram is focusing more on its AI-driven content recommendations. Instead of letting users curate their feeds by following specific hashtags, Instagram’s algorithm will now surface trending and relevant posts based on user behavior and interests. This move is intended to streamline content discovery—but not everyone’s thrilled about it.

What It Means for DJs and Creators:

- Discoverability Gets Harder: For DJs and creators who relied on hashtags to reach niche audiences, this change could mean fewer eyes on your content. Hashtags like #DJLife or #TechnoSet might no longer pull in followers the way they used to.

 

- Algorithm Is King: With Instagram leaning harder on AI-driven recommendations, the key to visibility will be engaging content that keeps users scrolling. This means it’s more important than ever to focus on creating reels, stories, and posts that spark interactions.

- Adapting to the Change: While losing hashtag followers stings, it’s not all bad news. Instagram’s algorithms still consider hashtags when surfacing content. So, keep using relevant tags—they might not generate direct followers, but they can still help your posts get discovered.

Why DJs Should Care:

Hashtags have been a powerful tool for promoting mixes, events, and gear setups to niche communities. With this shift, DJs will need to double down on creating highly engaging content to stay visible. Short-form videos, engaging captions, and leveraging other platforms like TikTok or YouTube Shorts will be key to maintaining reach.

While Instagram’s shift might be frustrating, it’s also a reminder to adapt. Focus on creating great content, and your audience will find you—hashtags or no hashtags.

Get ready to witness a potentially flawless DJ set! In this video, we're putting this DJ's skills to the test to see if they can deliver a perfect performance. From seamless transitions to impeccable mixing, we're breaking down every aspect of this set to determine if it's truly flawless. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just a music lover, you won't want to miss this in-depth analysis. So, is this DJ set perfect? Watch to find out!

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