• New DJ Only Streaming Option

• Upgrade to Tahoe? Not Yet

• New Ad Tools From Meta

• Spotify Unlocked

• Aaron's Cheat Codes

Innovation Spotlight: LFG TV Launches DJ-Only Streaming

Every DJ who’s ever hit “Go Live” on Twitch, TikTok, or Instagram knows the struggle: muted streams, copyright flags, and zero real money coming in. Enter LFG.TV — a brand-new platform built just for DJs, aiming to change the live streaming game. LFG TV is designed to give DJs what other platforms haven’t: a place to binge on DJ-specific content 24/7.

What’s New

Unlike the mainstream platforms, LFG.TV is designed around DJs and the culture of live streaming sets. That means:

• DJ-Exclusive Streaming: Instead of digging through YouTube or hoping Twitch doesn’t mute your set, DJs now have a dedicated hub for shows, education, and entertainment tailored just for our industry.

• Original Programming: Expect podcasts, training, live streams, and behind-the-scenes content from some of the most respected names in the DJ world.

• Community Vibes: This isn’t just passive viewing. The platform is aimed at being an evolving hub where DJs can actually connect, learn, and share ideas.

• Full-length sets without takedowns – no need to dodge copyright filters or keep your stream under 30 minutes.What Makes It Different?

• Pro-level streaming tools baked in – overlays, chat, and set scheduling that don’t feel like an afterthought.

• Equal visibility for all DJs – no shady algorithms favoring already-famous names. Everyone starts on the same tier.

The Money Question (Finally Answered)

Here’s where LFG really separates itself: monetization is built in from day one.

• Fans can support DJs directly through LFG Coins (think Twitch Bits, but music-focused) and Access Passes that unlock exclusive content.

• Revenue sharing is fair — no paywalls keeping beginners from making money.

• Backed by heavyweights like Technics, Beatport, Toolroom Records, and Algoriddim, the platform has some serious industry fuel behind it.

Why It Matters

For years, DJs have borrowed space on platforms built for gamers, influencers, or general audiences. LFG TV flips the script — finally giving DJs their own “streaming home.” Whether you’re looking for business tips, performance ideas, or just want to see how others are hacking the craft, LFG TV is built to be by DJs, for DJs.

The Take

Think of it like the HBO Max of DJ culture: niche, curated, and focused entirely on the craft. If you’re tired of algorithm roulette and muted replays, this could be the content fix DJs didn’t know they needed.

👉 Check out LFG TV here

In last week’s poll we asked “With the AlphaTheta CDJ-3000X dropping, what’s your move?” and 59% responded Still rocking controllers, don’t @ me.

Your Wedding Crate Needs You.

Join Aaron Traylor and Sean “Big Daddy” McKee tonight and bring your best wedding songs, zero fluff.

🎥 Live on Twitch + cratehackathon.com

🗓️ Tuesday, 8PM ET / 5PM PT

macOS Tahoe 26 – Should DJs & Producers Upgrade?

Apple has dropped macOS Tahoe 26, the latest operating system update that promises performance boosts, tighter security, and sleeker UI refinements. But for DJs, producers, and live performers, the question isn’t what’s new — it’s will my setup still work if I upgrade?

Compatibility First

Every major macOS release brings shiny updates, but it also brings sleepless nights for DJs and producers. Plug-ins, audio drivers, and DJ software often need time to catch up. Early testers report improved efficiency and stability in core apps, but many pro tools — Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor, Ableton Live, and third-party VSTs — haven’t all confirmed official support yet. If your setup is stable, hold off until your critical apps get the green light.

What’s New

• Performance Gains – Faster app launches, better RAM management, and subtle optimizations that benefit heavy sessions in DAWs.

• Audio Routing Improvements – Refined system-level audio handling that could reduce latency in low-buffer recording or live setups.

• Enhanced Security – More sandboxing and permission controls to keep your system locked down.

• UI Polish – A cleaner, more streamlined interface — nice, but not worth losing your working gig rig over.

Why It Matters for DJs & Producers

For creative workflows, OS updates can be a double-edged sword: smoother performance vs. possible system-breaking incompatibilities. Apple’s track record shows that rushing upgrades can leave DJs scrambling when software or drivers don’t play nice.

Pro Takeaway

If you’re a bedroom DJ or casual creator, upgrading early might be safe enough. But if you’re a working DJ with gigs this weekend, don’t be the guinea pig. Wait until your DAW, DJ software, and hardware manufacturers give Tahoe 26 the thumbs-up. Stability beats shiny updates every time.

👉 DJ Tip: Bookmark your software vendor’s compatibility page and check back weekly before upgrading.

Meta Ads Just Got Louder

New tools in Reels & Threads could amplify your reach—if you know how to play them.

Meta isn’t just tweaking knobs; they’re dropping new ad formats across Reels and Threads, right as DJs and promoters gear up for fall bookings. Here’s what’s fresh:

• Trending Reels Ads

  Your promos can now run next to the most viral Reels content on the platform. Early tests show these placements boosted brand awareness by 20%. Imagine your club night flyer riding shotgun with the week’s hottest trend clip.

• Threads Ad Formats

  Carousel ads, catalog promos, and expanded image/video options are rolling out. Bonus: you don’t even need a Threads account to run them—IG/Facebook content can be pushed directly into Threads feeds. Think tour announcements, ticket drops, or even merch.

• AI-Powered Audience Tools

  Meta’s new value rules let you target by audience quality, not just clicks. DJs and venues can now zero in on high-value fans—the ones who actually show up, buy tickets, and book you again.

Why It Matters

If you’re still only boosting random IG posts, you’re leaving bookings on the table. These updates let DJs, venues, and event brands get hyper-specific with promo campaigns—whether that’s putting your open-format night in front of dance-hungry 21-year-olds or pushing VIP tables to your venue’s high spenders.

Bottom line: Meta wants your ad dollars, but for DJs, that means more firepower to build crowds, fill rooms, and grow your brand.

Spotify Finally Gives Free Users More Control

What’s New

Spotify has removed some of the restrictions that blocked free tier users from playing specific tracks. Previously, non-Premium users were forced to shuffle most playlists, had a limited number of skips, and couldn’t search & immediately play specific songs from albums or links. Now: free users can search, pick & play specific tracks, including ones shared via social media. Limitations remain—there’s a daily “on-demand” time cap, and after that it reverts to restricted mode (skips, etc.). 

Why DJs & Creators Should Care

• Mix-prep inspiration: Even if you don’t pay, being able to cue up exact tracks (instead of dealing with shuffle) helps you preview songs, build playlists faster, spot remix ideas, or test transitions.

• Client interaction: Clients who use free Spotify can now share exact tracks for their event, no more confusion over “skip until we hear that song.”

• Promotion opportunities: With “search & play” for shared links, a track you promoted on social could get more instant listens, even from free users.

Catch & Watch-Outs

• Spotify hasn’t clarified exactly how long you get of on-demand time before restrictions kick in.

• It’s still ad-supported, so listening interruptions remain.

• Premium users still get the full experience: harder limits, no ads, unlimited skips, etc.

The Bigger Picture

Spotify is likely using this change to sweeten the free experience, soften the friction for casual users, and increase ad revenue by keeping people engaged longer. For DJs, this shift makes Spotify more usable as a discovery and planning tool—even without paying.

You're about to discover five cheat codes that will transform weddings into unforgettable experiences, using future tech to break away from the mundane. These tips will not only captivate audiences but set new standards for what wedding entertainment can be.

Cheat Code #1: AI-Curated Setlists Are Tomorrow's Requests

• AI has progressed beyond merely mimicking human-made mixes to predicting crowd favorites in real-time. Personal AI DJs, like the AI DJ on Spotify, create setlists based on guests' streaming histories, ensuring everyone hears exactly what they didn’t know they wanted.

• Spotify AI DJ usage increased 30% year-over-year as it becomes an integral live event tool.

Action Step: Integrate AI-curated setlists at receptions by syncing devices with guests' music apps, creating an infinitely personalized experience.

Cheat Code #2: Holographic DJ Presence

• Ditch traditional setups—holographic technology now allows DJs to project stunning 3D visuals that interact with the audio, creating an immersive experience. Anjuna's partnership with ARHT for festival-ready holograms shows it’s already festival-grade.

• A 50% increase in hologram rental inquiries for private events in 2023 indicates this shift's early stages.

Action Step: Collaborate with holographic projection providers to curate jaw-dropping visuals timed with your tracks, guaranteeing a unique atmosphere.

Cheat Code #3: Wearable Tech Tunes the Dance Floor

• Smartwear is stepping into the spotlight, with guests using haptic technology to feel the bass and vibrations of the music right on their bodies. Companies like CuteCircuit are integrating sound-responsive wearables that sync with live DJ sets.

• Interest in wearable music tech rose 200% at CES 2023, proving demand.

Action Step: Enhance guest experiences by distributing simple wearable tech at the door, synchronizing it with your set for a completely new sensory dimension.

Cheat Code #4: Live Mixed Reality Experiences

• Combining AR with VR creates hybrid realities where the dance floor extends beyond physical space. Mix a real-time virtual world around your set to transport attendees to otherworldly locales or times, instantly.

• Meta's Horizon Workrooms reported immersive event collaborations rising by 40%, indicating this tech's potential.

Action Step: Utilize apps like "VRChat" or "HoloLens" to blend realities during peak moments, leaving guests raving about the experience.

Cheat Code #5: Blockchain-Backed Setlists as NFT Souvenirs

• Turn your setlist into digital memorabilia through NFTs, offering guests unique editions of the night's music they can collect and trade. The integration of music with blockchain is exploding, allowing DJs to mint their magic moments of live mixes.

• OpenSea saw a 35% increase in music NFT sales last year, signaling steady traction.

Action Step: Post-event, mint your playlist into limited edition NFTs and offer them to guests as keepsakes, transforming a fleeting moment into a lasting treasure.'
These insights aren’t just tips—they’re the future. Embrace them to not just play a wedding, but to define what the perfect party looks like.