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Back From the Future: Grown DJs, Metaverse Beats & TikTok Retreats

This week, we’re tracking the TikTok Live exodus, Spotify’s move into the VR partyverse, and the rise of the seasoned selector. Plus: Dangerous DJs is officially open, and Warren Peace joins us live tonight to drop hackathon heat.

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TikTok DJs Hit With Surprise Takedowns — What’s Going On?

What’s Happening:

TikTok used to be a playground for live DJ sets — spontaneous mashups, late-night vibes, and curated dance sessions beamed straight to phones everywhere. But now? It’s starting to look more like a ghost town. According to a report from The Daily Dot, DJs streaming on TikTok Live are seeing their streams cut, monetization removed, and in some cases, their accounts shadowbanned — all without warning.

Even DJs approved in TikTok’s Live Creator Program are feeling the heat, with no clear explanation from the platform. The vibe shift is real.

Why It Matters for DJs:

If TikTok Live was part of your gig bag, you might want to rethink your streaming setup. Whether it’s copyright enforcement, a glitchy algorithm, or a strategic shift by TikTok (spoiler: it’s probably all three), DJs are being left without answers — or audiences.

As creators increasingly rely on social platforms for visibility and income, this crackdown highlights the volatility of building on rented land. If you’re not diversifying your presence — Twitch, YouTube, Kick, Mixcloud, your own site — you’re basically DJing on a dance floor with a trap door.

The Takeaway:

Relying on TikTok Live? Consider it a risky BPM. Build your brand across multiple platforms, create direct audience relationships (email lists, Discord, Patreon, etc.), and always be ready to pivot. Because TikTok just reminded us: you don’t own the club—you’re just spinning in it.

With DJs reporting lower visibility and ditching TikTok Live altogether, we want to know where you’re taking your sets next:

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In last week’s poll we asked “Is FL Studio’s new AI assistant a game-changer or just another plugin to ignore?” and 57% responded Not an FL user, but I’m watching closely

“If Ableton institutes this feature, I'm all in! Or even DJ.studio

MarkBFresh

Private Pool Party Hackathon

Las Vegas legend Warren Peace (DMS) is joining Aaron Traylor to build a full-on Private Pool Party Set live on Twitch.

You’ll see how the pros prep for VIP summer gigs
🎥 Live on Twitchcratehackathon.com

🗓️ Tuesday, 8PM ET / 5PM PT

Spotify Moves Into the Metaverse — Literally

What’s Happening:

Meta just rolled out full Spotify integration for the Quest platform, letting users stream music inside their VR headsets without switching apps or interrupting gameplay. Whether you’re slicing beats in Beat Saber or wandering aimlessly in VR chatrooms pretending to be productive, your background soundtrack just leveled up.

It’s not a watered-down version either — it’s the full Spotify experience: curated playlists, podcasts, and those oddly specific “sad disco in a neon alleyway” mood mixes. All within the Quest ecosystem.

Why It Matters for DJs & Music Creators:

VR might still be finding its rhythm in nightlife and DJ culture, but integrations like this are a neon sign pointing to the future. Imagine a world where your VR DJ set could seamlessly sync with a Spotify playlist, or where listeners could drop into immersive listening parties hosted in the metaverse. We’re not quite there yet — but this is the soundcheck.

And for DJs already experimenting in virtual spaces, this means your sets could become part of the VR ambient soundtrack. Think less background noise, more brand-building.

The Takeaway:

Spotify isn’t just pushing buttons — it’s setting the stage for immersive audio experiences in a virtual world. For DJs and producers, that means the next venue might not have a physical address… but it will have Wi-Fi.

The Grown Folks Are Taking Over the Booth

Digital DJ Tips calls it: a DJ Renaissance is brewing — and it’s got a grey beard and vinyl collection.

What’s Happening:

According to Digital DJ Tips, middle-aged DJs are fueling a new wave of creativity in the scene. Why? They’ve got taste, time, and—let’s be honest—disposable income for gear. Many of these DJs came up in the analog era, left the decks to raise families or pursue careers, and are now returning to the booth with a vengeance (and better crate organization than you).

Why It Matters:

  • There’s a surge in controller sales to folks 40+

  • “Bedroom DJ” is now a badge of honor, not a phase

  • They’re not chasing TikTok clout — they’re curating vibes

  • Veteran DJs are mentoring, livestreaming, and even throwing their own parties

This isn’t about reliving the past — it’s about rewriting what longevity in DJ culture looks like.

For DJs:

If you’re a younger DJ, this is your reminder that your biggest local competition might just be someone who DJs better and gets up at 5am by choice. And if you’re a grown DJ yourself? Your moment has arrived — lean in.

🪩 The new underground might just be your uncle’s garage.

💬 Let us know — are you part of the grown folks’ DJ revolution?

with Aaron Traylor

You’re about to get five Cheat Codes to turn your next pool party set into a Vegas-level flex. These aren’t the usual DJ tips. These are tactical, tested, and designed to separate you from every other dude sweating through his shirt behind the booth.

• Cheat Code 1: Heat Kills Laptops

    •    Vegas sun? It'll fry your Serato setup. Seen it. Lived it.

    •    Grab a USB-powered fan, cooling pad, or even throw shade—literally.

    •    Action: Build a “sun defense” kit: cooling gear, backup USB, gaff tape. No more beach ball glitches mid-set.

• Cheat Code 2: Hydrate Like a Headliner

    •    You’re not just DJing. You’re surviving.

    •    Dehydration wrecks your energy, timing, even your crowd reads.

    •    Action: 8oz water every 30 min. Electrolytes before you play. Set hydration alarms on your watch. Pro-level stamina starts with your water bottle.

• Cheat Code 3: Curate for Sun, Not Smoke

    •    Pool parties aren’t clubs. It’s not dark. It’s not midnight.

    •    Think: reggaeton, tropical house, and viral throwbacks.

    •    Action: Pull 5 modern beach bangers, 5 nostalgic summer anthems. Your warm-up set should feel like SPF 50 and frozen drinks.

• Cheat Code 4: Crowd Reading in Daylight = Different Game

    •    Don’t expect people to rage at noon.

    •    Start with groove—90–100 BPM—and build.

    •    Action: Structure your set in waves. Smile songs first. Bangers when the pool fills. Peak energy = sun halfway down, drinks halfway gone.

• Cheat Code 5: Brand Yourself Like a Vegas Resident

    •    If you want to play pool parties, look like you already do.

    •    Your Insta, your logo, your SoundCloud—make them scream Daylife DJ.

    •    Action: Rebrand with a summer alias. Record a “Poolside Vibes” mix. Pitch a theme party at one local spot this week.

Dangerous DJs Is Now Enrolling!

Ready to level up your DJ game from hobbyist to headliner? Our friends at Dangerous DJs just opened the doors to their online DJ school — and trust us, it’s not your average “press play” tutorial.

Led by DJ Ragoza and a crew of seasoned pros, you’ll get hands-on training in mixing, scratching, music selection, and performance tactics that actually move crowds (and get you booked).

🧨 This is where DJs go to get dangerous.

👉 Join now at DangerousDJs.com and start building your weaponized workflow.

Warning: May cause sudden skill upgrades and packed dance floors.

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