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• Spotify's AI Vision

• Apple Wants Glasses Too

• Social Media Mishaps

• Find The Local Hotness

Spotify’s AI Music Lab – Now Hiring the Future

What’s Happening:

Spotify is quietly cooking up something big — and no, it’s not another Wrapped teaser or a new Billie Eilish playlist. The streaming giant is building an internal “AI Music Lab,” and they’re hiring creatives, engineers, and technologists to shape the future of music powered by artificial intelligence. Yes, this could be where your next DJ set gets some algorithmic spice.

Why It Matters:

Spotify already uses AI to recommend tracks, generate DJ personalities (hi, AI DJ X), and personalize your feed. But this new team? They’re diving deeper — exploring how generative AI can help artists “create in new ways.” Think co-writing, auto-remixing, or maybe even AI-driven stems tailored to your vibe.

What It Means for DJs & Creators:

• 🎛️ AI = Co-Producer? This lab could lead to tools that help DJs generate sample packs or remixes in real time.

• 🧠 Creative Augmentation: Think less “replace the artist” and more “enhance the process.” Like having a robot intern who knows all the scales and never gets tired.

• 💰 New Revenue Models? Spotify investing here means more experiments in monetization — imagine AI-customized DJ sets as a premium feature.

Need to Know:

The job listings hint at a blend of music expertise and machine learning chops — folks who understand both Ableton and PyTorch. It’s early days, but Spotify is clearly betting big on the intersection of music + AI. Could this be their answer to Udio, Suno, and the endless TikTok sea of AI-music tools?

Bottom Line:

The beat goes on, and now it might come with a neural network in the booth. As Spotify builds the future, DJs should be watching (and maybe applying).

Apple’s Smart Glasses – Siri Steps Into the Frame

What’s Happening:

Apple is reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses, aiming for a release by the end of 2026. These glasses are expected to feature cameras, microphones, speakers, and integration with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. The device would allow users to make phone calls, control music playback, receive turn-by-turn directions, and access real-time translation services .

Why It Matters:

While Apple’s Vision Pro headset has yet to gain significant traction, the company is shifting focus to a more accessible form factor. The smart glasses are anticipated to offer AI-driven functionalities without full augmented reality capabilities, positioning them as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Google’s upcoming Android XR glasses .

What It Means for DJs & Creators:

• 🎶 Hands-Free Control: Potential for managing playlists, adjusting volume, or receiving track suggestions via voice commands during live sets.

• 🌍 Real-Time Translation: Facilitates communication with diverse audiences, enhancing engagement at international events.

• 📸 Content Creation: On-the-go photo and video capture could streamline behind-the-scenes content sharing for social media.

Need to Know:

Apple plans to commence large-scale prototype production by the end of 2025, collaborating with overseas suppliers. The smart glasses are expected to leverage a custom chip based on Apple Watch processors, optimized for power efficiency and AI tasks .

Bottom Line:

As Apple ventures into the smart glasses arena, DJs and creators should monitor developments closely. The integration of AI and wearable technology could offer new tools for performance, content creation, and audience interaction.

In our last poll we asked Would you wear a pair of smart glasses while DJying? 69% responded: “Just give me a pair that doesn't need weekly firmware updates”

5 Social Media Mistakes DJs Should Avoid When Creating Content

What’s Happening:

In 2025, being a great DJ isn’t just about rocking the decks — it’s also about looking like you rock the decks on social. Whether you’re building hype for your next gig or trying to convert that one lit wedding moment into viral gold, your visual content game has to be on point. But too many DJs are missing the beat with common mistakes that kill engagement (and vibes).

Why It Matters:

Let’s be real — if your video screams 2012 or your IG grid looks like a Craigslist ad, no one’s sticking around. Visual content is how clients and fans see your sound. Nail it, and you’re booked and busy. Botch it, and it’s crickets.

• Mistake #1: Poor Lighting & Angles - If people can’t see your face or your crowd, what’s the point? Invest in lighting and learn your angles — no more creepy under-chin shots.

• Mistake #2: Ignoring Branding - Your visuals should scream you. Think colors, logos, fonts. If it looks like stock content, you’re just another background act.

• Mistake #3: No Hook - You have 3 seconds to grab attention. Start strong — a beat drop, a hype crowd reaction, or even your custom DJ emoji doing a backflip (okay, maybe not that last one… unless?).

• Mistake #4: Wrong Format for the Platform - Widescreen for TikTok? Insta Story in 16:9? Big yikes. Know your platforms or risk the algorithm’s wrath.

• Mistake #5: Inconsistent Posting - The algorithm won’t love you back if you ghost it for three weeks. Schedule content and keep showing up.

Need to Know:

Visual storytelling is your brand’s front-facing persona. DJs who treat content creation like part of their performance will stand out — especially as social media gets even more saturated with AI-generated everything.

Bottom Line:

Your music is fire — make sure your visuals match. Great content isn’t just about views, it’s your digital reputation. Make it count, make it clear, and for the love of the algorithm, make it vertical when it needs to be.

Want to find out what’s really trending in your city before it goes viral? In this video, Aaron from Crate Hackers dives into 3 secret websites every DJ and music nerd should know: Discover how to track hyper-local music trends, uncover regional favorites, and even catch up on what’s blowing up on the airwaves—all before your crowd even knows what hit ‘em. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the curve, this is your new data-digging playground. 🎧 Bonus: Learn how Crate Hackers integrates with Shazam to auto-import your discoveries into your next set.

 
BONUS: We’ve got a special 7-day free trial of Crate Hackers so you can take your crate digging to the next level. Grab it here: https://www.cratehackers.com/7daytrial