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- Serato Got Bought (Again) + New Tools to Sharpen Your DJ Game
Serato Got Bought (Again) + New Tools to Sharpen Your DJ Game
This week we’re breaking down Serato’s surprise sale (again), Mixed In Key’s new mashup-ready Pro tools, and how DJs and creators alike are using ChatGPT to save time and spark ideas. Smarter workflows, tighter sets—let’s get into it.


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Serato Sells (Again) - This Time, It Might Stick

Tiny buys 66% of Serato, DJs everywhere check for fine print
In the latest episode of “Who’s Buying Serato Now?”, the iconic New Zealand-based DJ software company has sold a 66% stake to Canadian holding firm Tiny—yes, that’s really their name, and no, the deal wasn’t tiny. The price tag? Roughly $66 million.
And if this feels like déjà vu, you’re not wrong—Serato also tried to sell back in 2021, but the deal was scratched faster than a Qbert solo. This time, though, it looks like the fader is firmly set to “new ownership.”
So, What’s New?
The Deal – Tiny now owns two-thirds of Serato and says it wants to help the company scale, not gut it. So far, so good.
Still a Kiwi Heart – Serato says it’s keeping its HQ and leadership in New Zealand, so it’s not becoming Serat-O Canada just yet.
Tiny’s Track Record – The new parent company is known for buying tech brands and not destroying them, which is a refreshing twist.
What Does It Mean for DJs?
No Panic Necessary – Your cue points are safe, your playlists won’t disappear, and Serato DJ Pro isn’t getting renamed “Tiny Tunes.”
More Money, More Features? – With more cash behind them, Serato could finally roll out those features we’ve all been screaming for in the forums. (Stems 3.0, anyone?)
Still DJ-Centric – Tiny says they’re committed to what makes Serato special: the DJs. So no sudden shift to metaverse DJing or AI beatmatching (yet).
The Big Picture
For Serato users, this deal might feel like a remix of an older track—but this time, the beat might actually drop. With funding, support, and a clear path to stay DJ-first, this could signal a big second act for one of the most respected names in DJ software.
Mixed in Key 11 Pro - Because Sometimes Your Ears Need Backup

If you’ve ever played a “perfect” mashup in your head only to watch it bomb live, Mixed In Key 11 Pro might just be your new pre-gig therapist. Known for its industry-standard key detection, Mixed In Key is back—this time with a Pro-level tool to help you audition transitions, test mashups, and dodge harmonic disasters before you hit the decks.
This isn’t a beatmaker or mashup creator—but it is your new favorite wingman for set prep.
What’s New in Mixed In Key 11 Pro
Pro Tab for Auditioning Tracks
Think of it like Rekordbox Lite meets clairvoyant harmonic assistant. The new Pro tab lets you audition two tracks side by side to test compatibility before committing to a potentially awkward on-stage trainwreck.
Harmonic Mixing Tools, Upgraded
As always, it detects key and energy level—but now it also analyzes phrases (verse, chorus, drop) and lets you shift tracks up or down a semitone to lock in that perfect blend. Basically, it’s doing the homework your tired ears forgot.
Great for Mashup Discovery
No, it won’t make the mashup for you, but it’ll tell you if that Dua Lipa vocal is about to kill your Tech House groove—or take it to the next level.
What Does It Mean for DJs?
Better Prep, Less Guesswork – Whether you’re a wedding DJ or festival slayer, this tool helps you walk into gigs with confidence that your transitions won’t clear the dance floor.
Smarter Crate Building – With energy level and phrase matching, you can now build more dynamic and intentional sets without spending hours manually auditioning every combo.
Mashup Testing for Mere Mortals – You don’t have to be Girl Talk to experiment with ideas. This lets you test compatibility without opening Ableton or melting your CPU.
The Catch?
It’s not free—$99 for the Pro version (or $58 for the standard if you’re on a budget). And no, it won’t do your taxes or play the set for you. But if you’re heavy into harmonic mixing, it’s probably worth the investment.
The Big Picture
Mixed In Key 11 Pro isn’t flashy. It doesn’t drop FX or sync your lighting rig. But what it does do is help you mix smarter, prep better, and experiment more confidently—especially in a world where mashups and creative transitions are what make sets stand out.

With Mixed In Key 11 Pro dropping new features, we want to know how you’re handling your transitions these days: |
In our last poll we asked for your take on using streaming services to DJ and 38% responded: “Absolutely! – Seamless access to millions of tracks? Count me in.”
I could easily be a maybe, but I would have to be able to download tracks onto my laptop because having the Interwebs go down right in the middle of a show would not be cool at all, so nope, I like my stuff right on my own hard drive.

ChatGPT Prompts for DJs & Creators in 2025
If you’re a DJ, music creator, or content machine constantly stuck on what to post next or how to keep your audience hyped—ChatGPT just might be your new favorite backspin. According to Forbes, (and us right here) creators across industries are now leaning on AI to speed up their workflows, fuel their ideas, and automate the boring stuff so they can get back to creating.
Here’s how you can do the same—plus example prompts to steal and start using now:
💡 1. Idea Generation
Running low on post ideas or remix themes? ChatGPT can help you brainstorm new content, mixes, or even unique gig promos.
Try this prompt: “Give me 10 creative TikTok video ideas for a DJ who specializes in 90s hip-hop and performs at private events.”
📅 2. Content Planning
Not sure what to post and when? ChatGPT can help structure your content calendar, batch content, and suggest a flow for multiple platforms.
Try this prompt: “Create a 1-week Instagram content plan for a mobile DJ, including reels, stories, and caption ideas that build hype for weekend gigs.”
✍️ 3. Script & Copywriting
Need a quick script for a YouTube short, ad, or promo video? Let ChatGPT help you sound slick and professional—or sarcastic and hilarious, your choice.
Try this prompt: “Write a 30-second promo script for a DJ who’s headlining a beach party this Saturday. Make it energetic and funny.”
📈 4. Audience Engagement
Want more comments and shares? Use ChatGPT to craft hooks, write polls, or generate engaging questions that keep your followers talking.
Try this prompt: “Give me 5 Instagram story poll ideas that a DJ could use to engage their audience about music genres, requests, or gear.”
🧠 5. Repurposing Content
Reposting your best stuff isn’t lazy—it’s smart. ChatGPT can help turn old posts into fresh formats: blog to reel, TikTok to email, mix to promo clip.
Try this prompt: “Take this YouTube video description and turn it into a short, punchy Instagram caption: [paste description here]”
🎚 Why DJs Should Actually Use This
• Save Time: Spend less time thinking, more time mixing.
• Stay Consistent: Fill in those content gaps with ease.
• Sound Better: Clean up your writing or add your voice with tone tweaks.
• Stay Ahead: While others post once a week, you’ll have a month’s worth of content locked and loaded.
The Big Picture
ChatGPT isn’t here to replace DJs or creators—it’s here to help you stay in the creative zone while keeping your brand sharp and consistent. Think of it like your digital assistant… that doesn’t require a rider or a green room.
👉 Read the full Forbes article on how creators are using ChatGPT and steal more prompts while you’re at it.
How to Open a Party Without Killing the Vibe
Opening for a headliner? This video drops a masterclass in setting the tone without stealing the spotlight—or worse, clearing the dance floor. Learn how to build energy like an architect, sprinkle in some tech-savvy tricks (yes, AI too), and leave the crowd warmed up and wanting more.Perfect for any DJ looking to level up their open-format game or just avoid the dreaded awkward silence after a bad remix.
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

Each week, we spotlight a Crate that can be found in the CrateHackers App
Our Crate of The Week is a 90s Hip Hop Crate. Join us tonight on twitch with Jack Kristian as we hack and curate this crate live. |
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