• Robot DJ Does A 30 Minute Set

• DJ.Studio Updates With Mashup Mode

• The Costs Of Becoming A DJ

• Spotify To Launch HiFi Tier

• Cut Your Prep Time with Crate Hackers + DJ Event Planner

• 80s Hip Hop Crate

The Robot DJ That Thinks It Can Rock A Crowd

San Francisco just introduced Phantom, a humanoid robot DJ that made its club debut at Temple Nightclub, marking another step forward in AI and music tech. Built by Foundation Robotics Labs, Phantom rolled out a 30-minute set, complete with programmed transitions, head movements, and just enough sci-fi vibes to get the crowd talking. But should DJs be worried? Not a chance.

Tech Meets DJing: A Cool Experiment, Not a Career Killer

• AI-Powered Sets – Phantom’s DJ skills are pre-programmed, not spontaneous, meaning no live mixing, no crate digging, and definitely no last-minute track switches to save the dancefloor.

• Theatrics Over Technique – It looks cool, sure, but it’s basically a fancy playlist with robotic arms. The head bobs? Coded. The energy shifts? Non-existent.

• No Bad Requests, No Good Requests Either – One perk? Phantom won’t get someone saying “play some Bad Bunny” every five minutes—but it also won’t read the crowd and throw in the perfect track when the vibe shifts.

Why This is Still a Win for DJs

Instead of being something to fear, tech like Phantom shows just how irreplaceable real DJs are. AI can help with track organization, production, and even some creative ideas, but it can’t improvise, feel a crowd, or bring the unique energy that every great DJ has. At best, Phantom is a proof-of-concept for where AI and music tech might intersect in the future—maybe as an opening act, maybe as a gimmick, but never as a true headliner.

The Big Picture: Embracing Tech While Keeping the Human Touch

This isn’t about robots replacing DJs—it’s about how AI and automation might complement what we do. Could AI help with set prep? Sure. Could it teach new DJs techniques? Maybe. But can it match the real-time energy, skill, and personal touch of a human behind the decks? Not a chance.

The future of DJing isn’t about machines taking over, it’s about how DJs can use new technology to push their craft even further. Phantom’s debut proves one thing: AI might be able to press play, but it’ll never steal the show.

What do you think? Is Phantom a sign of things to come, or just another tech novelty?

DJ.Studio 3.1 Unveils ‘Mashup Mode’

DJ.Studio just dropped version 3.1, introducing the brand-new ‘Mashup Mode’—a feature designed to make creating mashups as easy as dragging and dropping. No more struggling with syncing tracks or endless tweaking. This update streamlines the process, letting you focus on creativity while the software handles the heavy lifting.

Key Features of Mashup Mode:

• Simplified Interface: Ditch the traditional decks—Mashup Mode gives you a master track lane with sample lanes, making it easier to overlay vocals, instrumentals, and effects without the clutter.

• Automatic Tempo Matching: Using AI beat gridding, the software automatically syncs samples to your master track’s tempo—even if your source tracks have inconsistent BPMs.

• Enhanced Effects Library: New effects like phaser, gater, and alarm expand your creative palette, giving your mashups more depth and energy.

• Block Select Feature: Easily select and move track sections around, helping you fine-tune mashups with less effort.

While direct exporting to platforms like Mixcloud isn’t supported yet, DJs can export finished mashups as audio or video. Plus, there’s a planned integration with Ableton Live, offering even more possibilities for serious remixers.

What Does It Mean for DJs?

• Simplified Mashup Creation: Whether you’re a mashup veteran or a first-timer, Mashup Mode lowers the barrier to entry. It’s now easier than ever to create unique edits and blends without diving deep into complex DAWs.

• Save Time, Get Creative: With AI-powered tempo matching and an intuitive layout, you’ll spend less time on technical stuff and more time experimenting with ideas.

• Expand Your Library with Custom Mashups: Want that acapella over a fresh beat? Mashup Mode lets you quickly whip up bootlegs and exclusive edits for your sets, giving you that signature sound that stands out.

• Perfect for Social Content: With the video export feature, you can create engaging mashup videos to share on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok—boosting your visibility and connecting with your audience in new ways.

DJ.Studio 3.1 is a game-changer for DJs who want to get creative without getting bogged down in complicated software. Whether you’re prepping for your next club gig or cooking up content for social media, Mashup Mode makes it faster, easier, and more fun.

In our last poll we asked how excited you are about AI advancements in the DJ industry and 56% responded “Excited! AI can help DJs and producers be more creative”.

The True Price of Digital DJing – What’s It Really Costing You?

So, you want to become a digital DJ in 2025? Awesome. But before you go all-in, Digital DJ Tips broke down what it really costs to get started (and keep going) in the world of digital DJing. Spoiler: It’s not just about buying the gear—there’s software, subscriptions, and of course, an endless supply of fresh tracks.

Laptop-Based vs. Standalone Setups:

• Laptop setups are cheaper upfront but often come with ongoing software costs (hello, subscription fatigue).

• Standalone systems cost more initially but can save you on software fees long-term.

Budget Builds vs. Pro Setups:

• Budget DJing can start around $1,000-$1,500, while pro-level setups can easily hit $4,000+—and that’s before you buy a single track.

• Headphones, monitors, and cables? Yep, those add up too.

Music Costs (The Silent Killer):

• Buying tracks individually or subscribing to streaming services adds an average of $300-$600/year to your budget.

• Want exclusive remixes and high-quality edits? Add another subscription or two.

  Ongoing Subscriptions:

• Some pro setups include free software licenses, but others will have you on the hook for $20-$40/month.

• Between DJ software (Rekordbox, Serato), music pools, and streaming services, monthly fees stack up.

  The Hidden Expenses:

• Don’t forget about cables, flight cases, stands, and the occasional gear upgrade (because who can resist the newest shiny controller?).

The Bottom Line:

Whether you’re going for a budget setup or going all-in with pro gear, DJing is an investment—not just in equipment but also in keeping your library fresh and your software up to date. The key? Plan your budget wisely, and remember: It’s the DJ, not the gear, that rocks the party. 🎉

👉 Dive into the full breakdown at Digital DJ Tips 💿

Spotify’s ‘Music Pro’ HiFi Streaming Set to Launch in 2025

After nearly four years of anticipation, Spotify is poised to introduce its HiFi streaming tier, dubbed “Music Pro,” in 2025. This premium service aims to deliver lossless audio quality, enhancing the listening experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. 

Key Features of Music Pro:

• Lossless Audio Streaming: Enjoy music in CD-quality, lossless audio format, providing a richer and more detailed sound.

• Exclusive Content and Experiences: Subscribers may gain access to deluxe editions, early releases, listening parties, and artist Q&A sessions, thanks to recent licensing agreements with major record labels. 

• Additional Perks: Potential benefits include song remixing features and concert ticket deals with early and exclusive access. 

Pricing:

The Music Pro tier is expected to cost an additional $5 to $6 per month on top of Spotify’s existing Premium subscription, which currently starts at $11.99 per month. This pricing strategy positions Spotify competitively, even as some rivals offer lossless streaming at no extra charge. 

Industry Context:

Spotify’s move comes on the heels of securing multi-year licensing agreements with Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group. These partnerships not only ensure future streaming rights but also hint at the introduction of new subscription tiers and exclusive content, aligning with Spotify’s commitment to rapid innovation and enhanced user experiences. 

As the world’s leading music streaming service, Spotify’s introduction of Music Pro underscores its dedication to evolving with listener preferences and technological advancements, setting a new standard in the streaming industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on Spotify’s Music Pro launch and what it means for your listening experience.

Discover how to significantly reduce your wedding DJ preparation time using the new Crate Hackers X tool integrated with DJ Event Planner.

• Folder Scanning: Quickly scan your music folder to identify tracks available for events. Import & Integrate: Import song requests directly from DJ Event Planner to easily manage your music.

• Version Selection: Access various versions of songs to match the event’s vibe, enhancing your playlist.

• Easy Purchases: Purchase missing tracks from platforms like Amazon or Apple Music directly within the tool.

• Export Options: Export playlists easily to different DJ software formats, saving valuable time.

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