DJ With Apple Music launches to enable subscribers to mix their own sets

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Integration & Supported Platforms

  • Thread quickly confirms Apple Music now works with Rekordbox (via AlphaTheta), Serato, Engine DJ, Denon/Numark/Rane gear, and Algoriddim’s djay.
  • Users note compatibility varies by device/OS (e.g., not all streaming providers are supported on Rekordbox mobile, and Android support lags iOS).
  • Some hope for open APIs, but others assume Apple will avoid supporting open‑source tools like Mixxx due to piracy concerns.

Target Users & Use Cases

  • Many see this as ideal for bedroom, beginner, and wedding/event DJs, or as a backup source for requests.
  • Working club DJs emphasize they rely on local files, exclusive edits, unreleased tracks, and dubplates that will never be on streaming.
  • Several beginners are excited: they can experiment without buying a large library upfront.

Streaming vs Owning Music

  • Repeated concern that Apple controls both catalog and tooling, increasing lock‑in and long‑term risk.
  • Some argue the tradeoff is acceptable as a “rehearsal/sketchpad” if you still buy key tracks (downloads, vinyl, Bandcamp).
  • Others highlight older Apple features like iTunes Match and their bugs, reinforcing skepticism about trusting Apple with core libraries.

Stems, Features & Technical Limits

  • Major downside: rights holders typically forbid stem separation on streamed tracks; DJ software often disables it for Apple Music/Tidal.
  • Users discuss external tools (e.g., Demucs/Spleeter) and GPUs to generate stems offline.
  • One tester reports Apple Music via Rekordbox sounds like lossy 256 kbps AAC and distorts more under heavy time‑stretching, with no offline cache.

Legal & Licensing Questions

  • Clarified that venue performance licenses (ASCAP/BMI etc.) usually cover public playback; streaming services only fill the “delivery” gap.
  • Distribution of royalties from performance societies is described as skewed toward radio and top‑40, not club‑only tracks.
  • Some feel Apple’s marketing around “perform with Apple Music” is misleading given these complexities.

DJ Culture & Skills

  • Side discussion on sync buttons vs manual beatmatching: many say beatmatching is overrated compared to selection and crowd reading; others value virtuoso mixing skill.
  • Debate over what “real” DJs play (unreleased vs popular/remix‑heavy sets) reflects differing club vs wedding/radio perspectives.