The DJ world, digested weekly. Gear, software, trends. One email.
The Big Story
TIDAL draws a line: no royalties for AI-generated music
TIDAL will label AI-generated tracks with badges and block them from earning royalties. Impersonation content gets removed entirely. As streaming platforms scramble to respond to the AI flood, this is the hardest stance yet from a service DJs actually use in the booth.
via NME
The Feed
Suno's indie incubator requires artists to never criticize Suno
The $5.4B AI music company launched an incubator for indie musicians. The fine print: participants must promote the platform and are contractually barred from criticizing it. Between this and TIDAL's new policy, the AI-vs-artists battle lines are getting very clear.
via Stereogum · Jun 29
Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter plays surprise no-phones set in Switzerland
Bangalter performed on a custom modular rig at a no-phones party in Basel. He's also confirmed — again — that Daft Punk will not reunite. File under: things that make you want to be in the right room at the right time.
via Mixmag
Defqon.1 cancelled over Europe's first-ever Code Red heat warning
The Netherlands' hardstyle mega-festival was pulled the day before opening as extreme heat hammered Western Europe. Multiple other festivals across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands were also cancelled or evacuated. If you're booking summer outdoor gigs, climate contingency planning isn't optional anymore.
via The Groove Cartel · Jun 26
Gear
JetPack Booster solves the DJ booth height problem
A deceptively simple accessory that raises CDJs or turntables to the right height at any venue. If you've ever stooped through a four-hour set at an underground, you already know why this matters.
via Magnetic Magazine · Jun 28
Menura Audio MDFX: boutique delay and reverb for modular DJ setups
The small German manufacturer behind the modular MDMX mixer adds standalone delay and reverb units to the ecosystem. If you're building a hardware FX chain alongside your mixer, these are worth a look.
via DJcity News · Jun 23
Software
Waves V17 adds real-time stem separation across its entire plugin line
The update introduces Mix Unlock — real-time stem separation of finished stereo audio — plus a redesigned preset system. Stem tools are becoming table stakes; Waves is making sure it's in the conversation.
via Production Expert · Jun 24