Dec 12, 2017 DJ software maker Algoriddim is releasing djay Pro 2 for macOS today. It’s a major update to the company’s flagship app. It still features what made djay popular in the first place, such as. Nov 21, 2019 So, technically, Spotify could cancel your membership if they found you were using their music commercially. Djay Pro is Pioneer DJ Certified! To make matters even more confusing, djay is integrated into standard Pioneer club-level gear, and they are advertising using Spotify in clubs! From the Algoriddim website (emphasis mine). Mar 08, 2017 Introducing djay 2 - the next generation of the world's best-selling DJ app is now available on Kindle Fire. Djay transforms your Kindle Fire into a full–featured DJ system. Seamlessly integrated with Spotify and all the music on your device, djay gives you direct access to mix your favorite songs and playlists instantly.
31576
Digital DJ Tips reader Jonas writes: “I wonder if it is legal to use Spotify when performing publicly? I am learning on the DDJ-WeGO3 with Algoriddim’s Djay 2 on my iPad, and right now mostly playing tracks from Spotify. Anyone knows?”
Digital DJ Tips says:
It is certainly against Spotify’s rules. It’s made clear in the Spotify Terms & Conditions of Use, section 4, “Rights we grant you”:
![Review Review](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126023035/761278902.png)
“The Spotify Service and the Content are the property of Spotify or Spotify’s licensors. We grant you … a limited, non-exclusive, revocable licence to make personal, non-commercial, entertainment use of the Content … You promise and agree that you are using the Content for your own personal, non-commercial, entertainment use”
However, Spotify has granted the use of its service within DJ software (Algoriddim’s djay 2 and djay Pro, Pacemaker app). The dictionary definition of DJ says a DJ is someone who “plays recorded music on the radio or at a club or party”. A bit confusing? We think so too.
It gets worse. Beatport is a site designed for DJs, where many DJs buy their music for public performance. Of all places, you should be safe there – right? Let’s take a look at their Terms and Conditions:
“Without the prior written consent of Beatport or the applicable copyright holder, no Content may be transmitted, distributed, translated, publicly displayed, uploaded, published, recorded, retransmitted, rented, sold, distributed, digitized, endorsed, reproduced, altered to make new works, performed, or compiled in any commercial way. The Content is only for your personal, noncommercial use…”
You’ll usually find similar clauses tucked away anywhere you buy digital music. Another crazy example: Here in the UK, if you buy a CD and use it to DJ with, as long as the venue has a public performance licence, you’re good. But if you rip that CD so you can DJ with it in your DJ software, you (personally) need to buy a licence to stay on the right side of the law. Crazy? Yup.
The whole area of copyright law and public performance is a minefield (which is why lawyers insist on nonsense like the above tucked in the small print), and ultimately it’s your decision whether you treat the law as the law or a guideline. we’ve yet to hear of a prosecution for violating either of the above clauses, for what it’s worth. If the venue has the licences it needs to let music be publicly performed, we’d personally be happy to play there, with music from any legal source.
Any stories to share or insights we’ve missed here? what do you think of this situation, and what could be done to resolve it? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
you may also like
We’ve seen time and again in the music industry how streaming services are taking over – but in the DJ world, owning your own music has stayed the norm. Today Ean takes a closer look at how Algoriddim’s djay Pro could be changing that, testing the app and its integration with Spotify.
- Software: djay Pro for Mac
- Price: $49.99
- Availability: On the Mac Store
- Requirements: To get Spotify integration working, you’ll need Spotify Premium ($9.99/month)
Djay Pro Free Download
Overall the app is very sophisticated for what many have viewed traditionally as a basic DJ application – with advanced features like MIDI mapping, X/Y effects (with more effects from Sugarbytes available to purchase as well), and four decks of control. It’s all around fairly impressive – watch the video above to get Ean’s take.