The popular online audio-distribution platform SoundCloud reportedly is planning to impose new guidelines regarding DJ mixes that would restrict tracks that aren't cleared with their copyright holders. Essentially, this would result in most DJ mixes being deleted from the site, as few disc jockeys can afford to get permission for every track they use. The Berlin-based SoundCloud—which currently boasts 185 million users—reportedly already has begun removing mixes due to copyright violations—even those by big-name jocks like Morgan Page. This decision by SoundCloud obviously is triggering anger in the DJ community, which has played a large role in making the platform popular. Digital Music News reports that "recently-inked deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment seem to be intensifying the level of policing happening on the site." If SoundCloud indeed institutes onerous monetary demands with regard to copyrighted music, expect to see a mass migration to Mixcloud, iTunes, and other sites. After the jump, I asked several Seattle-area DJs and musicians to express their views about this possible development.
Andy Reichel (Gel-Sol; PROG!): I think they should have done this years ago. I'm all for DJ mixes, but Soundcloud should be for original music. I realize there's some grey area there, but there's a small percentage of DJs making original music out of samples/pre-existing tunes. The only reason Mixcloud isn't the go-to site for DJs is that you can't download the mixes.
Chris Bendix (DJ Retina Burn; Nowhere): i mentally jumped ship about a month ago upon hearing of this move, and am seeking other sources for both DJ and label outlets. I agree with Andy that there are other platforms for DJs and a delineation is nice, but it's a pretty disheartening move for artists and labels, especially any who have built a following of any significance.
Travis Ritter (DJ Goo Goo; Aesthetic Mess): After SoundCloud deleted 3 fucking mixes I did, I've decided to only use Mixcloud from here on out.
Brian Geoghagan (former Stranger tech guru): I moved over to Mixcloud about 6 months ago. The interface is shit, the app is shit, but at least they don't take down your mixes.
Andrew Lench (DJ Slow; MOTOR): I've been cross-posting mixes of mine and for Motor to Mixcloud for a while now...
Chris Roman (214, J.Alvarez): I've been fortunate to never have issues with my mixes on SoundCloud over the years. But if I'm affected going forward, I'll just start fully hosting my mixes on my Dropbox and keep production on SC.
Paul Pearson: I went to Mixcloud exclusively about this time last year.
Jake Muir (aka Monadh): If you're not some big time DJ, you can totally get away with having your mixes on SoundCloud by putting some sort of "original track," that's muted, a fraction of a second before the start of the mix. No one notices it's there, and SoundCloud won't detect any music. I still plan to put mixes up there. It's nice to have all material in one place.
Kristijan Risteski (Kinjo): Mixcloud, and maybe hearthis.at.
Chloe Harris (aka Raica): Mixcloud and wetransfer downloads.
Rhines (Innerflight): Already moved on to Mixcloud and Hearthis. SoundCloud should be for original music production.
Alex Markey (Archivist): We've been hearing rumors about the demise of SoundCloud for years. I'll worry about it when/if it actually happens. I've never had trouble yet.
Jeff McIlwain (Lusine): I suppose if they're moving towards a licensing model, it could be a mixed result. If you get licensed DJ mixes that magazines can link to, then maybe some of the artists will get paid, which would be a good thing, to the detriment of individuals just wanting to post their DJ mixes without going through "official" channels.
