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Draft:Pulselocker

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Pulselocker was the world’s first music streaming service specifically designed for DJs, blending the convenience of streaming with the traditional functionality of professional DJ software[1]. Founded in 2011, Pulselocker allowed DJs to stream tracks from its vast catalog directly into DJ applications like Serato DJ, Traktor, and Rekordbox, with the unique ability to download and store tracks offline for use during performances. The service sought to revolutionize the way DJs accessed and managed music, offering a legal and subscription-based alternative to purchasing individual tracks or using illegal downloads.

Features

Pulselocker provided access to millions of tracks from both major and independent labels, giving DJs a diverse selection of music across various genres. One of the key innovations of Pulselocker was its offline locker feature, which enabled DJs to download tracks to their local storage for use without an active internet connection. This solved a critical problem for DJs who often perform in venues with unreliable internet access.

The platform was integrated with some of the leading DJ software, including Serato DJ[2] and Virtual DJ, allowing seamless incorporation of streaming tracks into DJ sets. Pulselocker’s subscription model allowed DJs to pay a monthly fee for access to its extensive music library rather than purchasing tracks individually, making it a cost-effective solution for working DJs who needed frequent access to new music.

Licensing and Music Catalog

Pulselocker worked with a wide variety of music labels, both major (Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment) and independent, including MERLIN, to ensure that its offerings spanned multiple genres and that DJs had access to the latest releases. This legal framework gave DJs peace of mind regarding the copyright compliance of the music they used, which was a significant advantage over illegal file-sharing platforms.

Acquisition

In 2018, Beatport, a leading online store for electronic music, acquired Pulselocker in a private sale for an undisclosed amount[3]. Originally focused on music downloads, Beatport sought to incorporate a reliable streaming service after the failure of its previous internal attempts at launching a similar platform[4].

Legacy

Pulselocker’s innovative approach to music streaming for DJs paved the way for similar services and demonstrated the demand for subscription-based music access in the DJ industry. Pulselocker’s influence is still felt in platforms like Beatport Streaming, TIDAL DJ Extension, and SoundCloud DJ, which have adopted and expanded on the idea of streaming music libraries integrated with DJ software.



References

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  1. ^ Perez, Sarah (2013-08-09). "Pulselocker, A Streaming And Download Service For DJs, Launches To The Web". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  2. ^ "Serato to integrate streaming capabilities with Pulselocker". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  3. ^ Stutz, Colin (2018-04-04). "Beatport Acquires DJ Streaming & Subscription Service Pulselocker to Boost Its Own Streaming Offering". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  4. ^ "Beatport quits music streaming as it suspends sale process". Music Business Worldwide. 2016-05-10. Retrieved 2024-10-22.