SpotDJ lets users record radio commentary tied to songs in iTunes. Other users can hear that commentary after listening to the same songs. The site just launched this morning and I like it. After hearing an inserted DJ spot, you can rate it on a scale of 1 to 5 and other users will always hear whatever spot is rated highest by others for a particular song.
Users can set preferences as to how often they want to hear DJ spots and can chose to only hear spots from user DJs they have added to their favorites list. This could be an annoying distraction, but I think the amount of control offered could make SpotDJ a service you’ll want to use. It’s a well designed system.
The San Francisco startup has received seed funding and is lead by Scott J. Kleper and Kevin Barenblat.
Commercial radio is generally unlistenable, but DJ commentary has a lot of potential to be useful and fun. Letting users record and rate the best commentary spots is an idea that taps into some of the best themes of the Web 2.0 movement.
This is an application that I have every intention of keeping installed on my computer after I test it. I’d like to be able to listen to the spots on my speakers via AirTunes, not on the speakers on my desktop. The company says that’s a lower priority than syncing the functionality with the iPod and I can understand that.
I’m excited to see how this service works out once people start recording DJ spots. Unlike many other Web 2.0 social services that are worse than worthless prior to mass adoption, SpotDJ sits unobtrusively waiting for people to record spots.
If and when the day comes that SpotDJ starts inserting audio ads, I hope they are short and don’t play too often. If in time I come to like the commentary I hear through the system I’d be willing to pay a small monthly subscription to skip ads. If people like SpotDJ, the next challenge will be to monetize it.
Agreed DJ commentary is the key!
This is an interesting idea, although probably not for everyone. When using iTunes I prefer to use a different companion (or DJ service) – it’s called “Soundflavor.” I belive it just launched – http://www.soundflavor.ocm
But, in the scheme of things, I guess it really just depends on what you’re going for, or what your preferences are. SpotDJ is great if you enjoy listening to DJ”s, but can’t stand commercials / random music selection.
SoundFlavor is better suited for people with big music collections that want to rediscover thier music, buy new music, and have custom tailored playlists created for them.
Marshall – Just commented on your spot on Inga Liljestrom; have you checked out swedelife music collective at swedelife.com? good music recos and free MP3s – :b
This is Kevin, one of the founders of SpotDJ. Just wanted to chime in with a comment. We founded the company under the premise that so much of what people love about music involves other people — shared experiences, differences of opinion, a perspective from the artist or thoughts from a friend, etc.
Music is expressive and collaborative, and it’s that energy we’re looking to bring into the listening experience by channeling the passion people have for music. In that way we stand out from some of the other applications that tie into media players such as iTunes.
Thanks for taking the time to check out SpotDJ, and we look forward to hearing your spots!
jonny320