The Next Step for Pacemaker

It was recently announced that third-party DJ applications will no longer have access to music via Spotify. This decision will affect Pacemaker but we’re working on bringing music directly to the app via our own licenses, making the Pacemaker experience better than ever.

Pacemaker was the first DJ app to partner with Spotify when we launched Pacemaker for iPad back in February 2014. Since then we put millions of tracks at the fingertips of users, removing another big barrier and making it possible for more people to experience the joys of djing – creating hundreds of thousands of DJ mixes in the process.

Spotify has been a great partner and we’re saddened by the news, but we of course respect their business decision.

For a long time we’ve been looking at how to bring the Pacemaker experience to more users, and it’s now clear that the only viable way forward is by licensing music directly into Pacemaker. We haven’t started music licensing before now as it is a daunting task for even the most well versed and something that needs absolute commitment, but we’ve now been given the perfect reason to do so!

We’re working on licensing a deep catalogue based on the tracks that are used in Pacemaker mixtapes. This will ensure that the majority of the hundreds of thousands of mixtapes in Pacemaker that our users have invested so much time and energy into will continue to work. There will be a few tracks missing occasionally, but should this happen, our AI will step in and mix the neighbouring tracks together, smoothing the experience. And we’re going to continue our licensing efforts, filling the gaps.

When crafting new mixtapes or listening to existing ones, no music streaming service will be required. Instead everybody will be able to listen to or create mixes based on the millions of tracks that we’re licensing, as long as they’re either a Pacemaker+ subscriber or using a free trial.

If you’re a Spotify user, you’ll still be able to sync your playlists to Pacemaker so that you can easily mix with the music you love. For Apple Music users, we plan to add support for you too, matching your playlists to our catalogue – with the possibility for us to add more services after launch.

We’re still working on the finer details so stay tuned for more information.

Jonas Norberg
CEO and Co-founder of Pacemaker

Top 10 Pacemaker Users with the Most Shared Mixes in 2017

How many mixes can you create and share in one year? According to our Pacemaker users… never enough! We were curious to see who posted the most last year, so here comes the top 10. It’s still not too late to start sharing if you want to make it to the top this year! 😎

If you tap on their profile picture, you can listen to their latest mix.

 

 

#10: lisekravin (102 mixes)

 

 

#9: mecyellow13 (102 mixes)

 

 

#8: tlr104300 (114 mixes)

 

 

#7: raffi (125 mixes)

 

 

#6: capturingphi (129 mixes)

 

 

#5: mjgonzap (154 mixes)

 

 

#4: samuelnatal79 (164 mixes)

 

 

#3: willwilsonotf (198 mixes)

 

 

#2: djrichard (206 mixes)

 

 

#1: mattnewman30 (222)

 

Top 10 Most Commented Pacemaker Mixes in 2017

We absolutely love it when the Pacemaker community has a lot to discuss. No matter if it’s just a supportive thought, an amazing transition or an outstanding track that needs to be complimented, comments are highly appreciated. Let’s see which 10 mixes sparked the most comments last year!

If you want to (re)listen, just click on the mix in your iPhone.

 

 

#10

 

 

#9

 

 

#8

 

 

#7

 

 

#6

 

 

#5

 

 

#4

 

 

#3

 

 

#2

 

 

#1

 

Top 10 Most Liked Pacemaker Mixes in 2017

Check out the most liked Pacemaker mixes from 2017, we’ve compiled the 10 most ❤️ ones.

If you want to (re)listen, just click on the mix in your iPhone.

 

 

#10

 

 

#9

 

 

#8

 

 

#7

 

 

#6

 

 

#5

 

 

#4

 

 

#3

 

 

#2

 

 

#1

 

All We Want for Christmas is Your Mixtapes! 🎅🎄🎶

Create and share your Christmas mix to be featured in Pacemaker during the holidays.

 

 

 

Are you into cheesy Christmas songs? 🧀

Or you like a modern twist but keep it traditional? 🎄

Maybe you have your own crazy Christmas style? 😜

It doesn’t matter, we want to hear ALL your festive mixes! We will share the best ones with the world & feature them in the app.

Add #mixmas2017 in the title or description, so Santa can find your mix on his iPhone. 🎅

 

Click here for some inspiration: http://bit.ly/mixmas2017

80’s Slush Funk Mix with John Acquaviva

John Acquaviva (Photo: Tasya Menaker)

 

Legendary Italo-Canadian DJ/producer John Acquaviva has been behind the decks and music scene for decades now.  Having amassed one of the greatest collections of vinyl as well as at the bleeding edge of technology having introduced Final Scratch and Beatport to the world. With his latest Pacemaker mixtape the techno pioneer returns to some of his favourite club tunes from the glorious 80’s with thick slabs of soul, disco and funk.

You can see the master in action both speaking and performing at Slush Music in Helsinki  this coming week along with Solidaritet in Stockholm, Sweden (Dec 1) and One Twenty Stars LTD in Tampere, Finland (Dec 2).

 

Techno, Deep House & Underground Trap 🚀

Label Worx are back with an uncompromising, heavyweight techno mixtape

 

 

UK-based Label Worx are back with an uncompromising, heavyweight techno mixtape. Featuring some proper warehouse anthems, this selection is a gold mine with lots of underground gems to discover. More than two hours of seriously intensive techno business with raw, heavy drum grooves and basslines. Ready to jump into the darkest corners of electronic music?

 

 

Fans of all music genres should check out @powertothefish’s latest sound bouquet, because it basically contains everything you can imagine. Everything. From abstract trap music through bass, techno and electro to the most underground and obscure hip-hop gems. An impeccable and crazy mixture!

 

 

@iva9 has proven himself to be a deep house aficionado, finding lots of like-minded followers in the Pacemaker community. For his latest mix he’s picked tracks from Enormous Tunes, the amazing Swiss house music label. In this soothing selection you can find gems by Nora En Pure, Sons of Maria and Croatia Squad.

Guest Mixtape & Interview: Dawn Richard

Dawn Richard aka D∆WN is one of the most electrifying phenomena in the independent music scene. Hailing from New Orleans, currently living in Los Angeles, the queen of pop new wave has been releasing some of the most forward-thinking music of our times. When Dawn is not busy breaking pop star narratives, she loves to play around with Pacemaker and drop some kick-ass mixtapes. Read our interview with the fabulous and super inspiring Dawn while you’re listening to her latest selection.

 

Dawn Richard / D∆WN

 

You’ve recently finished your North American Redemption Tour, how did it go?

Everything went well. We curated a stadium show in small venues, it worked out amazing. Each city brought its own flavour!

‘Redemption’ was the final chapter in The Heart Trilogy. How did it feel to close this circle

It felt like taking a large exhale. I did what I said I would do and with no major machinery. I’m proud of that.

What are you working on currently?

I already have a new album on the way as well as some creative and tech business endeavours.

You came a really long way from working with P. Diddy in Danity Kane to collaborating with Machinedrum in your latest releases. How is your audience keeping up with you?

I have an amazing movement that is open to evolution and transformation. It’s who I am as an artist and I’m grateful they rock with me!

Going independent after topping the Billboard is definitely a ballsy move. What do you think, after trying out both sides, are the biggest challenges and benefits of having control over all the aspects of your work?

I like both sides, I appreciate being my own boss though. I like to have creative freedom to not only perform but work in design, animation, tech and film.

Do you have a dream collaboration you would like to make it happen?

Hans Zimmer would be a dream. I’d like to collab on scoring an independent film.

We will also soon be able to see you on the silver screen as the main lead in Jean-Claude La Marre’s ‘Kinky’. How did you end up in this role and how did you enjoy yourself in this new challenge?

I wanted to try something out of my comfort zone. This was an opportunity to do that.

How do you relax when you’re not doing anything music-related?

I’m always working. Always!

You were born in New Orleans and you’re currently living in Los Angeles. Is there anything you miss from home sometimes?

I miss everything about New Orleans. LA and NOLA are two completely different waves. LA is my work home, NOLA is my soul home.

What are your favourite spots in LA?

Love The Broad, The Last Bookstore and Real Food Daily.

How does a regular day of yours look like when you’re not touring?

Designing set designs, animating for my series, djing for my NTS radio show and yoga if I have the time.

How do you discover new music nowadays? Do you buy records or you prefer digital formats and streaming?

I still buy records, I’m in love with the vinyl sound.

Name 3 artists whose sound you really like at the moment.

Afefe Iku, Kaytranada, Sampha.

Tell us a bit about the selection in your latest Pacemaker mixtape ‘NewSchool’.

I wanted to show love to the different females killing the game. Some indie, some major, all needed.

You’ve been playing around quite a bit with Pacemaker. What do you like the most about the  app, what are your favourite features and what would you like to improve?

I love the mixing options! I love that it gives you references on what compliments your picks. I’d love to be able to speed and slow tracks down in the app, really hoping that can be added! 🙂

 

Follow Dawn:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website

Spotify

Soundcloud

 

Tech & Deep House Rhythms 💥

Meet the Pacemakers! Read our chat with @joebrokken + listen to some great tech & deep house

 

 

Ever wondered who your Pacemaker friends really were? Where do they live, what do they do when they are not busy creating amazing mixtapes? Well, it’s time to get to know them a bit better! To break the ice, we spoke to everyone’s favourite @joebrokken. Read our chat & play his latest mixtape, where vaporwave meets Jimi Hendrix and experimental electronica is the new funk!

 

 

We just can’t get enough of @stevemodz’s heated tech and deep house selections. Expect the unexpected, effortless transitions and some of the hottest vibes with Hot Since 82, Sonny Fodera, Lupe Fuentes etc. Play this at your house party for maximum satisfaction!

 

 

@gbread’s first Pacemaker+ mixtape totally deserves a spot in this week’s best of the best. Just like your favourite double shot espresso – it’s hot and simmering, packed with super energetic bass & tech house grooves, deep bangers and a blast of club-ready beats.

Meet the Pacemakers #1: @joebrokken

Ever wondered who your Pacemaker friends really are? Where do they live, what do they do when they are not busy creating amazing mixtapes? Well, it’s time to get to know them a bit better! To break the ice, we spoke to everyone’s favourite @joebrokken!

joebrokken

Where in the world do you live?

I live in Seattle, Washington USA.

We only see a username and sometimes a picture when it comes to users. Who is behind your username?

Oh, well I’m a music lover, a husband, a pet owner, and a designer.

How did you discover Pacemaker?

I downloaded Pacemaker two years ago when it was first featured in the iOS App Store.

What is your favourite thing about Pacemaker?

I love that Pacemaker keeps getting better and more fun to use, but my favorite thing about the app is the community of music lovers it has created. I am connected with musical friends all around the world and I love that. Pacemaker has created a social network where people are smart, kind, and sharing ideas – it’s so cool!

What would you improve in the app?

I’d like to see some more advanced info about the tracks I’m mixing. Pacemaker does a lot of heavy lifting for me when it comes to matching tracks, but I would like to see the key signature of each track any way. It would help me find songs that go together even though they may have a different BPM.

If you could pick just one favourite user in the Pacemaker community, who would that be?

I would have to say every user I’ve had a dialogue with. The people who are engaging and want to have a conversation about music like tefoden, provocateur, proudspark, capturingphi, stanfitz, jonas and many many more keep me going and make it fun to share.

Name one of your most favourite mixes from another user on Pacemaker.

Every once in a while a mix drops that is so fresh and new everyone else wants to take a crack at it. I remember when tefoden dropped NOISE // RNB // NOISE, everyone was like, WOW what is that? That mix taught me a lot about contrasting sounds and the importance of having contrast in a mix. Yes, we want smooth seamless transitions but not at the cost of sounding boring. So for the next few mixes I played with the idea of contrast and I noticed this theme popping up in mixes from other friends on Pacemaker. It was like everyone went up a level together by listening and collaborating with each other.

How do you usually discover music, what are your favourite sources?

Our local alt-radio station KEXP states that most people find their “type” of music in their early 20’s and stick with it for the rest of their life. KEXP is on a mission to undo all of that. They want to create a scene where people discover and love new types of music for a lifetime. I couldn’t agree more with that mission. I am always digging around on record store blogs and meandering down algorithmic paths on Spotify to find artists I’ve never heard of. Pacemaker makes it really easy to find new music because people with great taste from around the world are always dropping mixes with artists I’ve never heard of.

How much time do you usually spend on creating a mixtape?

Some flow right through me in a couple of hours, while others take weeks and lots of research. It’s hard to say.

What do you do when not mixing on Pacemaker?

I’m into the local music scene here quite a bit. I went to the Flaming Lips, Mark Farina, Fleet Foxes, and Father John Misty recently. It was like a DIY music festival. When I’m not getting down with my bad self on the dance floor I like to go outside and have fun in the fresh air.

joebrokken

Did Pacemaker change the way you’re listening to music? If so, in what sense?

Pacemaker taught me how to choose just the right thing to listen to. I didn’t know that I had good taste in music until I saw other people who I greatly respect commenting and enjoying my mixes. Just a few weeks ago it dawned on me that OMG I have good taste in music.

Have you had any DJ experiences before joining Pacemaker?

Nope.

Are you making music yourself in any way?

I am a pianist first and a drummer second, I like making tracks on my computer. But more than anything I’m enjoying Pacemaker as a musical outlet these days.

Name 3 of your current favourite artists.

Bicep, Svarte Greiner, and JD Emanuel.

Who would you like to see posting a mixtape on Pacemaker?

LAUREL HALO!!!

Name one of your own mixes that you’re the most proud of.

I’ve been putting these meditation mixes together for a while now, and when I’m working on one I can feel the music coming through me. It is one of the purest expressions of self that I have found and I’m always surprised when other people like them. For me it is really hard to mix popular music because I like to live on the fringe. So I have to say that I am most proud of Headphones and Chill #3, It should be called Netflix and Chill because that mix is sexy. I took a crack at really mixing some popular music and making something new with it. I pulled all the stops and used everything I’ve learned about mixing to create the smoothest sexiest mix possible. Everyone I play it for remembers that mix and says oh, you have really good taste in music, what was that?

Name one friend who should be on Pacemaker but isn’t.

Octoclops – you know who you are buddy.

Is there a question you always wanted to ask from a Pacemaker user but you never did? Ask away!

@provocateur: what planet did you come from and can I party there?