Just one thought from me. Depending on the crowd, the right song can also be something in a completely different key.
Some DJs (myself included) get into the weeds for the technical aspects of DJing, which includes harmonic DJing. But really if you use the tools available, stems, loops etc, you can technically mix anything with anything (within reason).
Of course.. you both are soo right @BillPayer and @STU-C !
Harmonic mixing is just one of you tools in the toolbox of a dj. And especially open-format DJâs like me have so much other aspects to take into account to pick the best next record. But when I want to mix harmonically I want to be able to pick the best of ALL the options. (Not just the ones that Algo marks as no-brianers.
Thatâs why I think the current implementation makes a common UX mistake: it confuses safety with usability. By filtering out anything that isnât (according to Algoriddim) a âno-brainer safe match,â advanced DJs lose a significant piece of visual and cognitive supportâexactly the kind of help software should provide. DJs make split-second decisions, and any visual guidance reduces mental load. Right now, that âburdenâ is pushed back onto the user unnecessarily.
A few specific points:
DJs use their ears, timing, and context to make transitions. Breaks, drops, and energy shifts often create opportunities for transitions that are theoretically tricky but practically perfect. Suggesting matches doesnât mean they must be usedâitâs just guidance. Not every suggested key needs to be mixed perfectly or 100% harmonically. DJs also use key-match suggestions to identify the next track that will give an energy boost or move the set in the desired direction.
With Stems, removing melody or bass lines allows smoother transitions without key clashes. Highlighting energy-boosting options (+1 or +2 semitones) or other advanced harmonic mixes (even with a âsignalâ icon) would help DJs make more creative choices while still avoiding mistakes.
Some widely-used techniques like energy boosts are completely missing. A next track that gives an energy jump is often exactly what a set needs. By hiding these, the feature limits creative flexibility without improving safety.
The assumption that showing a match implies it must be mixed is flawed. Visual guidance should empower DJs, not restrict them. Even a subtle visual indicator (icon, outline, or label) could convey the type of transition without confusing beginners or color-blind users.
In short, this is not a slippery slope. Itâs a missed opportunity. The current design prioritizes âsafetyâ over supporting user choice, when a more nuanced approach could satisfy both beginners and advanced users.
Thanks for considering this feedback. I believe with a few adjustments, this feature could become much more valuable for DJs at all levels.
Is it a burden, or is it just utilising your skillset?
I do woodworking as a hobby (built my own DJ furniture in my DJ room) and i dont see using those skills as a burden, i enjoy putting my mind to work to create something. The same applies for DJing, i enjoy honing the skills required to be able to select that next track and work it into the mix.
An âadvancedâ DJ, surely they dont need that visual and cognitive support? do you think Sasha, Louie Vega, Carl Cox etc are using match features to choose their music? they are what id call advanced DJsâŚ. it seems to me like a bit of a problem that is looking for a solution in that respect.
Youâre comments are noted DJ_Big_Blender and I will share them with our dev team for consideration.
Thanks for sharing this @Mister_Tuur. Perhaps this deserves itâs own Suggestion topic?
Iâd been looking for other library related requests to cross-post, but wasnât able to locate them.
Maybe a new topic is a better idea and then we can link other related posts to that.
Sounds good to me
Here we go.
Thanks @Mister_Tuur
You are so right @STU-C. I see it that way as well. It was meant to be âburdenâ, because itâs not a real burden.
