Keep in mind these retailed for about $3000 - $3500 USD back around 1987. ($8000+ in today's money). So, back then - you weren't exactly swapping the family PC out all that often.

Here's the Virtual DJ page ... http://www.virtualdj.com/produ...

Virtual DJ is one of the three software packages most commonly used by DJs.

Note their comment on the Audio service.

"It appears that one of our main content provider for our Audio Plan has been uploading a small number of tracks without proper licensing. We are shocked to learn that, and until we can get more information about this situation, we suspended the delivery of their content from our Music Plan. We are working as fast as we can to understand what happened and find a solution to this situation."

It's economics. DJs can spend ~$1 per song if it's a one off request that they'll never play again (losing money) or they can subscribe to a service that should cover them for pretty much everything ... just like Rhapsody, Spotify, etc.

One thing I want to be clear about... most DJs, myself included aren't people who download scoured music. There are a multitude of services that cover the digital distribution legalities (SoundExchange) for you. Just do a search for "DJ Music Service".

They are actually quite handy for today's DJ.

The Virtual DJ service (GrooveShark) can range from $10 to $50 a month, depending on if you want to play music videos also.

I'm sorry, what causes you to think I do not 'get' it? I believe I included the SoundExchange delineation on the performance rights on my original post. As I stated, I simply stated I hadn't sat and read the entire PDF.

The complaint was specifically about 4,907 of 15 million recordings. I don't know what the 4,907 specific recordings were. To be honest, I don't really care.

But, if you're the same AC who implied that I played unlicensed music - I think "I don't know" is a more accurate answer than your conclusion.

Many DJs do not carry physical media with them anymore, aside from what music files are on the hard drive. There are a multitude of music services that tailor specifically to DJs, which falls into the "digital streaming" category. It's one of the niceties of being in the 21st century. Think of a patron wanting a request ... the DJ can pay $50 a month or just buy each individual request they may get. The subscription model generally works out better for most DJs.

The Venue's ASCAP/BMI/etc license covers performance rights. The Grooveshark legal complaint covers digital distribution/streaming.

http://www.virtualdj.com/forum... (For Virtual DJ's comments, by the way.)

I don't know if I did. Apparently there were 4,907 recordings out of the 15 Million. I haven't had time to check my history against a list of the 4,907 cited that I haven't found yet. But thanks for your concern.

As an occasional substitute DJ, this will impact me. I use Virtual DJ software package; it uses GrooveShark as a primary music service. (It also scours the web with their own service that isn't as good.)

(Without reading all of it...) It looks like the judgment cites digital distribution, which is generally covered by SoundExchange. SoundExchange generally covers the type of license (statutory) that covers the media or streaming rights. Whereas the performance rights (BMI, ASCAP) cover the performance rights. Also, for those interested ... business establishments that play music generally need to secure performance rights licenses directly from performance rights groups like BMI or ASCAP. Licensing from BMI and ASCAP increases significantly if your restaurant/club includes a dance floor (implying more of your revenue originates from music).

So, I'm just curious how the breach of non-licensed music (digital distribution) occurred. I'm sure my usage case of GrooveShark doesn't apply to all users. But I am curious how they failed to secure licensing.

Nevertheless, there will be a good chunk of DJs that are scrambling to get music tonight and tomorrow. Credit to those who use their own on-computer library with something like Serato or Traktor. Virtual DJ (on their forums) state that they are looking for another music streaming provider.