Unlocking Hidden Gems: How to Find the Best Tracks For Your DJ Sets Through Digital Crate Digging
- Pablo Ranacat
- May 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 3
By Claudia Kane - artist, producer, and DJ tutor at LSEM
Alright everyone, Claudia here. As an LSEM DJ tutor, I'm really excited to share some insights with you today about a skill that I believe is absolutely crucial for any aspiring DJ: digital crate digging. In my years of DJing and working with countless talented individuals, I've seen firsthand how mastering this art can truly set you apart. It's about more than just having a big music library; it's about knowing how to navigate the vast digital landscape to find those hidden gems that will make your DJ sets unforgettable.
The way we find music has changed so much, hasn't it? Before the internet, I remember spending hours in record stores, hoping to stumble upon something special. Now, it’s incredible – with a quick search and a few clicks, you can build an entire music library. But this abundance also brings a challenge. How do you cut through the noise and discover tracks that truly resonate and will elevate your performances? That’s where effective digital crate digging comes in.
In my experience, every online music store has its own strengths and weaknesses. Getting to know these platforms intimately is key to maximising your music discovery. Let me walk you through some of the main ones I use and some tips I’ve picked up over the years:
Now, if you're passionate about supporting independent artists and labels, Bandcamp is a fantastic platform. I even release my music through Bandcamp! It's especially artist-friendly,
offering a larger share of revenue per sale. On Bandcamp Fridays, they even waive their cut entirely - so the artist receives 100% of the purchase price. It's brilliant.
Each platform supports music differently - and I use many of them. But Bandcamp’s direct-to-artist model is especially powerful for independent creators.
Another great thing about Bandcamp is that you can download music as any file type – for no additional cost. This is a real advantage over platforms like Beatport and Juno Download, where high-quality formats often come with extra fees. I also find the subscriptions to artist & label updates invaluable. I have a dedicated folder in my email for these, which saves me so much time compared to manually checking each page for new music. While Bandcamp has a huge variety of genres, be prepared to dig a bit. And currently, they don’t offer playlists or recommended tracks, though I’m hoping that’s something they’ll introduce in the future.
For many of us in the electronic music scene, Beatport is a go-to destination. It’s incredibly popular among DJs, and its catalogue goes back decades. One feature I particularly love is the "Recommended" section in your shopping cart. If you've got at least one track in there, Beatport's algorithm will suggest songs based on genre, artist, and style. Honestly, I've found countless new tracks and artists this way that I might have otherwise missed.
You can also explore the "Appears On", "People Also Bought", and "More From This Label" sections for further music discovery. While browsing "Best New Tracks" or genre-specific releases can sometimes yield results, in my experience, it can be quite time-consuming. Following artists and labels to get notifications on new releases is also a handy way to stay in the loop. Just remember that the song previews are short, so the part you like might not be representative of the whole track.
For exploring the underground, SoundCloud is undeniably powerful. There's an endless amount of music to be found there. It's both its greatest strength and its weakness, as the sheer volume can mean more digging. One feature I find really useful is the ability to listen to what other artists are interested in. On a user’s profile, you can often see the tracks and profiles they like and follow – it’s a great way to discover new sounds.
The homepage also has some helpful features like "Daily Drops" and "Artists To Follow," which can lead you to interesting new music. You can often find free downloads from up-and-coming artists, which is a nice bonus. Just be aware that the sound quality might not always be the best, and sometimes there isn’t a link to purchase if you want a higher quality version. Also, the music player can sometimes diminish the quality of uploaded tracks, and on a free account, you'll encounter ads.
Spotify can be a fantastic tool for enhancing your music searches. My favourite feature is the Song Radio. When you find a track you like, just click the ellipsis and go to Song Radio – it’ll generate a playlist of about 50 related tracks, and I’ve often found real gems this way. Creating playlists and using the "Recommended" tracks at the bottom is another effective method. The homepage "Release Radar" and other recommendations can also uncover new music. However, remember that you can't buy music directly from Spotify, so once you find something you like, you’ll need to purchase it from a music store.
Juno is another well-established platform with a strong focus on independent labels across various genres. They have playlists like “Genres,” “New Releases,” and “DJ Charts” that are worth exploring. However, the site can feel a bit clunky to navigate. Also, keep in mind that their tracks can sometimes be pricier, and they charge extra for lossless files.
Now, you might not have heard of QoBuz, as it's not specifically designed for DJs. However, it’s a goldmine for finding high-quality versions of popular tunes from across many genres, dating back to the 1950s. If you ever need to make a DJ edit of a classic or want some reliable throwbacks, it's worth checking out. The search function isn't the best, so I recommend using your go-to search engine and adding "QoBuz" to your query. Also, it lacks special features like recommendations and curated playlists, and lossless files cost extra. Batch downloads aren't available either, which can be a bit time-consuming if you’re buying many tracks.
Beyond these stores, I also encourage you to use social media to broaden your music discovery. Follow your favourite artists – you’ll often see what new music they’re releasing or hyping up. Sometimes, artists will even ask for new music recommendations on platforms like Twitter, which can lead to fantastic discoveries.
Ultimately, the best approach to digital crate digging is to find what works best for you. Experiment with these platforms, see which ones align with your musical taste and workflow, and don't be afraid to dig deep. And remember, supporting artists is so important – whenever you can, buy their music and merch.
Digital crate digging is a skill we cover extensively in our DJ courses at LSEM. We believe it’s a cornerstone of becoming a successful DJ. You’ll learn these techniques in detail, discover how to build a powerful music collection, and unearth those unique tracks that will define your signature sound. Our expert-led curriculum will guide you through these digital landscapes, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to excel in the world of electronic music. Join us, and let’s unlock those hidden gems together!
Have a listen to Claudia's latest release!
Your journey as a DJ starts with one bold step – are you ready to take it?
What if your next set could change everything? Claudia is one of our expert DJ tutors at LSEM, offering hands-on guidance through our DJ courses and advanced 1:1 sessions. Whether you're fine-tuning your technique, shaping your sound, or preparing to break into the scene, she’s here to help you level up with intention and impact. > Ready to go deeper with your DJing?
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