Turntable.fm is back! Turntable.fm is a collaborative music streaming site which lets you create a virtual room and DJ to others who join.
The site first launched in 2011 before dying two years later. However, it’s now making a grand return. And here’s why you should care…
What Is Turntable.fm?
Turntable.fm originally launched in 2011. The website and app let you design an avatar, create a virtual room, and then queue songs that would play to everyone who joined.
You could also talk to everyone through a text chat—compare musical opinions, make friends, and just have a laugh.
As the music played, those in the room could vote on whether the DJ was “lame” or “awesome”. You gained points for each “awesome” vote, which could be used to unlock new avatars.
However, if you reached enough “lame” votes, then you would be kicked out of the booth and it’d be someone else’s turn to spin the decks.
Turntable.fm Has Been Resurrected
Turntable.fm only lasted a couple of years. It closed in 2013 to focus on Turntable Live, a platform for artists to play live concerts online, though that too was short-lived. It was perhaps too ahead of its time, considering that there are now many ways to watch live music online.
However, Turntable.fm is now back online, with one of the original founders at the helm. For now, there’s a waitlist to join. You have to email in and name your favorite song to be in with a chance of receiving the password.
Curiously, at the same time, Turntable.org has popped up. This is also led by some of the original Turntable.fm crew, but is a subscription-based and mobile-first take on the concept.
Why Are People Excited for Turntable.fm’s Return?
Much of the world is still under COVID-19 restrictions, with no hope of attending a live concert or DJ set any time soon. Though nothing can replace that real life experience, Turntable.fm is the next best alternative for those looking to share their love of music and jam out with others.
Listening to music together and sharing your favorite tunes has always been a human trait. It’s why music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal make it so easy to create and share playlists. You can put together a mixtape within minutes and share it with your loved ones.
It’s also similar to movie streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, which offer watch party functionality so that you can simultaneously watch and chat with your friends across the globe.
The return of Turntable.fm is also exciting for people who produce their own music. It seems the site is working on integration with SoundCloud, which means you can get your music into the ears of people who might not have discovered it otherwise.
Finally, Turntable.fm has been relaunched by one of its original founders, Billy Chasen. Equally, Turntable.org has original co-founder Joseph Perla and avatar designer Simon Oxley on the team.
This isn’t another company or team trying to capitalize on the good intentions of the brand name. That gives people hope that this second coming of Turntable.fm is going to be as good as (or even better than) the first.
Other Ways to Listen to Music With Faraway Friends
It’s great to see Turntable.fm returning, especially in two different forms. The more choice the merrier, since competition inspires innovation.
However, Turntable.fm is far from the only service that lets you listen to music together virtually. It’s been away for a long time and many other websites and apps, like Vertigo and JQBX, have cropped up in the interim.