J. Brown Thinks Out Loud

If you haven’t lived under a rock over the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably heard something about Turntable. Turntable is a new service that allows users to play music in a room while others listen and play along. I call it DJing, but you are welcome to throw your own tag on it. 

There are five “DJ stations” in each room and unlimited, as far as I know, “standing” space. Once you’re on the site, you can build a playlist or “queue”. This information and song list is saved, so it’s there every time you log in. Users can choose from a HUGE library of songs to add to their queue. If you can’t find your tune on the existing library, which is built using your uploads, you can upload it. This enables remixes, local music, etc to be logged in the database.

Users can choose a room that’s already rocking or create their own room that is private or public. Private rooms simply require a link, that you’ve received from someone in the room, for ability to enter. Basically, the purpose of a private room is to keep random users from “walking” into your party.

Once you begin playing music, you may be rated by your fellow listeners. There is a “Lame/Awesome” meter in each room. Listeners are allowed to rate each tune. Be careful! Too many “Lames” and your tune will be skipped for this round. Want to know who “Awesomed” your tune? Look for the bobbing heads in the room.

Users can choose to “Fan” other DJs, which prompts the site to send you email notifications when those DJs that you’ve “Fanned” start up a session. I would use this option sparingly. Those emails could get out of hand, fast.

Users accrue points from “Awesomes” and when other users “Fan” them. The points are used to upgrade a DJ’s outfits. I think the game element is important, but not essential for the success of the site. I honestly think that this thing is about to BLOW UP! I mean that in a good way.

Now you know how it works and you know that I love it. Honestly, this is the most addicting online experience I’ve had since Words With Friends. On Tuesday, I listened to and/or played music from 1:00 that afternoon until 10:00 that night. Heather and I didn’t even turn the television on at home. I’ve kept a running list of new music that I’ve never heard and have quite a expensive busy future ahead of me for downloading.

If you want to try it out, all you need is a friend on Facebook that has access. By this point, I’m sure that won’t be hard to find. I will warn you, the site is still in beta mode. You’ll find “bugs” almost every time you use it, but not enough to keep you away. My advice: get out there and start spinning tunes today! You’ll be glad you did.