Every DJ knows that his or her music selection is what they ultimately need to be successful. The DJ is made to move the crowd and defines the perfect music for every occasion. Without the right tracks, the DJ may not be able to to create the perfect moment. BPM Supreme founder and CEO, Angel “AROCK” Castillo, has been DJing since age 12. From the beginning, AROCK has been in the business of helping DJs create the finest parties and events with top musical selections.
In the past, DJs used record pools in order to locate the sounds they needed to create the perfect blend of music for an event.
What’s a “record pool”?
According to Wikipedia,
“A music pool or DJ record pool is a regionalized and centralized method of music distribution that allows DJs (disc jockeys) to receive promotional music to play in nightclubs and other events such as weddings, festivals and on the radio. Record labels worldwide send their newest releases to the pool of DJs; in exchange, the pool provides feedback on each release as well as exposure in the clubs and other venues they play in. DJs typically pay a monthly subscription to join the service provided by these record pools. Music pools originated as vinyl record pools in 1974 New York City, evolved into CD distribution networks, and later online music distribution between DJs (digital pools). A music pool may have a “brick and mortar” office or may be entirely virtualized. (Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_pool)
“I remember seeing the way the DJ could move the room when I was at a school dance. Just by choosing the right songs and mixing them in a certain way. I was immediately intrigued and knew I wanted to know everything there was to know about the lifestyle,” said AROCK.
As the music industry has become more digital, services like the record pools of old have become obsolete, and DJs have had a more difficult time finding the music they need directly from record labels, not to mention the complex legal issues that many DJs can encounter. For DJs who are not savvy in the technical or business end of music making, this can be complicated.
As a former DJ, AROCK began his company, BPM Supreme, in 2006 to help make it easy for DJs around the world to have access to the music they need, much like a record pool from times past.
Today, BPM Supreme leads the market in providing new releases, exclusive content, and various versions of new tracks to DJs, giving them the resources they need to create incredible events.
AROCK explains to MixMag:
“I used to work as an intern at a record pool. Back then, a record pool service revolved around vinyl. But when Serato was introduced in maybe 2004, I saw the evolution to digital on the way. I brought it up to my colleagues and said, ‘Hey, we have to introduce a digital service. It could be something similar to what we are doing, but we’ve got to introduce the MP3 to the DJs’. At the time my colleagues weren’t really thinking, innovation-wise; they weren’t really there. That was cool, I got it, but I wanted to try it out for myself and really focus on the digital side of things. So, I guess it was Serato that inspired me to find a new way to get the music out to the DJs. (Source: Here)
He explained to People, “It was very difficult for me to source my music and I didn’t have a platform where I could browse, search, preview a song. All the labels sent everything via email, so I wanted to figure out a way to simplify that, not only for myself but for other DJs.”
He explains some of his journey in creating BPM Supreme to Thrive Global:
“When I first created BPM Supreme, the technology was brand new and a lot of people just didn’t understand what I was trying to create. It took about two years to completely develop the digital download platform, and then even longer to begin marketing and creating the brand you see today. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if what I was doing would work but something told me to just keep going. Now it’s been about 20 years in the industry and I can’t imagine my life any other way.”
BPM Supreme acts as a perfect middleman between record labels and music creators to provide the tools, resources, and content DJs need to succeed.
”I am so proud to be advancing the culture with technology, innovation, and creative freedom for music makers. We want to build them up and be a support system. I think that’s going to be the legacy: Helping DJs, producers, musicians, and the music community to create music, play music, succeed in their careers, and, most of all, be heard,” AROCK explained to DJ Booth.
AROCK has inspired thousands of DJs, producers, and music creators around the world through the BPM. Keep up with AROCK on Instagram, Facebook, and Audiomack.
