Where to find free downloads for dj sets

Even with all the free streaming music on the net sometimes it's hard to choose what to listen to. It's not a bad idea to turn to a compilation, mix or live DJ set for a varied and seamless hour or two.

A lot of these sets contain little-known releases and remixes from underground artists, and as such probably won't ever make their way onto Spotify, Grooveshark or a similar service.

Whilst an MP3 download doesn't quite replace the thumping bass and sweaty appeal of a live set you're still bound to find something you like on one of these 4 websites.

EgoThieves.com

Featuring some face-melting mixes from right across the electronic music genre, EgoThieves is the collective name for Jenai and JC Adams, as well as a select number of other quality DJs. The website itself is a shining example of engaging webdesign, with lashings of JavaScript and AJAX as well as a quirky graphical style.

Regular mixes include Dubfluencial (dubstep and grime galore), Electzilla (anything electro and upbeat) and Pop! Dub! (commercial sounds meet rolling dubstep bass). If none of those take your fancy then there's a decent variety of other mixes expertly blended for your listening pleasure. The website is also updated fairly regularly with new releases, happenings and events.

EgoThieves regularly attend club nights and live sets in the UK so if you've listened in and fancy coming along check the website for listings. The website operates an artist-friendly policy, whereby if the artist wants his or her song removed they simply request via email.

Random Mix: Dubfluencial 9 - Mixed by EgoThieves

A rude and loud awakening for anyone still unfamiliar with the genre of dubstep. Not to everyone's tastes but if you're into this stuff then you might want to check out the older mixes too!

The Mixing Bowl

The only torrent site on the list, The Mixing Bowl combines community spirit, a ratio system and an endless list of live mixes from every genre you can (pretty much) think of. The mixes are tagged, categorised and uploads are regular.

You'll need to keep a good ratio to avoid getting banned, so remember to seed and not download beyond your means. There's a ton of variety on offer, including live DJ sets, radio shows and sessions and regular big-name club mixes. As well as the usual dose of commercial, breaks and trance there's plenty of choice including funk, chillout and tribal as well as video uploads to work your way through.

Tracker registration is open at the time of writing, but may close in future so act fast. If you're reading this and registration is closed then keep trying as accounts will become available once inactive users are pruned.

Random Mix: DJ Kentaro Live at Ninja Tune XX (London)

An eclectic mix of electro, reggae, funk, scratching performed by DJ Kentaro, who won the 2002 DMC World DJ Championships with this blinding set. The set in the torrent was taken from a Ninja Tune gig in October 2010, featuring other artists from the same label.

Subnav.com

A quirky, edgy and awesome resource for anyone interested in lovingly blended beats and basslines. You've got the option of downloading the pre-mixed MP3 files or streaming them in a pop-up browser, so you can listen on the go.

There is plenty of variety of usual, with users submitting their own mixes for inclusion on the site. SubNav is a great way of discovering great DJs and free DJ mixes with a couple of quality hand-picked releases per week.

If you really love the site then you might be interested in the free stickers they're offering too (they ship worldwide).

Random Mix: 27 45s in 61 - Anatoly Ice

27 funk 45rpm 7" vinyl records lovingly arranged into 61 minutes of wonderful seamless funk. Download it now!

Livesets.us

For all you late night ravers, clubbers and Ibiza party animals there's Livesets.us, a regularly updated source with regular live sets from DJs all over the world. If you're mad about glowsticks and can get past the slightly bare website you'll find a mountain mixes, with new sets added every day.

Featured artists include big name DJs like Paul van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold and Grooverider with a lengthy list of acts to create a heady mix of trance, dance, house, drum and bass amongst other electro offerings. Again, you can make the choice over whether to download or stream your chosen mix in your browser.

Random Mix: Fabio Live on BBC Radio 1

Fabio's Radio 1 show is on at stupid o'clock over here in the UK so listening to it on the BBC's iPlayer streaming service is a good option. Now others can enjoy his 2 hour long drum and bass set from anywhere in the world.

Conclusion

Whatever your taste in music you're bound to find something here that takes your fancy when your favourite streaming services fail you. If you're not feeling particularly inspired and can't find anything to listen to why not take the strain out of it and let someone else decide?

Do you have any favourite mixes or related websites? Let us know in the comments.

Intro Image: Shutterstock