Traxsource is an online music download store built for house music DJs, producers and collectors. Launched in 2004 by a team of DJs and producers, it focuses on deep house, soulful house, tech house, Afro house and every sub-genre in between. Instead of algorithm-led playlists, it is curated like a record shop run by people who live the music, and Steve Bell has bought his music there since October 2004.
Traxsource at a glance
- What it is: a download store specialising in house music
- Launched: 2004, by DJs and producers
- Key people: Brian Tappert (co-founder and Managing Director) and Sheldon Prince (Head of A&R), the team behind the Soulfuric label
- Specialism: house music and its sub-genres, from soulful and deep to tech, Afro and jackin’ house
- Formats: MP3, WAV and AIFF
- Best for: DJs digging for new and exclusive house music, and producers releasing house records
- Website: Traxsource.com
Why DJs choose Traxsource
- Built around house music: soulful cuts, deep house rollers and peak-time tech house, all in one focused catalogue.
- Formats for the booth and the studio: download MP3, WAV or AIFF in the quality you need.
- Exclusives and early releases: labels can run short exclusive windows on Traxsource, so some tracks land there before anywhere else.
- Human curation: a team of genre-specialist DJs in the A&R department listens to new releases and picks what gets featured.
- DJ charts: see what respected selectors are playing, and publish charts of your own.
How to buy music on Traxsource
- Go to Traxsource.com and sign in, or create a free account.
- Browse by genre, artist or label, or search for a track.
- Preview tracks, albums and compilations before you buy.
- Add tracks to your cart and keep digging.
- Check out by card or PayPal and download in the format you want.
Digging tips for DJs
- Buy lossless for the club: WAV or AIFF gives you full quality on big sound systems. AIFF also holds tags and artwork, which helps in Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor.
- Follow DJ charts, not just sales charts: charts from DJs whose taste you trust are the quickest route to records that work on a dancefloor.
- Dig by label: once you find a label that suits your sound, go through its back catalogue. Older releases are often the records other DJs aren’t playing.
- Check in on Mondays: the Traxsource team updates the site every Monday, with a smaller update on Fridays, so that’s when new features appear.
- Use your cart as a crate: keep possible tracks in the cart, listen again before your next gig, then buy only what makes the set.
Getting your music on Traxsource: a guide for producers and labels
Traxsource doesn’t take uploads directly from individual artists. Releases arrive through a label using a digital distributor that delivers to Traxsource, and not every distributor does, so check before you sign up.
- Set up an entity account: this free artist or label account lets you manage your profile and publish DJ charts on the site.
- Chart every release: publish a DJ chart with your new track in it, alongside records you’re playing. Traxsource’s own team recommends this.
- Deliver early: distributors advise getting releases in at least three to four weeks ahead, so the A&R team has time to consider them for features.
- Focus on quality: the A&R team says it listens to everything submitted and values crisp beats, good mastering, strong melodies and in-tune vocals over PR spend.
- Consider an exclusive: Traxsource offers short exclusive windows (two weeks, at the time of a 2020 interview) for music that fits its sound, which can help build a relationship with the team.
More than a shop
Traxsource isn’t just selling files; it’s keeping the culture alive. The DJ charts read like a who’s who of the scene, and the label tools help new imprints reach the right audience. It’s why Steve Bell has bought his music there since October 2004, and why Kings & Queens and DancersHip events run powered by Traxsource.
Traxsource vs Beatport
If Beatport is the supermarket, Traxsource is the specialist record shop where the staff know your name. Beatport covers the full range of electronic music, from techno and trance to drum & bass. Traxsource puts house music first, with deeper coverage of soulful, deep and vocal house. Many working DJs use both: Beatport for breadth, Traxsource for house depth.
Frequently asked questions about Traxsource
What is Traxsource?
Traxsource is an online download store for house music, launched in 2004 by DJs and producers and used by DJs worldwide to buy tracks in MP3, WAV and AIFF.
Who founded Traxsource?
Traxsource was founded by a team of DJs and producers, including co-founder and Managing Director Brian Tappert, the team behind the Soulfuric label.
What genres does Traxsource sell?
Traxsource sells house music and its sub-genres, including deep, soulful, tech, Afro and jackin’ house.
What file formats does Traxsource offer?
Traxsource offers MP3, WAV and AIFF, so you can buy for DJ performance or studio use.
Which format should DJs buy on Traxsource?
For club play, buy WAV or AIFF for full lossless quality. AIFF also keeps tags and artwork in DJ software, while MP3 suits smaller systems and saves storage.
Can I get exclusive tracks on Traxsource?
Yes. Many labels and artists release promos and short exclusives on Traxsource before other platforms.
Do I need an account to buy on Traxsource?
Yes. A free Traxsource account lets you buy, download and manage your collection.
How do I get my music on Traxsource?
Release through a label using a digital distributor that delivers to Traxsource. Independent artists can’t upload directly, but you can set up a free entity account to manage your profile and publish DJ charts.
What is a Traxsource DJ chart?
A Traxsource DJ chart is a list of tracks published by a DJ, artist or label using an entity account. It lets fans and other DJs see what they’re playing, and it helps promote new releases.
Is Traxsource good for new DJs?
Yes. Genre charts, DJ charts and curated selections make it easy to find quality house music at any stage of your career.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
