Turntable.fm is, somewhat mysteriously, back amidst a flurry of skittering drum beats and undulating bass lines. Not just in its original form, either, as a second permutation has also arrived.

Turntable.fm Is Back (Almost)

Yes, you heard right, the popular music streaming platform, Turntable.fm, has made a somewhat unexpected return out of nowhere.

Not seen since the site closed down in 2014, the platform provides a space for streamers to share audio, acting as a DJ would and selecting songs for people to listen to from a pre-populated list.

Related: Why You Should Use Your Keyboard as a MIDI Controller

The former version also allowed users to upload their own MP3 files to the platform, which could also include pre-recorded DJ mixes users had created themselves. It didn't have to be separate, unmixed tracks.

However, the site owners began winding the platform down in 2013 as the music industry wasn't happy that artists and labels weren't getting paid for plays. Having briefly moved to a live performance model, it closed its doors altogether in 2014.

Now, though, it is back. You just need to register for a waiting list to access it. Details of how you do so are over at Turntable.fm.

What Does the New Turntable.fm Do?

turntablefm waiting list screen

First, lets explain the old Turntable.fm. The concept was simple. Besides what we have explained above, any user can create their own virtual event space, and they are the "DJ", meaning they are in control of the music in that room.

The "audience" in the room were other users, and they could enter any room they wanted to. The site represented each room on screen in a cartoony form, with every single user having their own similarly stylized cartoon avatar.

So, the new Turntable.fm? Well, according to The Verge (which has seen the site), you still have virtual room creation.

You can also select from a few pre-loaded tracks, and there is reportedly some sort of integration with SoundCloud too. This may be how Turntable.fm plans to get around the murky issue of artist royalties that led to its demise seven years ago.

The new Turntable.fm has Billy Chasen at the helm, one of the original founders.

But Wait... What Is Turntable.org?

turntableorg user room screen

Yep, in a confusing twist, we also have a Turntable.org site just pop up, too. Not only that, but a former Turntable.fm founder, Joseph Perla, is in charge. Several prominent developers and designers join him, including bods from Twitch and TikTok.

With that in mind, it looks like Turntable.org is going to be providing a mobile solution for the platform. Whether the two Turntables are spinning in unison remains to see, but the site says, "We are launching an all-new mobile-first Turntable built for 2021!" which kinda gives the game away.

You can currently make donations to Turntable.org in order to receive various privileges, which include a discount on the future subscription, indicating that you'll be paying a monthly fee to use the app.

Two Turntables and a Microphone

Do you want to entertain your friends and feel the ire of complete strangers when you drop a DJ mix that sounds like galloping horses? Well, we suggest you get registered for both of the Turntable sites as they'll be right up your street.

If you produce your own music, then the SoundCloud integration could prove to be a real boon, as you'll possibly be able to play your own tracks from SoundCloud to an active audience.

Whatever happens with the two Turntables, we can't wait to see what it in store.