Revolutionary new stems format goes live

Today Native Instruments have announced the launch of their new format.

Stems is a new open, multi-channel audio file format which allows DJ's and producers alike to freely interact with a track's different musical elements by splitting it in up to four ways. Each individual stem is fully interactive with Traktor; any DJ with the right kit will now have the freedom to isolate their favourite parts of a track and create new mixes, mashups and a-cappellas live as well as in the studio.

All major download sites like Beatport, Traxsource and Juno will now be offering the new multi-channel stems format, aimed to accommodate the ever changing music landscape and exponentially expanding DJ market.

First previewed by Native Instruments at Miami's Winter Music Conference, it's been turning heads and building momentum ever since. Hundreds of major record labels are now signed up in support of the format; Toolroom, Hotflush Records and Dirtybird are just a small few ready to release brand new and back catalogued tracks in stems.

Check out stems in action below, performed by Berlin bass music DJ-producer NGHT DRPS.