New app set to give DJs a run for their money

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If video killed the radio star, then a new mobile app which allows users to play music directly from radio stations' playlists, may signal the death of the DJ.

Recast allows users to pick the jams they want to listen to, and skip the ones they don't, without interruptions from commercials and DJ filler talk.

It was developed by Cape Town-based technology company Labs.fm and was launched in April.

"When it comes to music, the ultimate goal is creation of the perfect playlist," said the app's developer Richard Oakley.

"But not everyone knows what they want to listen to, and radio has already got that right. We built a music experience around that."

When one of the 200 radio stations available on Recast is clicked through, it shows the 10 most played songs and also breaks down the different genres by percentage.

The app pulls from various niche and mainstream music stations, which allows for varied content.

5fm and Highveld feature on the list of stations, which also includes radio stations from countries such as England, Sweden and the US.

Cape Town DJ Rob Vember welcomed the app and said the competition was good for radio. He said DJs were not in danger of extinction partly because online platforms struggled in South Africa because of high data costs.

"There is a human element that a song can't give you on its own sometimes," said Vember.

"People want to feel connected and be a part of something, and radio shows and DJs give that to them.

"We actually believe that Recast can help traditional radio stations, and supply useful data to them," said Oakley.

The app is currently only available for iPhones but an Android version is being developed for release soon.