Virtual DJ Battles Transform Online Music Competitions With Real-Time Audience Power-Ups In NYC

BROOKLYN, NY— Jonathan Kaufman, also known as Ranch Daddy Disco, a board game creator turned tech innovator, sat with his computer, surrounded by cords, DJ spin decks and makeshift technology stacked in boxes.

Kaufman, 34, has been hosting the city’s first silent DJ battles, where DJs perform with wireless headphones. One of the events was even nestled below the Brooklyn Bridge on Sept. 20. Now, Kaufman is transforming the live competition into a virtual DJ battle.

“It’s been a process,” Kaufman said of the nearly year-long endeavor. “But I love learning about this stuff.”

The system allows online audiences to select which DJ they hear in real time. Multiple DJs spin simultaneously, while viewers toggle between streams, vote, and trigger power-ups that affect the competition.

Kaufman built a custom streaming platform to manage multiple audio and video channels. The system integrates AI, databases and interactive coding. Kaufman compared his work to traditional programming.

Beta tests run under controlled conditions, where up to three DJs compete live online.

The Sept. 20 event took place under the Dumbo archway, a creative hotspot managed by the Dumbo Improvement District. The district collaborates closely with community members and long-time residents to produce events, providing resources and support tailored to each project’s vision.

“I think every event that we put on is unique, and it’s very insightful and it’s very geared towards community building," said Michelle Leidecker, in charge of production for events under the archway."Seeing the same faces come up all the time is really enjoyable,”

Titan Carlman, 28, a DJ and co-organizer of the silent DJ battles, lives in Bed-Stuy and has been spinning tracks for local audiences while helping bring the events to life. With Jonathan Kaufman’s tech setup, Carlman competes in and helps run the battles, which now mix live performance with virtual coding, letting DJs and fans connect beyond the streets of Brooklyn.

“It’s wild,” Carlman said. “We’ve never had it ever where people were doing three at the same time."

The virtual battles mirror the energy of live events, and audience participation is central to the design. Each DJ earns points per second depending on which channel viewers select. Power-ups boost performance, stamina or even silence competitors temporarily.

Kaufman’s vision creates a new type of performance, blending gaming mechanics with musical skill.

Wednesday’s virtual DJ battle featured Kaufman, Carlman, and six additional competitors, with fans online controlling the experience.

“I don’t think this has ever been done before,” Carlman said.

Kaufman and Carlman are already planning their next round of live DJ battles, with dates tentatively set and venues still being locked in. You can stay updated on upcoming events and catch behind-the-scenes content by following Kaufman on Instagram @ranchdaddydisco.