Bitjockey

Next.jsReactTypescriptPostgreSQLPrisma

Streaming service tool for radio DJs to manage music, upload tracks, and build playlists. I focused on database design, UI improvements, and enhancing functionality for music upload and search.

Problem:

In June 2023, KANM Student Radio received surprise notice from Texas A&M's IT department that our previous streaming solution had to be taken down immediately. Myself and a remote team of 4 other developers had two months to create, test, and deploy a new streaming service from scratch, or KANM would not be able to operate in the fall.

Solution:

In August, we launched BitJockey: a robust, intuitive platform tailored for college radio stations. It streamlines music library management, enabling users to upload, preview, and edit music metadata: crucial for maintaining FCC compliance. Key features include member management, a flexible playlist builder, and a play bar for real-time DJing.

Technical Approach

The backend used a PostgreSQL database, with the Next.js front end built using React Typescript and Tailwind. Our main objectives besides basic functionality were to streamline the music upload process, improve search accuracy, and make the system intuitive for non-technical users.

My Contributions

> Authored the project roadmap, detailing feature implementation timelines and ensuring the project met the tight summer deadline.
> Redesigned the PostgreSQL database to organize and optimize music metadata, enabling faster queries and streamlined workflows.
> Created a user-friendly music upload interface with features for track preview, metadata editing, and marking songs as clean or explicit.
> Implemented tokenized fuzzy search functionality using a combination of SQL and text analysis techniques, greatly improving search speed and accuracy.
> Worked on front-end enhancements, including playlist functionality and UI improvements for the play bar.

Impact

The updated BitJockey software transformed how DJs managed their music libraries, significantly improving efficiency and usability. Enhanced search and upload functionality saved DJs time and ensured better metadata accuracy. My contributions laid the foundation for future updates and extended the software’s lifespan.