An ID track refers to a song in a tracklist or setlist whose artist, title, or both, are currently unknown or have not yet been officially revealed. The term "ID" itself stands for Identification or Identity.
Understanding "ID" in Music Contexts
In the music industry, particularly within electronic music, DJ culture, and live performances, "ID" serves as a placeholder. When a DJ plays a new, unreleased, or exclusive track, or if the track's details are simply unavailable, it's common to list it as "ID" or "Track ID" in the setlist. This practice allows for the recognition of a specific song without disclosing its full details, often building anticipation among fans.
When is an "ID Track" Used?
The use of "ID track" is prevalent in several scenarios:
- Unreleased Material: Artists and DJs frequently test out new productions or upcoming releases in their sets. Listing them as "ID" maintains an element of mystery and allows for an official announcement at a later date.
- Exclusive Tracks: Sometimes, a track might be an exclusive edit, remix, or a special version not intended for public release, or it might be from an artist who prefers to remain anonymous for a period.
- Unknown Information: In situations where the person creating the tracklist (e.g., a fan or a radio show producer) cannot identify the artist or title of a particular song played, "ID" is used as a temporary tag. This often sparks community efforts to identify the track later.
- DJ Setlists: Live DJ sets and recorded radio shows are common places to encounter "ID tracks" as performers showcase fresh material or keep certain selections under wraps.
Common Scenarios for ID Tracks
| Feature | ID Track | Known Track |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Info | Unknown, unrevealed, or intentionally withheld | Clearly stated and published |
| Track Name | Unknown, unrevealed, or intentionally withheld | Clearly stated and published |
| Purpose | Placeholder for unidentified or unreleased music | Fully identified, commercially available music |
| Context | DJ sets, early previews, unreleased demos | Official releases, album tracklists, radio plays |
The Significance of ID Tracks
For music enthusiasts, particularly those following live performances or new releases, "ID tracks" can be a source of excitement and collective investigation. Online communities often emerge to help identify these mysterious tracks, a process sometimes referred to as "track ID'ing." Once identified, these tracks are often officially announced, released, or updated with their correct details, transitioning from an "ID" to a fully recognized song.
Understanding the concept of an ID track helps listeners navigate tracklists and appreciate the dynamics of music releases and live performances in the digital age.
