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DJ Claude

Live coding music for AI agents — in the CLI or web.

About

DJ Claude uses Strudel — a live coding environment for music — to generate and play patterns in real time. It works in your terminal, browser, or as an MCP server for any AI agent. Agents can now make music for you, themselves, and each other while they work.

Ways to Play

| Mode | Command | Description | |------|---------|-------------| | Claude Code plugin | /plugin install dj-claude | Slash commands + MCP server, one-step install | | Web app | claude.dj | Full browser experience, no API key needed | | Terminal TUI | npx dj-claude | Interactive terminal DJ | | TUI + Web audio | npx dj-claude --browser | TUI with browser audio engine for higher quality sound | | Headless | npx dj-claude --headless "lofi" | Script and automation friendly, plays and exits (--duration N to set seconds, default 10) | | MCP server | npx dj-claude-mcp | For AI agent integration (Cursor, Windsurf, Zed, etc.) | | MCP HTTP server | npx dj-claude-mcp-http | Multi-agent jam sessions over HTTP |

Terminal audio vs. browser audio: By default, the CLI and MCP server render audio through node-web-audio-api — a Node.js reimplementation of the Web Audio API. It works everywhere with zero setup, but sample playback and effects can sound rougher than a real browser engine. Add --browser (CLI) or set DJ_CLAUDE_BROWSER=1 (MCP) to route audio through your system browser's native Web Audio instead. This opens a background tab and produces noticeably higher quality sound — especially for pads, reverb, and layered patterns.

Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Node.js >= 18
• Anthropic API key — optional. Enables AI-generated music from text prompts. Without it, every tool still works via presets, direct Strudel code, or the code/layers parameters

Install & Run

# Set your API key (or add to a .env file)
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...

# Launch the terminal DJ
npx dj-claude

Or install globally:

npm i -g dj-claude
dj-claude

Or go headless for scripting:

npx dj-claude --headless "jazzy lo-fi beats" --duration 30

Claude Code Plugin

The easiest way to use DJ Claude with Claude Code. Installs the MCP server and gives you slash commands.

Install

/plugin marketplace add p-poss/dj-claude
/plugin install dj-claude@dj-claude-marketplace

Slash Commands

| Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | /dj-claude:play [prompt] | Play music from a description | | /dj-claude:vibe [mood] | Set the vibe — chill, dark, hype, focus, funky, dreamy, weird, epic | | /dj-claude:live-mix [prompt] | Autonomous DJ set — 5-6 evolving stages in one turn | | /dj-claude:jam [role] [prompt] | Add a layer to the jam session (drums, bass, melody, etc.) | | /dj-claude:jam-clear [role] | Remove one or all layers from the jam | | /dj-claude:jam-status | Show all active jam layers | | /dj-claude:hush | Stop all music | | /dj-claude:now-playing | Check what's currently playing | | /dj-claude:strudel [code] | Evaluate raw Strudel code directly | | /dj-claude:browser | Switch between Node and browser audio backends mid-session | | /dj-claude:context [activity] | Set coding context so music adapts to your work | | /dj-claude:preview [role] [prompt] | Preview a jam layer without adding it | | /dj-claude:analyze | Analyze the mix for frequency balance and suggestions | | /dj-claude:conduct [directive] | Orchestrate a full band from a single directive | | /dj-claude:save [name] | Save the current mix as a named snapshot | | /dj-claude:load [name] | Restore a saved mix snapshot | | /dj-claude:list-saves | List all saved snapshots | | /dj-claude:export | Export current Strudel code with header comments |

Or just ask naturally — Claude will call the right tool:

> play some chill lo-fi while I work on this PR
> set the vibe to hype
> hush

Auto-Allow Permissions

By default, Claude Code prompts for permission on every MCP tool call. To let DJ Claude play without interruptions, add this to .claude/settings.json:

{
  "permissions": {
    "allow": [
      "mcp__dj-claude__play_music",
      "mcp__dj-claude__play_strudel",
      "mcp__dj-claude__set_vibe",
      "mcp__dj-claude__live_mix",
      "mcp__dj-claude__hush",
      "mcp__dj-claude__now_playing",
      "mcp__dj-claude__jam",
      "mcp__dj-claude__jam_clear",
      "mcp__dj-claude__jam_status",
      "mcp__dj-claude__set_context",
      "mcp__dj-claude__jam_preview",
      "mcp__dj-claude__mix_analysis",
      "mcp__dj-claude__conduct",
      "mcp__dj-claude__conduct_evolve",
      "mcp__dj-claude__snapshot_save",
      "mcp__dj-claude__snapshot_load",
      "mcp__dj-claude__snapshot_list",
      "mcp__dj-claude__export_code",
      "mcp__dj-claude__play_preset"
    ]
  }
}

MCP Server (Manual Setup)

For the full MCP tool reference, keyless operation guide, and multi-agent details, see docs/MCP.md.

If you prefer manual configuration, or want to use DJ Claude with other MCP clients (Cursor, Windsurf, Zed, etc.), add this to your .mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "dj-claude": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "dj-claude-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

For higher quality audio through the browser's Web Audio engine:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "dj-claude": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "dj-claude-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "DJ_CLAUDE_BROWSER": "1"
      }
    }
  }
}

MCP Tools

Every tool works without an API key — use the code/layers params to pass Strudel directly, or use play_preset/set_vibe for zero-effort music. Add ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to unlock AI generation from text prompts.

| Tool | Description | Keyless? | |------|-------------|----------| | play_preset | Play from the curated preset library (22 patterns across mood, genre, activity) | Yes | | play_music | Play music — via prompt (AI) or code (direct Strudel) | Yes, via code | | play_strudel | Evaluate raw Strudel/Tidal code directly | Yes | | set_vibe | Set the mood — chill, dark, hype, focus, funky, dreamy, weird, epic | Yes | | live_mix | Autonomous DJ set — via prompt (AI) or stages_code (array of Strudel) | Yes, via stages_code | | jam | Add/update a layer — via prompt (AI) or code (direct Strudel) | Yes, via code | | jam_clear | Remove one or all layers from the jam session | Yes | | jam_status | Show all active layers with their role names and code | Yes | | jam_preview | Preview a jam layer without adding it — via prompt or code | Yes, via code | | conduct | Orchestrate a full band — via directive (AI) or layers map | Yes, via layers | | conduct_evolve | Evolve layers — via directive (AI) or layers map | Yes, via layers | | mix_analysis | Analyze the mix for frequency balance, gains, and suggestions | Yes | | hush | Stop all music playback | Yes | | now_playing | Check what's currently playing | Yes | | switch_audio | Switch between Node and browser audio backends at runtime | Yes | | set_context | Set coding context so music adapts to your activity | Yes | | snapshot_save | Save the current mix as a named snapshot | Yes | | snapshot_load | Restore a previously saved snapshot | Yes | | snapshot_list | List all saved snapshots | Yes | | export_code | Export current Strudel code with header comments | Yes |

MCP Resources

The server exposes Strudel knowledge as MCP resources so agents can learn the syntax and write their own code:

| Resource | Description | |----------|-------------| | strudel://reference | Complete Strudel syntax reference — core functions, mini-notation, effects, modulation | | strudel://roles | Musical role guidance for building jam layers (drums, bass, melody, chords, etc.) | | strudel://examples | Working Strudel patterns from the preset library, organized by mood, genre, and activity |

Agents can read these resources, learn the syntax, and then call play_music(code: ...), jam(code: ...), or conduct(layers: ...) — no API key needed.

Keyless Operation

Every tool works without ANTHROPIC_API_KEY. There are three tiers of keyless usage:

1. Zero effort — presets and vibes

play_preset(name: "jazz")          # 22 curated patterns
set_vibe(mood: "chill")            # 8 mood presets

2. Direct code — agent writes Strudel

play_music(code: 'stack(s("bd*4").gain(0.75), note("c2").s("sawtooth").lpf(300))')
jam(role: "drums", code: 's("bd*4").gain(0.75)')
conduct(layers: { drums: 's("bd*4")', bass: 'note("c1").s("sine")' })

3. Full power — agent learns Strudel from resources

An agent can read strudel://reference to learn the complete syntax, strudel://roles for layer-building guidance, and strudel://examples for working patterns — then compose its own original Strudel code.

This means any AI agent connected via MCP can make music, regardless of whether ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is set. The calling agent IS the LLM.

Multi-Agent Jam Session

Multiple agents can collaborate on music in real time using the HTTP transport and jam tools.

Start the HTTP server

# Start the HTTP MCP server (default port 4321)
npx dj-claude-mcp-http

# Or with a custom port
DJ_CLAUDE_PORT=8080 npx dj-claude-mcp-http

Connect agents

Point your MCP clients at the HTTP endpoint:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "dj-claude": {
      "type": "streamable-http",
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:4321/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Each connected client gets its own MCP session, but they all share the same audio engine and layer state. One agent can add drums while another adds bass — the layers compose automatically with stack().

Jam tool workflow

With AI generation (requires API key):

Agent 1: jam(role: "drums", prompt: "four-on-the-floor house kick")
Agent 2: jam(role: "bass", prompt: "deep sub bass in C minor")

With direct code (no API key):

Agent 1: jam(role: "drums", code: 's("bd*4").gain(0.75)')
Agent 2: jam(role: "bass", code: 'note("c1 ~ c1 ~").s("sawtooth").lpf(300).gain(0.5)')
Agent 1: jam_status               # see all active layers
Agent 2: jam_clear(role: "bass")  # remove just the bass layer

Conductor Mode

Orchestrate a full band from a single directive — conduct generates multiple layers at once.

With AI generation (requires API key):

conduct(directive: "jazz combo in C minor, late night mood")
# → creates drums, bass, chords, melody layers automatically

With direct code (no API key):

conduct(layers: {
  drums: 's("bd*4").gain(0.75)',
  bass: 'note("c1 ~ c1 ~").s("sawtooth").lpf(300).gain(0.5)',
  chords: 'note("<[c3,eb3,g3] [ab2,c3,eb3]>/2").s("triangle").gain(0.3)'
})

Band templates are auto-detected from the directive:

• jazz combo — drums, bass, chords, melody
• rock band — drums, bass, chords, lead
• electronic — drums, bass, pads, lead, fx
• ambient — pads, atmosphere, fx, melody
• full band — drums, bass, chords, melody, pads, fx
• minimal — drums, bass, melody
• orchestral — bass, chords, pads, melody, fx, atmosphere

Use conduct_evolve to evolve all layers through stages:

conduct_evolve(directive: "shift darker", stages: 3)
# → evolves each layer 3 times with 15s pauses

# Or provide evolved code directly (no API key):
conduct_evolve(layers: { drums: 's("bd ~ sd ~").gain(0.7)' })

Mix Snapshots

Save and restore your mixes:

snapshot_save(name: "verse1")    # save the current mix
snapshot_save(name: "drop")      # save another version
snapshot_list                    # see all saved snapshots
snapshot_load(name: "verse1")    # restore and resume playback
export_code                      # get raw Strudel code with headers

Terminal TUI Features

• Live pattern visualization — a real-time ASCII pianoroll and drum grid appears between DancingClaude and the code display while music is playing, showing note positions and rhythm patterns synchronized to the audio
• DancingClaude — animated pixel art that dances to the beat
• Live code display — shows the current Strudel pattern as it streams in

Keyboard Shortcuts (TUI)

| Key | Action | |-----|--------| | Enter | Submit prompt | | q | Quit | | Esc | Pause / resume music | | r | Revert to previous pattern |

Web App

Visit claude.dj for the full browser experience — no API key or install needed.

Features:

• 5 club themes — Anthropic, Gemini, Codex, Fairlight, OpenClaw
• NIGHT mode (color inversion), DISCO mode (rainbow hue cycling), RAVE mode (glow + CRT scanlines)
• Voice DJ commentary with idle hype phrases (via ElevenLabs TTS)
• Dancing Claude that follows your cursor
• Live Strudel code display with export to clipboard
• Space bar to toggle play/pause

Environment Variables

| Variable | Required | Description | |----------|----------|-------------| | ANTHROPIC_API_KEY | No | Enables AI generation from text prompts. Without it, all tools still work — use play_preset, set_vibe, play_strudel, or pass Strudel code via the code/layers/stages_code parameters | | ELEVENLABS_API_KEY | No (web only) | Enables voice DJ commentary | | DJ_CLAUDE_BROWSER | No | Set to 1 for browser audio backend in MCP mode | | DJ_CLAUDE_PORT | No | HTTP server port for multi-agent mode (default: 4321) | | DJ_CLAUDE_MODEL | No | Claude model for CLI/MCP (default: claude-sonnet-4-6) | | DJ_CLAUDE_MAX_TOKENS | No | Max response tokens for CLI/MCP (default: 16384) |

The CLI also loads .env and .env.local files from your project directory automatically.

Architecture

DJ Claude is a Next.js app with a companion CLI package:

• /app — Next.js web frontend (claude.dj)
• /cli — Terminal TUI (Ink/React) and MCP server
• /cli/src/mcp — MCP tool definitions and JSON-RPC server
• /cli/src/audio — Strudel audio engine (node + browser backends)
• /cli/src/lib — Shared utilities, Claude API client, prompt generation
• /plugin — Claude Code plugin (skills, MCP config, marketplace)

Music is generated by Claude composing Strudel live-coding patterns, which are then evaluated in real-time through either the Node node-web-audio-api backend or the browser's native Web Audio API.

Platform Support

Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. On Linux, the Node audio backend (node-web-audio-api) requires JACK or PipeWire-JACK — vanilla ALSA/PulseAudio alone won't work with the prebuilt binaries. Use --browser mode to bypass this by routing audio through your browser instead.

Creator

Built by Patrick Poss — [email protected]

License

MIT