When we think social media, Facebook and Twitter are often the first platforms to come to mind. But, for DJs, producers, and musicians, YouTube, as a platform for previewing songs and videos and often for streaming new music, is a must.
Practically all electronic dance music artists have a YouTube channel. While some are extremely organized, others include just a handful of videos.
When it comes to what channels to watch on YouTube, it’s where the subscribers are. Sparse, irregularly maintained channels have few subscribers, while those unveiling several videos per week and taking a multi-pronged approach, like Ultra Music, reach the 1 million mark.
So, out of all the possible channels you could watch for videos, news, and streaming audio, which should you seek out?
Ultra Music
As the record label’s YouTube channel, Ultra Music does everything right: regularly introduces music from its well-known and up-and-coming artists, offers samples of albums, and even captures some of its artists’ concerts on the road. Although videos are present, Ultra Music’s YouTube channel is primarily a source of hearing the latest singles through streaming audio. However, considering it recently paired with Ultra Music Festival, which has its own YouTube channel, this may change in the future.
ArmadaMusic.tv
As a label, Armada is a trance power house. Its YouTube channel is essentially a trance destination online. But, its status is no coincidence. As we mentioned before, a social media strategy was integral to Armada’s approach since its early days.
Spinnin’ TV
Claiming to be the world’s No. 1 EDM channel, Spinnin’ TV has several videos and album tracks for its artists, which range from up-and-comers to more established producers. Much like Ultra Music, Spinnin’ TV, with nearly 200 videos, is a perfect channel for hearing the latest top singles and watching the most recent videos.
UKF Drum ‘n’ Bass/UKF Dubstep
While most popular EDM-related YouTube channels focus on house and trance, UKF’s drum and bass and dubstep channels are the go-to destinations for bass music. And, while Skrillex’s own channel may have 2 million subscribers, UKF’s options provide more variety, especially for dubstep. UKF claims it collaborates with several labels and artists to curate its content, and for both channels, tracks from well-known and less-familiar artists are introduced fairly frequently.
OfficialTiesto
Some DJs are artists; others are brands. Tiesto, as one of the most recognized names in the genre, falls into the latter. His YouTube channel reflects this. Rather than simply being a collection of videos or streaming tracks, the DJ’s official channel covers all aspects a fan would want to know: his latest endeavors (AKG headphones, fashion, or World AIDS Day efforts), new singles and collaborations, news, and plenty of teasers.
Deadmau5
If Tiesto is all brand, Deadmau5 lets fans into his life. Juxtaposed with his latest videos and singles is behind-the-scenes footage, including time spent in the studio or on set. Those wondering how the most expensive electronic music video “Professional Griefers” was put together get a glimpse, but for a far more low-key approach are videos of the producer’s cat. Deadmau5’s brand, YouTube channel included, captures the essence of the internet: everything from what goes on behind the music to a three-minute cat video.
Fedde Le Grand TV
Fedde Le Grand is one of the few DJs toward the top of DJ Mag’s list that can do both a classic set and produce new tracks. His YouTube channel, much like Tiesto’s, offers a thorough look at all sides of the artists. Listen to streaming audio for his Dark Light radio sessions, catch live video clips, and even hear his latest singles and collaborations.
Pioneer DJSounds Show
One of the closer options toward the online television format, Pioneer DJSounds Show features interviews and live sets. Even though several well-known artists appear for sets and interviews, the vibe is low key and informal. That is, until the set starts. Rather than the boring crowd shots in a concert video, Pioneer DJSounds Show offers a closer look at each DJ’s use of equipment technique.
