Image via Complex Original
Over the last five years or so, listening to music has never been easier. Instead of going to iTunes or Amazon and previewing tracks, one just has to point their browsers in the direction of YouTube, type in practically any song you are dreaming of, and wham, someone's uploaded it for you. With so many artists occupying the dance music space, it was bound to happen that entire YouTube channels would be devoted to certain styles, sounds, and aspects of the dance music scene. The number has increased, especially with the increase in buzz over EDM, and we wanted to make sure that those of you out there had the proper outlets in your subscriptions. Found here will be the channels that have a great handle on their scene(s), as well as some spots that will delve a bit deeper into the lifestyle, from production to nightlife. Happy streaming!
UKF
In 2009, it started with two channels: UKF Dubstep and UKF Drum & Bass, both operated by Luke Hood. Luke started these channels for the same reason most do: to share music with his friends. Who knew in three short years that UKF would be celebrating one billion views on YouTube? Providing some of the freshest in UK dance music, the UKF brand (who's initials stand for "United Kingdom" and "Frome," Luke's hometown) has turned into a huge deal, spawning an events series, a radio show via Kiss FM, and a podcast, as well as a number of new channels, including UKF Live (for live event streaming), UKF Mixes, and UKF Music, which is genre-less but focuses on bass music. UKF went from being a huge source for drum & bass and dubstep for millions of subscribers to releasing a string of compilation albums (including releases done alongside the likes of Circus Records, Borgore, and Never Say Die), and is an important part of the AEI Media family.
Aliasizm
Has it really only been a year since Aliasizm has been in operation? Seeing as DAD loves the UK bass music scene, Aliasizm has been vital for those of us who can't get up on BBC Radio 1 shows when they're live. Aliasizm has specialized in providing high-quality recordings of new material that gets premiered on the radio, in mixes, and from other sources, giving the 'Net proper identification to the tunes of tomorrow, today. Just run through their archives; you're guaranteed to find some bits you've never heard, or knew but never had a proper name for.
POTATO
This channel is more than just uploading music for heads to stream; POTATO, which is a collaboration between Diplo, Skrillex, and A-Trak, is effectively an old school MTV for the 2013 set. EDM is the basis, but you're not just getting new videos and exclusive music (although they have both). POTATO has brought feature visual content ranging from live concert footage and documentary-type pieces on artists, genres, and scenes from around the world, but it's also hosted A-Trak's special "Short Cuts" segment, Ralph Moore's "Listen Up!" series, and more. Balance your bounce with some education and fun.
SubSoul
Their name says it all: SubSoul represents the soulful side of the bass music scene. They've only been in operation since 2012, but their sound is right up our bass-loving alley. Featuring all sides of the house, garage, and bass music scenes, you'll regularly see new material from Disclosure, Gorgon City, Bondax, Shadow Child, and others hitting their channel. They have also branched out, releasing a SubSoul compilation that featured the aforementioned acts alongside material from Breach, Dusky, and plenty others.
Majestic
Over the last year, Majestic has been juggling three different channels at the #samedamntime: Majestic Casual, Majestic Drum & Bass, and Majestic Dubstep. All three of the channels have a great handle on the genres they cover, and do a great job of mixing not only known and new artists, but including some throwbacks and tunes you should be up on. Plus, the Majestic Casual includes some inspiring imagery.
Mr. Suicide Sheep
For the last three years, Mr. Suicide Sheep has made a point to consistently upload not only a wide range of electronic sounds, but from artists you might not be readily aware of. When you see so many uploaders trying to throw the most "sexy" picture up with their tracks, it's good to see Suicide Sheep paired beautiful landscapes and images with the new sounds he's providing.
OneBeat
Positioning themselves as "the voice of EDM," OneBeat specializes in being the eyes to the scene, especially for those who might not be aware of what the EDM scene is about. They have ins with the biggest acts, are hitting the largest events, and creating interesting stories on what goes on inside of the world of EDM. From getting answers from DJs like 12th Planet to investigating what ravers should and shouldn't do during their nights out, OneBeat is a voice you need to look out for.
MoombaBlasta
Have you heard the term "moombahton" around but don't necessarily know what it's all about? Head on over to MoombaBlasta. For the last year they've kept the Internets blessed with a solid array of moombahton bits from the likes of ETC!ETC!, Milo & Otis, Valentino Khan, and anyone else making the freshest in that genre these days.
Liquicity
Liquicity is another drum & bass channel, one that's been in the game for the last five years. They have a great handle on all sides of the dnb scene, featuring the cream of the crop from both established acts and heads you truly need to know. If you're new to the genre and want to hear some of the more timeless aspects of the scene, Liquicity is a great jumping off point.
Phortysiks
Maybe just hearing tunes isn't your forte. Maybe you're a budding producer, and want to learn how to properly make a Dutch house synth, or how to properly master different elements of your music. Look no further than Phortysiks, which gives you instructional videos on all aspects of producing dance music. Some may look at this as giving away all of the secrets, but you can't teach talent, and hell, we're in the information age, it was bound to happen at some point.