Top 10 YouTube Channels Every Independent Musician Should Follow for Skills, Inspiration, and Growth
Every day is a school day, and as an independent musician, finding the right resources to improve your craft and grow your career is a neverending journey. Thankfully, YouTube offers a ton of free content tailored specifically for artists like you. Whether you're looking to refine your theory skills, learn music production, master promotion techniques, or simply find inspiration for your next project, this list has a bit of everything. Dive in and discover the tools you need to take your music to the next level!
1. Damian Keyes – Best for Music Promotion Tips and Social Media Strategies
The Damian Keyes YouTube channel is a fantastic resource for new musicians looking to promote their music and navigate the challenges of the modern music industry. With regular, high-energy content, Damian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his advice is tailored to artists working with limited budgets. He offers practical music promotion tips on everything from building a fanbase to optimizing your social media presence, making his channel a go-to for independent artists seeking realistic strategies.
What sets Damian apart is his ability to break down industry concepts into manageable steps, empowering musicians to make tangible progress. While some advice, like his insights on AI tools such as MidJourney, may not be totally on the money, Damian remains a valuable voice in music promotion. For instance, using MidJourney to generate artist content might not be as straightforward as described—it’s tricky to recreate your likeness accurately, meaning your AI generated images are unlikely to look enough like you to be passable with your fanbase if posted on social media. So I’d save yourself the subscription costs and give it a miss for now.
Despite occasional over-simplifications, Damian’s extensive industry knowledge and passion for helping artists shine through. His channel is an excellent starting point for musicians eager to learn music production, experiment, and grow. With the option to hire Damian for deeper insights, his platform offers a wealth of resources to elevate your DIY music career.
2. STRANJAH – Top for Electronic Music Production Tutorials
The STRANJAH YouTube channel is an essential resource for electronic musicians looking to level up their sound production skills from home. Specializing in drum and bass, jungle, and electronic music, STRANJAH delivers practical advice that can be applied across popular DAWs like Ableton and Logic Pro X. Whether you're crafting fat kicks, wobble basslines, or experimenting with synth building and sound manipulation, his tutorials provide actionable tips that empower artists to refine their craft and achieve professional-quality tracks.
Beyond production tips, STRANJAH’s videos are full of personality. Each one kicks off with his signature dance, instantly setting a positive tone and putting a smile on your face. His tutorials cover everything from dance music structuring and call-and-response techniques to crafting impactful sound FX, making his channel a treasure trove for emerging producers.
With roots as a music producer dating back to 1996, STRANJAH combines decades of expertise with a genuine passion for teaching. His channel also features exhilarating DJ sets, which are as fun to watch as they are inspiring. For anyone delving into electronic music, STRANJAH is an invaluable guide, offering the tools, techniques, and enthusiasm needed to thrive on your music production journey.
3. PHianonize – Best for Piano Tutorials and Songwriting Skills
Phianonize’s YouTube channel is a goldmine for musicians wanting to sharpen their piano skills, whether for songwriting, performance, or personal growth. With an insane 1.83 million subscribers and nearly a billion views, this channel offers easy piano tutorials for everyone, from absolute beginners to more advanced players. It’s perfect for drummers or guitarists who want to enhance their keyboard abilities to write music more fluently or for anyone looking to master popular songs for busking or private events like weddings.
The tutorials cover a diverse range of music, from classical pieces like "Fur Elise" to modern hits like Coldplay’s "The Scientist." Each video is designed like dance mat for keyboard and you can play along, pause or slow down the video to get tricky sections nailed. Phianonize breaks down songs in a way that’s simple to follow, helping you build confidence and repertoire quickly.
In addition to free tutorials, Phianonize offers sheet music through Musicnotes and personalized song requests via Fiverr, providing tailored resources for learners. The channel even partners with Skoove to offer structured piano lessons if you have the spare cash.
Whether you’re picking up the piano for the first time or brushing up your skills, Phianonize delivers a fantastic learning experience that brings the joy of playing music to everyone.
4. NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts – Inspiration for DIY Bands
The NPR Tiny Desk YouTube channel is a treasure trove of inspiration for musicians looking get inspired and see how the greats can reimagine their sound stripped back. Known for its intimate performances, Tiny Desk showcases the biggest artists in music in a raw, authentic setting. From global superstars like Harry Styles, Adele, Mac Miller, and BTS to alternative favorites such as IDLES, The Cranberries, and even the surprise collaboration between Shaggy and Sting, this channel proves that less is more when it comes to showcasing musical talent.
Tiny Desk is more than just a performance space—it’s a creative playground where artists reinvent their tracks, break the rules, and deliver fresh takes on their sound. For budding musicians, it’s a masterclass in how to strip back production and focus on the essentials: melody, lyrics, and performance. Whether you're seeking creative inspiration, new approaches to covers, or simply need uplifting energy, Tiny Desk delivers every time.
This channel is also perfect for background listening during your music admin days, perhaps when you’re scheduling posts or planning a tour schedule. If you're looking to refine your sound, discover new possibilities, or simply brighten your day, Tiny Desk is a must-watch.
5. Los Fastidios – Best for DIY Music Touring Inspiration
Noone runs a DIY music career as professionally as Los Fastidios. They’re an Italian ska band who promote anti facism, anti homophobia, anti racism and veganism whilst dropping incredilble bouncing ska tracks influenced by a cultral legacy of punk, reggae and 2-Tone. Sharply dressed and always on tour, these guys kill it on social media and are ones to watch if you need inspiration for your own band. A well oiled machine to say the least.
The YouTube channel of Los Fastidios is a masterclass in DIY band professionalism and a goldmine of inspiration for grassroots artists. Hailing from Verona, Italy, this ska-punk powerhouse has been spreading their message since 1991. Los Fastidios combines their sharp style with energetic, skanking rhythms that resonate across languages, performing songs in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German.
For DIY musicians, their channel is an invaluable resource showcasing how to tour independently while thriving on merch sales and a loyal fanbase. Los Fastidios demonstrates what it takes to keep a band running, playing over 100 shows a year and maintaining an incredible social media presence. They regularly tour Europe and beyond, gracing major festivals and venues while collaborating with like-minded punk and ska bands such as Moscow Death Brigade.
The band is led by Enrico De Angelis, founder of independent label KOB Records, alongside Elisa Dixan, who sings, tour manages and is in charge of the band’s successful content edits on social media. Follow Los Fastidios on YouTube or Tik Tok for insight into their grassroots approach, activism, and relentless drive. Check out their channel to learn how to tour and promote your music on your own terms!
6. Burstimo – Cutting-Edge Marketing Tips to Grow Your Fanbase
We stumbled across this channel on the off chance and ended up sticking around for the whole 10 min video, totally enthrawled. Burstimo really drags us analogue musicians kicking and screaming into 2024 with a new understanding of algorithms and online fanbase growth.
For musicians striving to grow your fanbase and secure the recognition they deserve, Burstimo is a must-watch. The team dive into actionable strategies that deliver real results.
In one standout video, they reveal exactly how they helped the artist Isaac Butler grow from obscurity to over 26,000 Instagram followers, 120,000 TikTok followers, and millions of streams. Their no-nonsense approach to modern music marketing ensures that new artists can see the next step in front of them.
As a professional music marketing agency, Burstimo brings expertise honed from working with artists in the UK and Europe. They specialize in leveraging advanced marketing techniques to help musicians gain fans, streams, and followers. Their content covers everything from building a buzz on social media to crafting campaigns that convert casual listeners into loyal fans.
If you’re an artist ready to take your career to the next level, Burstimo is an invaluable resource. Their videos provide cutting-edge tactics tailored to today’s music industry, helping you market your music effectively and build a devoted audience that amplifies your sound.
7. Waves Audio – Best for Professional Sound Production
For musicians and producers looking to elevate their sound production skills, the Waves Audio YouTube channel is an indispensable resource. As the world’s leading developer of professional audio plugins, Waves has revolutionized the music production landscape with cutting-edge tools for mixing, mastering, live sound, and post-production. Whether you’re working on your first home studio project or fine-tuning a professional mix, Waves Audio offers tutorials, tips, and insights to help you achieve polished, industry-standard results.
A recipient of the prestigious Technical GRAMMY® Award, Waves’ software has been instrumental in creating countless hit recordings, blockbuster films, and best-selling video games. The channel provides comprehensive guides to their innovative plugins, empowering artists to harness the same tools used by top professionals in the industry. From enhancing vocals to creating dynamic mixes, Waves Audio ensures you have the knowledge to bring your creative vision to life.
In addition to supporting musicians, Waves' licensable audio algorithms power consumer electronics for brands like Dell, Google, and Fitbit, showcasing their unparalleled expertise in sound technology. For artists ready to transform their music production and recording capabilities, the Waves Audio YouTube channel is the perfect starting point. Dive in and discover how to craft professional-quality music right from your home studio.
8. Musformation // Jesse Cannon – Practical Advice for DIY Musicians
Musformation with Jesse Cannon is a YouTube channel that provides insights for musicians looking to grow their fanbase and succeed in the music industry. Jesse, a seasoned record producer, music marketing expert, author, and podcast producer, offers practical advice on everything from crafting better songs to understanding the intricacies of the music business. His channel stands out as a go-to resource for artists who want actionable strategies to promote their music effectively and make real progress in their careers.
With over 429 videos and 4.2 million views, Jesse consistently delivers content that breaks down complex topics into easy-to-digest guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your DIY music career to the next level, Jesse’s tips on fan engagement, marketing tactics, and industry trends are essential. He also provides opportunities for deeper learning through his consulting services and membership platform, Musformation Labs.
Regularly uploading new videos, Jesse Cannon ensures his audience stays informed about the latest tools and strategies in the ever-evolving music landscape. With nearly 97,000 subscribers, Musformation is an excellent resource for artists seeking to turn their passion for music into a thriving career. Check out his channel and start building the fanbase you deserve.
9. Mastering.com – Transform Your Sound Production Skills
For artists seeking to develop their sound production skills and master the art of recording music at home, Mastering.com is a premier destination. With a focus on expert mentorship and community-driven learning, Mastering.com offers a comprehensive online education experience that goes far beyond traditional tutorials. Their flagship program, The Reverse Engineer, transforms self-producing musicians into professionally trained mastering engineers in just nine weeks, equipping them with the skills to craft professional-grade tracks.
But the journey doesn’t stop there—Mastering.com also trains artists to become accomplished mix engineers and producers, ensuring they have complete creative control over their projects. The channel provides practical, results-driven guidance that empowers musicians to bridge the gap between the sound they imagine and the sound they produce. Whether you’re a beginner or an artist refining your skills, Mastering.com’s resources are designed to help you create polished, industry-standard music from the comfort of your home studio.
With a thriving community of artists and mentorship from industry professionals, Mastering.com ensures you’re never working alone. For those ready to unlock their full potential and achieve the sound of their dreams, Mastering.com is an essential resource that makes professional-quality production accessible to all.
10. Andrew Huang – Inspiration for Exploring New Sounds and Techniques
Andrew Huang’s YouTube channel is an inspiring and dynamic hub for musicians looking to expand their music theory skills and creativity. With over 2.37 million subscribers and 757 videos, Andrew shares his expertise across a wide range of musical topics, from in-depth music theory lessons to inventive ways of generating song ideas. A partially deaf musician from Toronto, Andrew’s unique perspective shines through in his approachable teaching style and his ability to make even the most complex concepts accessible.
Andrew’s channel is a treasure trove for anyone interested in exploring new genres, mastering production techniques, or discovering the best VST plugins. Whether he’s collaborating with other artists, demonstrating how he produces his music, or offering insights into video creation, his content is packed with inspiration and practical tips. He’s also the creator of the Flip Sampler app, a powerful tool for mobile music-making, and offers an online music production class for those wanting to dive even deeper into their craft.
With a discography of over 40 albums, Andrew Huang’s passion for music is as boundless as his creativity. His channel is perfect for new artists eager to develop their skills and explore the endless possibilities of music-making.
BONUS: Adam Ivy – Best for Accelerating Fanbase Growth
Adam Ivy’s YouTube channel empowers artists with the tools and strategies needed to accelerate their fanbase and career growth. Drawing from proven marketing expertise, Adam Ivy offers actionable insights tailored specifically for musicians aiming to stand out in today’s competitive industry. His guidance is grounded in real-world results, with strategies that help artists achieve viral success, including growing their social media followings and building millions of streams.
Adam Ivy’s approach is rooted in his innovative marketing techniques and entrepreneurial success. With experience spanning collaborations with major artists like G-Eazy and Kevin Gates, and recognition from platforms like CNBC and MTV, Adam’s expertise translates seamlessly to helping independent artists grow their reach. His channel equips artists with modern, scalable methods to elevate their income, impact, and authority in the music world. Adam Ivy delivers the knowledge and tactics musicians need to transform their passion into a career.
BONUS: Ethan Davis
Ethan Davis’s YouTube channel, Complete Producer, is a welcoming space for aspiring musicians to learn music production. With the philosophy that "anyone can make music," Ethan channels the spirit of the beloved Ratatouille chef, offering approachable and encouraging guidance for artists at any skill level.
With 172K subscribers and over six million views, Ethan’s channel combines relatable humor, clear instruction, and practical advice to help you bring your musical ideas to life. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your production skills, his videos break down the process of music creation into manageable steps, making it accessible for everyone.
Ethan’s content ranges from songwriting tips to production techniques, all presented in a way that feels more like chatting with a supportive friend than attending a formal lesson. His passion for teaching and genuine enthusiasm shines through in every video, creating a positive and engaging environment for learning.
If you’re looking for a down-to-earth guide to mastering music production, Complete Producer is the channel to explore. Subscribe, stay a while, and start turning your creative ideas into polished tracks with Ethan’s advice.
Share Your Favorite YouTubers
We’ve curated these YouTube channels to help independent musicians learn music production, grow, and succeed. From mastering music production to perfecting your DIY music career, these creators are your gateway to inspiration and growth.
But what about you? Which YouTube channels have helped shape your musical journey? Share your recommendations, experiences, and favorite tips in the comments below.
