Favorite Music Related YouTube Channels

And for the graying '80s kids out there, here are two specifics from Charles Cornell that I love and push on friends.

Charles has a brighter, more "on" personality than a lot of musicians -- he's always on 11 and having an impossibly good time every second -- but he knows what he's talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMtGImlEmu0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lk1d1PbHYY

If you want to learn about tube amps watching a pro do hands on maintenance and repair? Uncle Doug

https://youtube.com/@UncleDoug?si=wNqEcZonk-IDZneP

This guy is always spot on. I love his folksy style too.

New hotness from Tantacrul, who is also heads up Product for Musescore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3bUFgEcb4

Agreed... (Rick Beato's) rants make me laugh but I also don't always agree or even care.

I suspect the YT algorithm rewards hot takes that skew negative. I suspect those videos slamming the new hot songs are the videos that pull in new/younger viewers for Rick, vs. his 3 hour sit-downs with Temple of the Dog. AOK to judge anyone for playing the algorithm's game, but he's got kids to feed. Nobody with a mortgage spends the majority of their week making YT videos just for fun.

I also don't like the way that on top of his YouTube revenue he sells digital books.

What's wrong with selling instructional books? I think he started the e-book stuff before the YT stuff. The man's gotta eat. E.g. I've got Chuck Rainey's bass books from the early 80s; I don't see those books as in any way cheapening or invalidating his earlier accomplishments.

It seems pretty clear he's not really that successful anymore as a producer (who us yhoygh?) and probably overextended himself on that gorgeous studio and that his internet fanbase is actually keeping the studio lights on.

I was surprised to learn that he'd ever worked as a full time Producer. People that are great at teaching/communicating are rarely the ones who have preternatural abilities in the subjects they teach... especially if we're talking about pro YouTubers. He knows what he's talking about. He can bust out a guitar or piano and demo each concept on the fly, convincingly. Any stories peppered in about recording a demo with Collective Soul or whatever, are fine by me, but not necessary for him to get his points across.

Most of the nice home studios I come across are never going to come close to paying for themselves. Some ppl want a Porsche when they hit middle age, some want their dream studio. How he paid for it is not my concern, but it certainly lends and air of credibility and distinction to his videos. As an elaborate backdrop for his videos alone, I wouldn't be surprised if that studio has now, in a round about way, paid itself off.

That said, he understands music and sound better than anyone else shilling YouTube advice. Like I said, love/hate. I would probably have a drink with him if I ran into him somewhere.

When some famous engineer or musician from yesteryear shows up in a long form interview on Rick's channel, it might seem like that person was plucked right out of their quiet retirement... but in reality, I think many of these folks are on a continual circuit of Red Bull Music Academy, Summer/Winter NAMM, and other outlets desperate for interview content of any kind. They are being interviewed by people who often only have a passing familiarity with their work, or are just not-quite-able to bestow the right level of dignity to the proceedings. I am confident that the time any star of yesteryear spends interviewing with Rick is probably the most sane, thoughtful, and humane on-camera interview they're going to have all year.

This was the world BEFORE Rick Beato:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMVPFhbhgpU

...Compare that to NOW:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uusF1iie88

I first came across Rick like 5 years ago, and he seemed, at first, like a middle-aged crank who wanted the music industry to roll back to either 1977 or 1992 -- but so much of that was just my own anxiety about entering my 40s and worrying that I would soon be yelling at kids to get off my lawn. I was projecting a lot onto Rick -- he was the mascot of my self-loathing for a time. I wasn't yet ready to admit to myself that a 1 hour interview with present-day Robert De Leo could be good TV.

Now, I'm more at peace with realities, obviously. I can still put in the work to listen to new and (hopefully) challenging stuff from people born in this millennium, but absolutely nobody cares if I also spend time listening to Rick interview Kim Thayil. All the Gen X street-cred police have retired and bought houses in the suburbs. Nobody born after the Clinton Administration worries about whether or not they're a sell out.

I think my objection is less about Beato gaming the internet system and more about how he draws my attention to a major cultural phenomenon that really bothers my sensibilities... maybe its not Rick bothering me at all this whole time. I'm really bothered by the new business model for the arts and I just focused my ire on Rick becausemy introduction to him about 5 years ago was when someone linked me to a rant that was followed by him asking for likes, donations and for people to buy the Beato Book. Which is really smart. He's under way less financial strain than I am. But neither of us should have to do what he's doing and that's probably what I'm pissy about... and Rick just became an easy target for my misplaced indignation. I withdraw my negative remarks about Rick. Since the internet doesn't reward you fairly for quality content even if its massively popular you need to play the game and use that exposure to maximize those other revenue streams. It just chaps my ass and people who play along chap my ass too because I guess part of je always feels like participating in the great internet swindle prettymuch means you're perpetuating it. But it really doesn't matter what we do or don't do. Our country doesn't value the arts and the internet pyramid schemes like YouTube are just a symptom. Its not like major labels were much more fair and they were also undemocratic gate keepers.

So again. I'm going to stop worrying and learn to live Beato. I'm just not making any patreon payments to him.

New hotness from Tantacrul, who is also heads up Product for Musescore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3bUFgEcb4

THAT was pretty thought provoking AND entertaining.

New hotness from Tantacrul, who is also heads up Product for Musescore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3bUFgEcb4

THAT was pretty thought provoking AND entertaining.

Glad you enjoyed.

The dude spends the first 10 minutes of the essay just talking about chess notation, with zero mention of music... and yet, I was hooked.

He gives zero f%#*s, makes videos at an irregular clip, as the daily demands of Musescore allow, and yet, they're all produced with enviable quality.

[...] maybe its not Rick bothering me at all this whole time. I'm really bothered by the new business model for the arts and I just focused my ire on Rick becausemy introduction to him about 5 years ago was when someone linked me to a rant that was followed by him asking for likes, donations and for people to buy the Beato Book.

I admire that you took the time to re-evaluate your Beato-thoughts, Jim.

I hear you re: the seeming indignity of people having to ask the general public for likes, subscribes, and patreon dollars. Those same voices welled up in me for a good while, and still do on a lot of fronts.

That said, I can't think of a time period the history of the world where having a career in the arts was easy, fair and required no compromises. Each era favors some unique blend of skills, and punishes others.

[...] But neither of us should have to do what he's doing and that's probably what I'm pissy about...

Are you suggesting that Rick should be helping bands make records 1-on-1 for 50 hours a week, and by doing that, he deserves to make enough to pay his mortgage and feed his family? What if he was just a mediocre producer? What if being likable and watchable in front of a camera is what he is actually best at?

[...] and Rick just became an easy target for my misplaced indignation. I withdraw my negative remarks about Rick. Since the internet doesn't reward you fairly for quality content even if its massively popular you need to play the game and use that exposure to maximize those other revenue streams. It just chaps my ass and people who play along chap my ass too because I guess part of je always feels like participating in the great internet swindle prettymuch means you're perpetuating it.

I suspect that some of the first jazz musicians to jump ship and lend their talents to the emerging rock acts of the 50s and 60s were looked down upon by some of their peers. They were helping to perpetuate a hokey, simplistic new form of music that only kids liked... and that hokey, simplistic form of music was seen as degrading force within society.

Now it's 2023 and more people across the globe want to be a Youtube star than want to be a rock star.

This is a far from perfect analogy... ridiculous, even -- but history tends to rewards those who figure out which way the wind is blowing and make the most of it and/or people who have a better idea for how things should be, and the talent, energy and resources to force that better reality into existence.

But it really doesn't matter what we do or don't do. Our country doesn't value the arts and the internet pyramid schemes like YouTube are just a symptom.

Amen. Too bad we missed out on all those New Deal dollars back the the 30s, eh? That was probably the last time there was serious political will and momentum behind supporting the arts in this country.

Its not like major labels were much more fair and they were also undemocratic gate keepers.

Exactly.

So again. I'm going to stop worrying and learn to live Beato. I'm just not making any patreon payments to him.

Ha!

The dude spends the first 10 minutes of the essay just talking about chess notation, with zero mention of music... and yet, I was hooked.

That was actually the grabber for me to see how he came down on music notation after the crash course on algebraic chess notation and its rivals... and I am known play a little chess so that helped

He gives zero f%#*s, makes videos at an irregular clip

A man after my own heart.

I can't think of a time period the history of the world where having a career in the arts was easy, fair and required no compromises. Each era favors some unique blend of skills, and punishes others.

Scandinavia seems to have its act together these days but sure, ageeed.

What if he was just a mediocre producer? What if being likable and watchable in front of a camera is what he is actually best at?

I hope not

I suspect that some of the first jazz musicians to jump ship and lend their talents to the emerging rock acts of the 50s and 60s were looked down upon by some of their peers. They were helping to perpetuate a hokey, simplistic new form of music that only kids liked... and that hokey, simplistic form of music was seen as degrading force within society.

Now it's 2023 and more people across the globe want to be a Youtube star than want to be a rock star.

This is a far from perfect analogy... ridiculous, even --

You said it, not me

but history tends to rewards those who figure out which way the wind is blowing and make the most of it and/or people who have a better idea for how things should be, and the talent, energy and resources to force that better reality into existence.

Resources. Period. I think my working class bitterness shows more than I realize. But okay... plus, I AM a mediocre jazz musician who was playing and working on rock as well, just after Quincy and Herbie made it acceptable... and I really would have wanted to be a classical or even just a film composer but I didn't have the resources and connections... okay, okay... or the ability... or the first class training or even settlement school and curtis training... because as a kid I lacked the work ethic.

But it really doesn't matter what we do or don't do. Our country doesn't value the arts and the internet pyramid schemes like YouTube are just a symptom.

Amen. Too bad we missed out on all those New Deal dollars back the the 30s, eh?

If you're not being sarcastic then I agree. Either way I'm seeing Rick differently.

i admire that you took the time to re-evaluate your Beato-thoughts, Jim.

For some reason that's not my reputation even in real life here on the east coast... but I think a lot of my bullishness is contextual... if someone makes me think twice I'm going to, and if I'm being irrational I'll eat my hat and say thanks. But you often get your reputation from the loudest acquaintances and clients (or real internet trolls who don't know or care where you're coming from and are actively seeking to take you the wrong way) and these folks also tend to be the dimmest stars and the thin skinned grapes. So you've handed me my hat and I'm chewing. Thank you.

PS: sometimes I watch spitfire audio videos when they're not shilling product and telling how to score for a genre that probably needs a breath of fresh air from new ideas...

https://youtu.be/HaWGWQJVVBI?si=Te9ILcwElpgNjxfk

I've never tracked a classical ensemble this size so this was a grabber. Enjoy.

Scandinavia seems to have its act together these days but sure, ageeed.

We should both marry Norwegians. The road to a residence permit and eventual citizenship is long, but the pay off is pretty great.

What if he was just a mediocre producer? What if being likable and watchable in front of a camera is what he is actually best at?

I hope not

Ha!

This is a far from perfect analogy... ridiculous, even --

You said it, not me

I walked right into that one.

but history tends to rewards those who figure out which way the wind is blowing and make the most of it and/or people who have a better idea for how things should be, and the talent, energy and resources to force that better reality into existence.

Resources. Period. I think my working class bitterness shows more than I realize. But okay... plus, I AM a mediocre jazz musician who was playing and working on rock as well, just after Quincy and Herbie made it acceptable... and I really would have wanted to be a classical or even just a film composer but I didn't have the resources and connections... okay, okay... or the ability... or the first class training or even settlement school and curtis training... because as a kid I lacked the work ethic.

After one of my many rants about the injustices of arts funding and the art market, a professor I respected turned to me and said "yes, but you think this way because you're not 'of privilege' ". Which was a humane way to say "your white trash is showing". It's hard to ever really get out from under the perspective you're raised with. I'm certainly not free of it, though I try.

For some reason that's not my reputation even in real life here on the east coast... but I think a lot of my bullishness is contextual... if someone makes me think twice I'm going to, and if I'm being irrational I'll eat my hat and say thanks.

These are honorable qualities, Jim. Above and beyond what is expected.

I like to think of myself as someone who is willing to pleasantly recant, when warranted... but I'm not sure if the evidence here would support claim.

https://youtu.be/HaWGWQJVVBI?si=Te9ILcwElpgNjxfk

I've never tracked a classical ensemble this size so this was a grabber. Enjoy.

That's an intimidating # of musicians... they sound wonderful, though.

We should both marry Norwegians. The road to a residence permit and eventual citizenship is long, but the pay off is pretty great.

I'm down, my wife was a blonde wasp so its not a stretch

This is a far from perfect analogy... ridiculous, even --

You said it, not me

I walked right into that one.

No comment

Resources. Period. I think my working class bitterness shows more than I realize. But okay... plus, I AM a mediocre jazz musician who was playing and working on rock as well, just after Quincy and Herbie made it acceptable... and I really would have wanted to be a classical or even just a film composer but I didn't have the resources and connections... okay, okay... or the ability... or the first class training or even settlement school and curtis training... because as a kid I lacked the work ethic.

After one of my many rants about the injustices of arts funding and the art market, a professor I respected turned to me and said "yes, but you think this way because you're not 'of privilege' ". Which was a humane way to say "your white trash is showing". It's hard to ever really get out from under the perspective you're raised with. I'm certainly not free of it, though I try.

You obviously went to a better school than me, though I will we question the professor's acknowledgement of privilege since it seems like approval too, as if our background makes us inherently unworthy of recognition... I would bar fight this a$$hole

These are honorable qualities, Jim. Above and beyond what is expected.

I like to think of myself as someone who is willing to pleasantly recant, when warranted... but I'm not sure if the evidence here would support claim.

I can't speak to your equipboard record but I like you... and this s9ght has run off a lot of good folks i met here and still keep touch with

That's an intimidating # of musicians... they sound wonderful, though.

Cool video, right? Few of us will enjoy such a situation.

After one of my many rants about the injustices of arts funding and the art market, a professor I respected turned to me and said "yes, but you think this way because you're not 'of privilege' ". Which was a humane way to say "your white trash is showing". It's hard to ever really get out from under the perspective you're raised with. I'm certainly not free of it, though I try.

You obviously went to a better school than me, though I will we question the professor's acknowledgement of privilege since it seems like approval too, as if our background makes us inherently unworthy of recognition... I would bar fight this a$$hole

1. Ha! Bar fight? Even though she's in her 70s now, I'm sure she's still formidable... and she probably has tenure now, too... so she's got a pension-supported retirement to look forward to. In other words, she's got too much to live for Jim, I don't like your chances.

2. I grew up lower-middle class, but surrounded by what I now understand was rural poverty, some of it pretty abject. Because this was pre-internet, I was mostly unaware of the excesses of the wealthy. I got to keep the money I earned in my #$%& summer jobs and farm work, whereas some of my friends and classmates worked in the fields to help support their parents financially... so I grew up feeling guilty about what privileges I did have, rather than bitter about what I didn't have. Then I turned 18 and moved to the urbanized world and find out the TV show "Rosanne" wasn't the celebration of middle class success that I thought it was.

The late 90s was probably the last era in which a college professor would call a white male born in the US "non-privileged", but my prof. calling me out on that was something I needed to hear and to acknowledge and to deal with. I was pursuing a career in gallery fine art, and (at least at the time) one needed to have a functional relationship with the ultra-wealthy patrons that keep that world afloat. I needed to recognize the many class-driven philosophical divides that existed, and decide how I was going to navigate those differences. Burying my head in the sand or pretending my perspective was shared by all wasn't going to lead to career success.

I can't speak to your equipboard record but I like you... and this s9ght has run off a lot of good folks i met here and still keep touch with

Back atcha. If this site stopped existing, I'd just find you on some other music/gear site so we could continue or verbose exchanges.

Cool video, right? Few of us will enjoy such a situation.

Indeed.

Speaking of Spitfire, just came across these guys, who are either current or former Spitfire... I'm intrigued, but don't know what to make of it all yet:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheCrowHillCo

That guy's home studio puts mine to shame.

Another relatively-new channel to throw on the pile: Captain Pikant

The Captain analyzes synth nerd classics using new, obscure and/or boutique gear and spoonfuls of cool-kid-with-an-art-degree visual flair.

Very soothing.

https://youtu.be/Ix4U9eVDJk0?t=351

I have personally visited some of those channels and I can say that they are pretty useful.

I'm glad to hear that, Bridget :)

If you come across any music-related YT videos or channels that resonate with you, personally, don't be shy about mentioning them in this thread, even if it's weeks or months from now... I have a feeling you could help us broaden our perspectives a bit, and that would be a very good thing.

I listen to vevo a lot.

I appreciate that Vevo exists. They fill the void left by MTV's switch from music to reality TV... or whatever MTV does these days, I have no idea. Does MTV even exist anymore?

As a business? Yes. Conceptually it's been gone since the major labels tried to charge them for music videos that had up until Napster been provided free. Its kinda interesting ironic the CD boom days came art a time of ridiculous production budgets for videos. Those 90s videos launched the careers of more directors than David Fincher... but despite trying to make mtv for the bill, the majors still bankroll music videos in spite of the lack of an outlet that serves as a taste maker for millions of teenies... and a lot of twenty somethings.

As a business? Yes. Conceptually it's been gone since the major labels tried to charge them for music videos that had up until Napster been provided free. Its kinda interesting ironic the CD boom days came art a time of ridiculous production budgets for videos. Those 90s videos launched the careers of more directors than David Fincher... but despite trying to make mtv for the bill, the majors still bankroll music videos in spite of the lack of an outlet that serves as a taste maker for millions of teenies... and a lot of twenty somethings.

I had no idea labels were trying to charge MTV for their videos. It's not exactly the same as Pepsi trying to charge NBC for a soda commercial, but it's not completely the opposite, either.