Proximity

Proximity is an American YouTube channel and EDM distribution outlet founded in 2009, with 8.9 million YouTube subscribers (as of July 2026) and 5 billion total views across 2,241 videos published over 17 years. It describes itself as one of the largest outlets for distributing EDM in the world, with the tagline "Your favorite music you haven't heard yet." Proximity offers demo submissions through its website at demo.prxmusic.com and operates a merchandise line. The channel primarily covers electronic music, music, and pop music. It is ranked number 605 on YouTube in the United States.

Proximity built its reputation as a YouTube-first EDM distribution outlet. Its 8.9 million subscribers and 5 billion total views make it one of the largest EDM-focused YouTube channels in the world. The channel's model is built around discovering and distributing new EDM from a wide range of artists, with a focus on music that fits its "Your favorite music you haven't heard yet" tagline. Its open demo submission policy (through demo.prxmusic.com) makes it more accessible than many EDM labels. The channel's 2,241 videos over 17 years show a consistent release cadence that has built its massive audience.

How Proximity Operates

Proximity runs dedicated A&R from its US base. It operates an independent distribution network, primarily through YouTube. The channel's strength is its massive YouTube audience (8.9 million subscribers, 5 billion total views) and its open demo submission policy. Its model is built around discovering and distributing new EDM, with a focus on music that fits its "Your favorite music you haven't heard yet" tagline. The channel operates a merchandise line at prxmusic.com, providing additional revenue beyond YouTube ad revenue.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make electronic dance music, Proximity is one of the largest EDM distribution outlets in the world, with 8.9 million YouTube subscribers and 5 billion total views. Its open demo submission policy (through demo.prxmusic.com) makes it one of the most accessible EDM outlets for new artists. Its YouTube-first model provides massive exposure for distributed tracks. Its merchandise line provides additional branding opportunities.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• Distribution outlet model: Proximity operates as a distribution outlet rather than a traditional label, which means it may not provide the same level of artist development as a traditional label deal.
• Electronic focus: Proximity distributes EDM. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
• YouTube-first revenue: Proximity's model is built around YouTube, which means revenue is heavily tied to YouTube streaming and ad rates.
• High volume: With 2,241 videos over 17 years, individual tracks may get limited sustained attention.

Notable Artists and Releases

Videos

Deal Structures

Proximity operates multiple deal structures that have evolved since its founding. The primary model is a distribution and promotion arrangement where Proximity features an artist's track on its YouTube channel (with 8.9 million subscribers as of July 2026), providing massive exposure in exchange for distribution rights. In 2017, founder Blake Coppelson launched a formal label venture with a partnership through Geffen Records (a subsidiary of Interscope). This deal made Proximity the seventh sub-label under the Geffen umbrella, allowing it to sign artists to traditional recording deals with major-label distribution backing. The first release under this partnership was BoTalks' "Know U Anymore" featuring Sarah Hyland in July 2017. Prior to the Geffen deal, Proximity released its first label single "Candles" by Morgan Page and Steve James in January 2017. The channel also operates a free-to-use licensing component for content creators, allowing music distributed through Proximity to be used in YouTube videos without copyright strikes. Proximity accepts demo submissions through demo.prxmusic.com, and the channel operates a merchandise line at prxmusic.com for additional revenue.

How Artists Get Signed

Proximity accepts demo submissions through its website at demo.prxmusic.com, making it one of the most accessible EDM outlets for new artists. Founder and CEO Blake Coppelson personally evaluates submissions, and the channel has a history of identifying artists early in their careers. Artists like 3LAU, Chris Lake, Lemaitre, Madeon, Kill Paris, and Minnesota were promoted on Proximity early in their careers. The signing process depends on the type of deal. For distribution and promotion features, artists submit finished tracks that fit the channel's "Your favorite music you haven't heard yet" tagline. For formal label deals under the Geffen partnership, the process involves evaluation by both Proximity and Geffen Records, with Geffen president Neil Jacobson working directly with Coppelson on artist selection. Artists should submit high-quality, finished EDM tracks (house, future bass, trap, pop-electronic) with professional production. The channel's massive audience (8.9 million subscribers, 5 billion total views across 2,241 videos) means that a featured track can reach millions of listeners, but the high volume of uploads (averaging 130+ videos per year over 17 years) means individual tracks compete for sustained attention.

Similar Labels

• NoCopyrightSounds - Creator-licensing EDM label with a similar YouTube-first distribution model
• Trap Nation - YouTube-first EDM channel with a similar large-subscriber distribution model
• Spinnin' Records - Major EDM label with YouTube presence and broad electronic roster
• Geffen Records - Proximity's former major-label partner for formal label releases

Related Resources

• Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Proximity deal contains
• Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The YouTube distribution outlet model
• How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an electronic profile
• NoCopyrightSounds - A related EDM label
• Proximity Official Site - Submissions and merchandise