The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

Deep Purple's debut hit "Hush"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Cultural impact Music videos Song analysis
  1. Deep Purple's first hit, 'Hush', was a catchy song from 1968 that many remember fondly. It was fun to sing along, even if the lyrics weren't fully understood.
  2. The band's lineup changed over time, moving towards a hard rock sound and introducing new members. This led to classic songs like 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Space Truckin'.
  3. Deep Purple's legacy continues, as they are still touring today. Ian Paice is the only original member who has been part of the band throughout its long history.

Gig Review: Finally Finding Fun in the Foos - Dave Grohl’s Long-Running Project Rocks Wellington (Again!) And I Am There For It - In All Senses - This Time.

Sounds Good! • 117 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎶 Music Rock Band Musician Tour
  1. The author has a complex history with Foo Fighters but enjoyed their recent concert in Wellington.
  2. Despite some mixed feelings about the band's music over the years, the author appreciated the energy and dynamic performance of the Foo Fighters during the concert.
  3. The replacement drummer, Josh Freese, played a key role in driving the energy and performance of the band during the concert.

Notes on Radiohead

The Ruffian • 270 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎶 Music Bands Podcasts Pop Albums
  1. Radiohead is known for their unique music style that is complex and emotionally resonant.
  2. Radiohead's focus on albums over hit singles sets them apart from other bands.
  3. Radiohead's success lies in their ability to maintain a vast audience while following their artistic instincts.
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"Money Don't Matter 2 Night," Prince (1992)

The Lost Songs Project • 216 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music Pop History
  1. The song "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" by Prince is a socioeconomic battle cry with a sexy vibe.
  2. The song peaked at #14 on the R&B chart and #23 on the Hot 100, with 11.4 million streams.
  3. The post features guest columnists Jami Smith and Songs That Saved Your Life, offering unique insights and perspectives.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums History Reviews
  1. Music can evoke emotions and memories. Listening to a song might remind you of a special moment or feeling.
  2. Sharing music with others builds connections. When you share a song, it can create a shared experience that brings people closer.
  3. Art, like music, often reflects personal experiences. The stories behind songs can be just as compelling as the melodies themselves.

A Year of Necessary Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 312 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎶 Music Music genres Streaming platforms
  1. There are different types of music beyond just pop that deserve recognition and support.
  2. Streaming technology does not always reward all types of music equally, leading to challenges for musicians of niche genres.
  3. Sharing and supporting lesser known music can help sustain diverse musical talents and audiences.

a brief dispatch from london

Gabriel Kahane: Words & Music • 117 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎶 Music Events Concerts Performances Musicians
  1. Gabriel Kahane will be performing in London at the Southbank Centre with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Choir with No Name for the UK premiere of his oratorio.
  2. Gabriel Kahane will also be part of the PIVOT Festival in San Francisco with performances by Attacca Quartet and Roomful of Teeth.
  3. Gabriel Kahane has upcoming concerts in different locations this spring, including a duo recital with his dad in Salem, OR, and a solo concert at the Gilmore Festival in Kalamazoo.

Playing In The Dark

Weekly Wisdom • 198 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎶 Music Memory Fatherhood Loss Appreciation
  1. Playing music in the dark can offer a sense of freedom and focus, away from visual distractions.
  2. Memorable moments shared through music can hold deep meaning and provide comfort during difficult times.
  3. Music can serve as a powerful connection between generations, expressing love and appreciation beyond words.

The New Cue #355 February 5: Gruff Rhys

The New Cue • 98 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Interview Albums Touring Songwriting
  1. Gruff Rhys released his eighth solo album, Sadness Sets Me Free, which is his thirty-fifth album overall.
  2. Gruff Rhys enjoys music and the process of creating records, valuing albums as a medium of expression.
  3. Gruff Rhys drew inspiration for his album from personal experiences, Cardiff's evolving landscape, and a mix of musical influences.

Music in a Barn

The Analog Family • 139 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎶 Music Classical Performance Culture Tradition Events
  1. Performing Handel's 'Messiah' in a barn creates a unique and memorable experience. The mix of classical music with the sounds of animals adds a fun twist to the concert.
  2. The Christkindl Market features traditional German holiday foods and crafts, making it a charming place for families to enjoy Christmas together. It's a community-focused event that feels authentic and uncommercialized.
  3. Despite the chilly conditions and rustic setting, the atmosphere of the barn concert is magical. The audience leaves feeling uplifted and connected to the holiday spirit.

The Living Wage for Musicians Act

Dada Drummer Almanach • 178 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎶 Music Legislation Advocacy Community Streaming Support
  1. The Living Wage for Musicians Act was introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Jamaal Bowman to address fair pay in the music industry.
  2. The bill was a collaborative effort involving UMAW, the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvard Law School, and various legal experts and industry stakeholders.
  3. Musicians and supporters can participate by learning about the bill's goals and advocating for it to their representatives.

Pitchfork’s Dead. Thank god for that!

Sounds Good! • 98 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Music journalism Music Reviews Music Streaming Music Industry
  1. The death of music journalism was influenced by various factors like streaming services and changing reader behaviors.
  2. Pitchfork's decline started when they shifted focus from writers to brand and relied heavily on their rating system.
  3. Critics like Bob Lefsetz shed light on modern music journalism challenges, with many expressing disingenuous sentiments about the demise of platforms like Pitchfork.

The Song That Made Me Leave

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Lyrics Pop culture Artists
  1. Breaking points often lead us to wake up to ourselves and make important life changes. It's essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a situation that no longer serves us.
  2. Music can deeply influence our emotions and decisions. Songs, especially those from artists like Taylor Swift, can resonate with our personal experiences and help us process feelings.
  3. Sharing stories about personal struggles, like marriage and divorce, can be powerful and cathartic. Many people connect with these topics, and writing about them can lead to healing.

Reminiscing On A Musical Odyssey

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎶 Music Education Collaboration Skills Development
  1. Musical education should focus on rhythm, deep listening, improvisation, and playing with others rather than just reading music and solo performance.
  2. Traditional music education may overlook essential skills like rhythm and listening, hindering overall musicianship development.
  3. Learning music is like learning a language - start with listening and speaking before moving on to reading and writing. Encourage exploration and collaboration to nurture talent.

An Ineffable Memory Of Effortless Mastery

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz Performance Mastery Books Art
  1. The author recounts experiencing a state of effortless mastery while playing jazz piano after a series of events including alcohol consumption and the unexpected presence of their father, creating a magical performance.
  2. Effortless mastery in music, as discussed in the book 'Effortless Mastery' by Kenny Werner, involves overcoming self-imposed limitations and negative thinking through affirmations and a love for the process.
  3. The author shares affirmations such as 'I am a master' and 'Music is easy' that counter self-criticism with positive beliefs, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving mastery and enjoying the process.

White Wine in the Sun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 45 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎶 Music Songs Performances Artists Albums Festivals
  1. The song 'White Wine in the Sun' by Tim Minchin is a seasonal favorite for many people. It's a catchy tune that brings joy during the holidays.
  2. There's a recommended version of the song performed on the James Corden show, featuring Bryan Cranston. It's worth checking out to get into the festive spirit.
  3. The message is one of warmth and happiness, wishing everyone a merry and bright holiday season. It's a nice reminder to celebrate with loved ones.

A chaotic week week of concert announcements.

Boiler Room • 78 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎶 Music Concerts
  1. A busy week with many concert announcements including Take That, Trevor Noah, Gym Class Heroes, Nothing But Thieves, Xzibit, Tenacious D, SZA, and Ben Howard.
  2. Demand for post-Covid live entertainment is high and events are picking up after a slow January.
  3. Interactive music recommendations format with five songs to listen to and discuss for weekend discovery.

Vinyl's dead

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎶 Music Vinyl Sales Streaming Trends
  1. Vinyl records are still selling well, with a reported 6.2% increase in sales from 2023 to 2024. Despite some confusion about a drop in sales, the overall trend remains positive.
  2. The vinyl revival is driven by people seeking authenticity and enjoying the aesthetics of vinyl. Many collectors are drawn to the 'real' feeling of records compared to digital music.
  3. However, the increased demand has made vinyl more expensive, making it harder for small labels and indie artists to compete. Many believe this shift could hurt the indie scene that helped revive interest in vinyl.

Musical Heresies (Part 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 429 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Philosophy Influence
  1. Recorded music can have harmful psychological effects, suggesting music should be performed live and reserved for special occasions.
  2. Ancient cultures viewed music as a powerful force for transformation and knowledge, with musicians being revered as heroes.
  3. The historical significance of music extends beyond entertainment, as it played a crucial role in shaping societal worldviews and countercultures.