The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

The Hair Metal Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Rock Crime Music videos
  1. The Hair Metal genre was saved by incorporating crime themes in music videos.
  2. Hair metal bands used crime-related narratives to stay relevant and attract mainstream success.
  3. The Hair Metal Crimewave videos helped to keep the genre around longer than expected by engaging audiences with grit and substance.

Ed Motta is still learning from Steely Dan

Expanding Dan • 235 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎶 Music Interview Album review Music Production Music genres
  1. Ed Motta is a dedicated student of Steely Dan and draws inspiration from their music for his own work.
  2. Motta's music combines influences from jazz-rock, South American traditions, funk, R&B, and 20th-century orchestral compositions.
  3. His latest album, 'Behind the Tea Chronicles,' showcases Motta's craftsmanship and storytelling with a nod to Steely Dan.
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A lake that's on fire

The Day After Tomorrow • 79 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music AI music Composition Technology impact Creativity
  1. AI can now create music by using poems and other inputs, making it easier for people without musical skills to share their creativity.
  2. This technology challenges our ideas about who can be a musician and what music truly means, as machines can produce similar emotional experiences as humans.
  3. As AI music becomes more common, we may need to rethink how we value music and the connections we feel to it, regardless of whether it's made by humans or machines.

The Disco Jazz Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Discovery Genres Culture Technology
  1. An Indian disco record, Disco Jazz, found a new, enthusiastic audience years after its release due to algorithms and word-of-mouth.
  2. Disco Jazz stands out for its blend of genres and unconventional elements compared to traditional Indian disco music.
  3. The rediscovery of 'Aaj Shanibar' led to increased interest from international DJs, new releases, and proceeds going to the singer for her future music projects.

September 12 2023

S/FJ • 235 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎶 Music Ambient Music genres Music Production
  1. Hiroshi Yoshimura's album 'Surround' is being reissued and considered a classic ambient album
  2. Memories and experiences tied to 9/11 and Elliott Smith in LA are shared
  3. The author lists types of music they don't want to receive, including vaporwave and certain experimental styles

Taylor Swift for the Therapy Generation

The Reclamation Era • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Lyrics Mental health Cultural impact
  1. Taylor Swift's music resonates deeply with many women, especially because it feels like therapy. Her songs help listeners process their emotions and experiences.
  2. Her different musical eras represent various parts of her life, encouraging fans to reflect on their own identities and emotions. This idea aligns with concepts from Internal Family Systems therapy.
  3. The release of her album and the ongoing discussions about self-acceptance have created a cultural moment where exploring one's feelings and personal history is celebrated and encouraged.

The DIY Guitar Pedal Culture Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music DIY Community Manufacturers
  1. DIY pedal builders are making their own guitar effects pedals for a fraction of the cost of retail ones.
  2. Some manufacturers 'goop' their pedals to protect their designs, which DIY enthusiasts see as a lack of consumer transparency.
  3. The DIY pedal community has influenced big-name manufacturers, with popular pedals like the Klon Centaur being reverse-cloned for wider accessibility.

Ozzy Went Out Like He Lived — With a Bang

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock Metal Artists Concerts Influence
  1. Ozzy Osbourne lived a wild and tough life but remained a fighter until the end. He performed one last concert that showcased his energy and love for music.
  2. The concert 'Back to the Beginning' proved to be a huge success and helped raise $200 million for charity. This event highlighted Ozzy's lasting impact on music and his community.
  3. Ozzy's influence in heavy metal is undeniable, as he and Black Sabbath created a sound that still inspires artists today. Many modern bands credit them as their main inspiration.

Music NFTs: Passing Fad or Future of Music?

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry Consumer behavior Technology impact NFTs
  1. Music has changed a lot over the years, especially with technology. Today, artists can reach fans easily, but streaming often doesn't pay them well.
  2. True fans engage more than just listening. They buy merch and go to shows, which is why artists want to connect with them.
  3. Music NFTs can be a helpful tool for artists and their loyal fans. They don't need to change the whole music industry to be valuable.

The Hits of The Mamas & the Papas

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 59 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop Rock History Culture Entertainment
  1. The Mamas & the Papas were a short-lived but influential band from 1965 to 1968, making a big impact on music and culture during that time.
  2. Their breakout was largely thanks to their appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, which helped them reach a huge audience and boost record sales.
  3. Many of their songs reflect personal experiences, and their unique style combined fun with deep themes, which made them stand out in the music scene.

Chinese Shoegaze: An Introduction

ChinaTalk • 400 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎶 Music Cultural influence Podcasts
  1. Chinese shoegaze is a unique music genre that's getting more popular, with bands like NarrowLaneAngel and Forsaken Autumn showcasing their talents. It's exciting to see new acts emerge and contribute to this sound.
  2. A podcast episode explores Chinese shoegaze and features various bands, highlighting different tracks. Listeners can enjoy a deep dive into this music scene while discovering fresh and vibrant sounds.
  3. The genre has roots in different cities across China, with each band bringing its own flavor to the shoegaze style. This diversity adds richness and variety to the music, making it a fascinating scene to explore.

Why Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana are overrated

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music history Music Criticism Artist analysis Cultural Commentary Live performance
  1. Some popular musicians like Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Nirvana might not be as great as people think. It's okay to have different opinions about music.
  2. Drummers have a unique way of creating many sounds with just a few basic elements, similar to how Taco Bell mixes its ingredients.
  3. The experience of listening to music has changed over time, especially with DJs taking a more prominent role in performances. Now, people often watch the DJ instead of just dancing with each other.

Becoming Led Zeppelin

Dada Drummer Almanach • 264 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Rock Documentaries Performance Business Production
  1. Led Zeppelin found success by ignoring negative reviews and focusing on their live performances. They believed that word of mouth from fans was key to their popularity.
  2. The band took control of their music by producing their own recordings and owning their masters. This allowed them to avoid pressures from the music industry and shape their own path.
  3. Jimmy Page's vision for Led Zeppelin as an album band was ahead of its time. He wanted to create music that could be fully appreciated on albums, not just through hit singles.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists Lyrics Production Culture
  1. Music can express feelings and emotions deeply. It often connects with personal experiences and thoughts.
  2. Songs can serve as a source of comfort, especially during tough times. They can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.
  3. Listening to music can be a way to reflect and find peace. It helps us process our feelings and understand our situations better.

My Abuelo

Eric Harper • 39 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎶 Music Personal Story Inspiration
  1. Family members, even if not around for long, can leave a lasting impact on our lives.
  2. Different life events and people influence parts of our background and identity.
  3. Our experiences and relationships with family shape us, even if they are brief or distant.

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.

"Money Don't Matter 2 Night," Prince (1992)

The Lost Songs Project • 216 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music Pop R&B 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.

The songs remain the same

Internal exile • 34 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎶 Music AI music Cultural impact
  1. Many people can't tell the difference between music made by AI and music made by humans. This raises questions about how we define and perceive what makes music 'real.'
  2. With so much music available, people often consume it quickly without truly engaging. This leads to a more superficial relationship with music, similar to processing data rather than experiencing art.
  3. The rise of AI-generated music reflects a shift in how we interact with art, making it feel less social and more isolated. This could detract from the deeper connections we form through shared musical experiences.

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.

Please let me wonder

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists Albums History Genres Culture
  1. Brian Wilson has passed away, which is a significant loss for music fans. His contribution to music was profound and will be remembered.
  2. Many people recognize 'Pet Sounds' as a top album, but there's also appreciation for 'The Beach Boys Today.' It marks a shift in their music style.
  3. The Beach Boys' evolution from surf songs to deeper themes showcases their creativity and growth as artists over time.

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.

American Hedonism

Passing Time • 234 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music Reviews Song analysis Artist interviews Music culture
  1. The album 'American Hedonism' explores the struggle between seeking pleasure and understanding the consequences of that search. It's about trying to find happiness in the wrong places.
  2. The songs discuss themes like religion, morality, and personal freedom, highlighting how our choices shape our lives. The lyrics show a journey from frustration to a search for deeper meaning.
  3. In the end, the album suggests that true fulfillment comes from love and family, rather than from fleeting pleasures. It’s a reminder that we have the power to create a better life for ourselves.