The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

The New Cue #275 April 3: Feist

The New Cue • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. The post discusses the new Cue #275 featuring Feist on April 3, 2023
  2. It mentions the upcoming Maundy Thursday and its significance
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to The New Cue for full access to the post archives

Over and over, all born into great pain

The Golden Notebooks • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎶 Music Artists Songs Albums Covers Abuse
  1. Sinead O'Connor was a sincere and real artist who faced backlash for speaking out against abuse and corruption in the Catholic Church.
  2. She created powerful music and openly addressed personal struggles, motherhood, and societal issues in her work.
  3. Her bravery in challenging authority and advocating for change left a lasting impact, inspiring others to stand up against injustice.

A Leader Worth Following

Critic at Large • 19 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎶 Music Hip-hop Influence
  1. Hip-hop's golden era in the late 1980s and early 1990s shifted focus to addressing issues of race, culture, and philosophy, with Rakim being seen as a significant figure in the genre's evolution.
  2. Rakim, through his album 'Follow the Leader,' showcased complex lyrical forms and addressed themes of culture, identity, history, and race with revolutionary approaches, leaving a lasting impact on hip-hop.
  3. Rakim's influence, along with his peers', played a pivotal role in elevating hip-hop from a form of entertainment to a platform for addressing social and intellectual issues, shaping it into a globally influential musical genre.
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An Inspired World

Critic at Large • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎶 Music Jazz Album
  1. Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter collaborated in 1961 to create an album where Getz improvised melodies over pre-composed orchestral arrangements, a unique approach in jazz history.
  2. The album 'Focus' is considered the finest work of both Getz and Sauter's careers, showcasing Getz's unmatched tone and brilliance in saxophone playing.
  3. Despite Stan Getz's troubled personal life, his music in 'Focus' remains untainted by his struggles, highlighting the transformative power of art to separate the artist from their creations.

Racism and Reckoning in Classical Music

Variations on a Theme • 19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎶 Music Classical Racism Art Culture History
  1. Classical music industry faces financial challenges and struggles post COVID-19 shutdowns, impacting organizations nationwide.
  2. Issues of racism in classical music industry raised by scholars and media, impacting musicology programs and leading to controversial discussions on composers' legacies.
  3. Classical music institutions are grappling with maintaining tradition while adapting to popular culture demands, facing challenges in attracting audiences and dealing with internal controversies.

Wander the Night Japan

SJF • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎶 Music Album Collaboration Photography Vinyl
  1. The album 'Wander the Night Japan' is now available on streaming services.
  2. It is a collaboration between sound artist Simon James French and photographer Cody Ellingham.
  3. The music and images aim to inspire a journey and convey emotions through stillness.

I Saw Taylor Swift and Tori Amos in One Week, And I Have Some Thoughts.

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Feminism Songwriting Cultural influence
  1. Attending concerts can have a huge emotional impact, offering a sense of renewal and connection, especially when shared with loved ones. Going to the Taylor Swift concert was a transformative experience for a mother and her daughters.
  2. Music can deeply influence our lives and relationships, helping us feel understood during tough times. The connection between a fan's experience of one artist can be just as meaningful as another's, regardless of mainstream popularity.
  3. Both Taylor Swift and Tori Amos are important artists who have made significant contributions to music in their own ways. It's essential to appreciate and respect different musical journeys and not dismiss what someone else loves.

Summertime

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jul 22
🎶 Music Playlist Songs
  1. The author is taking a summer break for a couple of weeks, leaving a playlist of music they've been enjoying for readers to discover new tunes.
  2. The summer playlist shared does not include typical mojito-sipping songs, but instead has a heat-high mood.
  3. Readers can start a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives of The Leftovers.

Simply Piano's Silent Symphony: How an App is Composing a Billion-Dollar Music Empire

Divinations • 2 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎶 Music Education Technology Entertainment Apps Business
  1. Simply Piano uses a fun, game-like approach to get people playing music quickly, making it exciting and motivating. Its instant feedback helps users feel like they are making real progress.
  2. The app has a smart business model that offers a free version and charges a reasonable fee at the point when users are most eager to continue learning. This strategy has helped it grow into a big money-maker.
  3. While Simply Piano gets people started with music, it might not teach all the important skills needed to be a well-rounded musician. Pairing the app with a real teacher can help fill in those gaps.

All that jazz revisited

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎶 Music Jazz Improvisation Listening Musicians Performance
  1. Jazz is a complex music style where musicians improvise while still following a structure. This allows for surprises and creativity in each performance.
  2. Each listening of a jazz piece reveals new details, like what different instruments are doing. Paying close attention can lead to exciting discoveries.
  3. The interaction between musicians is key in jazz. They respond to each other during performances, creating a unique experience every time they play.

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.

On Tour!

Dada Drummer Almanach • 67 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🎶 Music Live Music Concerts Music Events
  1. The Dada Drummer Almanach is taking a break for a tour featuring shows in the UK, Iceland, and France.
  2. The author is excited to perform in London and Glasgow with friend Richard Youngs.
  3. The newsletter's continued support is appreciated, with paid subscriptions helping sustain the author's analog life.

A quick uplifting post in case you can use some inspiration tonight

Tessa Fights Robots • 17 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎶 Music Songs Artists Inspiration Emotion Culture
  1. There's a beautiful song that explores feelings of not belonging and the comforting response of a mother. It tells a touching story of returning home and finding one's place in the world.
  2. The song describes a journey back to joy for a modern man who feels lost and alone. It emphasizes that life is meant to be enjoyed.
  3. Support for creators is important, and they often rely on donations or subscriptions to keep sharing their work. It's a small way to give back and help them continue.

When does Brat summer really end?

Two Pages Double Spaced • 13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎶 Music Pop Cultural critique Music videos
  1. Charli XCX's music reflects a shift from the optimistic EDM pop of the early 2010s to a more introspective and urgent sound in her recent work. This change mirrors broader cultural shifts in society.
  2. Her new album, 'Brat,' explores themes of personal reflection and the complexities of self-identity. The lyrics create a connection between the artist and listeners, showing vulnerability and self-awareness.
  3. The concept of 'cool' has evolved, where success and acceptance in the music industry now comes from understanding internet culture and blending it with genuine emotional expression.

Zakir

Get Down and Shruti • 14 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎶 Music Classical Fusion Performance Collaboration Instruments
  1. Zakir Hussain was a master tabla player known for blending various music styles. He mixed Hindustani classical music with other genres like jazz and rock, creating a unique sound.
  2. His upbringing was unique because he received support from his family, including his mother and wife, to explore different musical paths. This openness allowed him to learn from diverse musical backgrounds and artists.
  3. Zakir's concerts were not just performances; they were experiences. He had a special way of connecting with audiences, making them feel engaged, whether he was playing solo or with other musicians.

It's Probably Good That Pitchfork Is Doing Comments And Reader Scores

The Seat of Loss • 2 implied HN points • 22 Oct 25
🎶 Music Music Criticism Music Industry Online Communities Media Trends Cultural Commentary
  1. Pitchfork is testing out a comments section and reader scores for their reviews. This could make the site more interactive and allow readers to have a voice.
  2. Allowing reader scores might help Pitchfork make more money without charging for content. This could help keep the site operating and support writers.
  3. Opening up comments could change how people see Pitchfork, potentially making it less of a strict authority and more of a community space for music discussion.

Note of Absence

GOOD INTERNET • 34 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎶 Music Notes
  1. The author is without internet access for days and possibly weeks, impacting their content creation and communication.
  2. Despite the absence of 'really GOOD INTERNET,' the author promises more good music content in the future.
  3. The author expresses uncertainty about when they will be able to log on again but assures followers they will hear from them when possible.

REPOST: I Will Remove All My Content From Spotify if They Continue to Platform "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists Content Platforms Censorship Criticism
  1. The author expresses strong dislike for Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmastime', claiming it's a terrible piece of music. They feel it negatively impacts their enjoyment of the holiday season.
  2. They argue that by continuing to include this song, Spotify is being complicit in promoting bad music. The author believes a choice must be made between their content and the song.
  3. Despite loving The Beatles, the author finds it disappointing that McCartney created such a song. They hope to disassociate themselves from 'Wonderful Christmastime' out of personal conviction.

The Unfinished Quest

I. Ron Leach's Facelifted Gaming • 1 HN point • 19 Jun 24
🎶 Music
  1. FM Synthesis played a significant role in the evolution of music in video games, with Yamaha's DX7 synthesizer being a game-changer in shaping the sounds of the 1980s rock and pop music.
  2. The Yamaha OPL2 and OPL3 chips were instrumental in producing the iconic chirpy sounds in arcade machines, gaming platforms, and personal computers, offering a wide range of sonic capabilities.
  3. Converting and manipulating data formats related to FM synthesis from retro video game music poses challenges, but utilities like VOPM/VOPMex and DXConvert/TXConvert offer solutions for compatible conversions.

This Week the French Revolution!

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 10 Nov 20
🎶 Music
  1. The post discusses the French Revolution and hints at delving into its complexities.
  2. The author mentions having French heritage through his wife and their band's music.
  3. There is a mention of recording a song in a French garage with France scenery in the video.

Show Us Your Screens!

Reboot • 12 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎶 Music Electronic Music Performance art Music technology Sound art
  1. Live coding is when artists use code to make music and visuals in real time. This creates a unique experience where audiences can see how the music is built as it happens.
  2. Algoraves offer a new way of experiencing electronic music, drawing audiences into the creative process. This setting allows for interaction and a feeling of connection between coders and the audience.
  3. Making music with code can challenge traditional music rules. Artists can experiment and create new sounds that aren't limited to typical instruments, leading to innovative musical expressions.

Fantastic Builders and Where to Find Them, 4th Installment

Building the Builders • 11 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎶 Music Classical History Artists Composers Therapy
  1. Sergei Rachmaninoff overcame a deep depression, which lasted three years, after a failed performance of his first symphony. His struggle inspired him to create his famous 2nd piano concerto.
  2. Rachmaninoff dedicated his 2nd piano concerto to his therapist, Dr. Nikolai Dahl, who helped him regain confidence through supportive therapy and hypnosis.
  3. Rachmaninoff's experience shows that personal challenges can lead to great achievements. Instead of being stuck in self-doubt, he learned to move forward and create music he loved.

Youtube's original sin-g

escape the algorithm • 39 implied HN points • 24 Aug 21
🎶 Music Discovery YouTube Creativity Community
  1. The internet often presents a limited subset of human creativity that is tailored to algorithms for consumption.
  2. Exploring original music on platforms like YouTube through unconventional means can unearth hidden gems despite low view counts.
  3. Discovering music through personal exploration can offer a more meaningful and unique experience compared to algorithm-curated content.

Ross Simonini: Say No

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
🎶 Music Song Artist Collaborations Video
  1. Ross Simonini's "Say No" challenges traditional notions of success through music.
  2. The EP Standards volume 2 questions conventional genres like pop, country, and jazz tunes.
  3. The music video for "Say No" reflects on animals in a human world, disinterested in human pursuits.

Best Music 4

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music New releases Indie Punk Hip-hop
  1. The post shares the best music from the past month, featuring various artists and genres.
  2. It emphasizes quality content with 'All Killers No Fillers' approach.
  3. Readers are encouraged to support the online magazine through subscription upgrades or other support options.

Songwriting in Nowhere

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
🎶 Music Songwriting Artists Creativity Lyrics Performing
  1. Writing what you know doesn't guarantee success in creative pursuits, as demonstrated by examples like Stephen King. People often prefer stories of magic and fantasy over reality.
  2. Creative expression in various forms like painting, sculpture, and music requires a deep connection to the subject matter, but success and financial reward aren't guaranteed.
  3. Songwriting is a personal and cathartic process, and it's essential to engage in it for personal fulfillment rather than for public performance or external validation.

In search of a soundtrack

The Author Is Dumb • 4 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎶 Music Albums Listening Writing Collaboration
  1. Music helps to create a flow when writing, making it easier to focus and get into the right mindset.
  2. Certain songs can bring back memories of specific books or writing projects, linking music with personal experiences.
  3. The author is looking for help from readers to create a playlist for their new writing project, encouraging collaboration and fresh ideas.

Robot Nirvana

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎶 Music Technology Art Creativity Industry History
  1. Robot Nirvana explores the use of artificial intelligence to recreate music by deceased artists like Kurt Cobain, showcasing the limitations of technology in replicating human creativity.
  2. Music technology has made remarkable advancements, allowing for incredible sound recreation and studio expertise at a fraction of the cost, revolutionizing music production.
  3. Recreating past artistic works using AI raises questions about the redundancy of human creativity and the importance of artists in pushing artistic boundaries forward.

The Base Determines The Superstructure

The Seat of Loss • 14 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎶 Music Evolution Technology Industry Artists Trends
  1. The history of music and the music industry is influenced by economic factors and technology advancements.
  2. Artists throughout history have adapted to changing conditions, from Chuck Berry's use of new recording technology to modern producers working on digital audio workstations.
  3. The traditional music industry model has shifted, with artists like Drake and Tame Impala showcasing self-sufficiency and adaptability in the face of evolving industry trends.