The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

How Lalo Schifrin Composed the Mission Impossible Theme Song

The Honest Broker • 12700 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🎶 Music Composers Jazz Cultural impact Music history
  1. Lalo Schifrin created the famous 'Mission Impossible' theme by using Morse code from its initials. The rhythm of the song reflects the Morse code for M and I, giving it a unique pattern.
  2. Schifrin's theme has become iconic over the years, even though it didn't top charts when first released. Its exciting sound has kept audiences engaged in the movies for nearly sixty years.
  3. Themes for heroes in movies have lasting power, often outliving the actors and stories themselves. The 'Mission Impossible' theme is a perfect example of this enduring appeal.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘White Christmas’ Is a World War II Anthem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2123 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history Popular music Songwriting Cultural impact
  1. Today it’s treated as a classic secular Christmas song, but when it debuted during World War II listeners immediately heard it as a wartime anthem.
  2. The lyrics capture a longing for snow and simpler times, channeling the homesickness felt by soldiers and families separated by the war.
  3. Bing Crosby’s recording (with backing vocals) turned the tune into the best-selling single ever and locked it into popular Christmas culture.

The most joyous portrait of love I’ve ever heard

Superb Owl • 2930 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎶 Music Albums Artists Love Recording History
  1. The album 'Tête-à-Tête' captures the deep love story between Annea and Ruth, who were together for 50 years. Their connection is evident in the laughter and warmth throughout the music.
  2. Ruth's piece 'Resolutions' sets a serene tone for the album with its peaceful sounds. It reflects her thoughtful approach to creating music that helps listeners find calmness.
  3. Annea created the track 'For Ruth' after Ruth's passing, combining sounds from their lives and old recordings of their conversations. It beautifully honors their love and memories together.

"The Next New Thing in Music Will Not Come from New York, Los Angeles, or London"

The Honest Broker • 13231 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎶 Music Music Industry Cultural Trends Global Influence
  1. The next big thing in music is likely to come from unexpected places, not the usual big cities like New York, LA, or London. There are creative gems outside the mainstream that can surprise everyone.
  2. Just like in the past, new music styles often arise from diverse and multicultural areas. It's the blend of different influences that sparks creativity.
  3. Thanks to the internet, every place can now be a creative hub. So, we should look globally, especially in regions like Africa or Asia, for the next music revolution.

What Is Happening to Music Criticism?

The Honest Broker • 9840 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎶 Music Criticism Industry Culture Journalism Trends
  1. Music criticism is declining, with fewer full-time writers left at newspapers. This has made it hard for local music stories and events to get coverage.
  2. In some big cities, there is only one full-time arts critic left, and they might not last long. This could leave communities without anyone to write about their local arts and culture.
  3. Many places no longer have any paid journalists covering music or culture at all. This lack of coverage can create a 'media black hole' where important stories don't get told.
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Steve Earle

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 158 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Politics Cultural impact Artistry Music Industry
  1. Steve Earle believes music has always had a political side, and right now it might be more important than ever. He thinks artists should write about what they feel strongly about, even if those topics are heavy.
  2. Earle points out that in the past, music played a big role in social change. He feels that today's artists have the chance to create impactful songs, especially with current issues in the world.
  3. He also emphasizes the need for empathy in songwriting. When artists connect with their emotions and experiences, they can reach people's hearts better, making them more powerful in conveying their messages.

The Music Business is Healthy Again? Really?

The Honest Broker • 20845 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎶 Music Streaming Artists Industry Trends Market Analysis
  1. There's a big difference between music industry profits and musicians' earnings. While the industry claims to be thriving, many musicians are finding it harder to make money.
  2. Streaming platforms are making more money than ever but paying musicians less. This trend is leading to fewer opportunities for artists to earn from their work.
  3. The excitement in music is shifting towards live performances rather than recorded music. Fans seem to care more about concerts than new albums, highlighting a disconnect in how music is consumed.

Tori Amos

Van Cliburn Punched Me In The Mouth • 178 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎶 Music Artist Profiles Songwriting Interviews Live performance
  1. Tori Amos explains that she can't force creativity like some songwriters can. Inspiration for her songs comes from moments in life, not from a set schedule.
  2. She emphasizes that great songs and hit records are not the same thing, and real artists often avoid formulas to make authentic music.
  3. Tori believes that understanding emotions and personal experiences is crucial for songwriting. Living a full life helps writers create deeper, more meaningful art.

John Coltrane's Love Is Still Supreme at Age 60

The Honest Broker • 20113 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Jazz Albums Artists Music history Influence
  1. John Coltrane was incredibly busy in 1964, recording a lot of music and practicing hard. He often practiced so much that fans would overhear him in unusual places, showing his deep commitment to music.
  2. Coltrane's album 'A Love Supreme' was more than just music; it was a gift to God and a spiritual journey for him. The album's liner notes expressed his devotion, which was quite rare in jazz at the time.
  3. Even decades after its release, 'A Love Supreme' remains influential in jazz music. Many modern musicians still draw inspiration from Coltrane's style, showing that his music continues to resonate with new generations.

Reflections From Leading the Board of a Small Music Nonprofit

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 390 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎶 Music Leadership Governance Community
  1. Many small nonprofits run on unpaid volunteer labor, and stepping up to serve on a board is a meaningful, often rewarding way to keep them going.
  2. Keeping a small arts group running is mostly admin work — email, shared drives, and a bank account. Good documentation and capable people make it manageable, but high turnover still erodes institutional memory.
  3. Leadership jobs often fall to reluctant volunteers. They can be satisfying and build friendships, but they also bring stress, problems with unreliable members, and risk of burnout.

In the Music Business, 80 Is the New 20

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music Industry Cultural impact Artist Rights
  1. Record labels are focusing more on older music and artists instead of new talent. Many popular music shows feature tribute bands rather than original acts.
  2. Streaming music is dominated by older tracks, with a large percentage being songs that are at least five years old. It shows that people are more interested in nostalgia than discovering new music.
  3. With technology advancing, there's a growing trend of reviving late musicians through holograms and AI. This raises ethical questions about how these artistic legacies should be handled.

How an Exiled Russian Noble Became a Great American Songwriter

The Honest Broker • 6915 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎶 Music Songwriting History Biography Cultural impact
  1. Vernon Duke, originally Vladimir Dukelsky, was a talented composer who fled Russia after the revolution and became a famous American songwriter. His ability to adapt to a new culture and succeed in a different musical genre is truly inspiring.
  2. He wrote classic songs that are still loved today, like 'Autumn in New York' and 'April in Paris.' It's amazing how his background in classical music shaped these popular tunes.
  3. Duke's memoir, 'Passport to Paris,' shares his unique experiences and connections with other artists, showing a lighthearted side of his life while touching on deeper themes of longing and happiness.

Is Spotify Streaming Unauthorized AI Knockoffs of Dead Musicians?

The Honest Broker • 6050 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎶 Music Streaming AI Copyright Industry Trends
  1. Spotify has been accused of streaming fake songs made by AI that are labeled as creations of deceased musicians without permission from their estates.
  2. There are strange occurrences at Spotify, like the CEO taking another job with an AI military startup and claims of drug sales happening through Spotify podcasts.
  3. Recently, Spotify took action against a specific case of AI-generated songs, which shows they might be starting to address their problems with misleading content.

What Were the 1990s?

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 622 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🎶 Music Music history Music Criticism Popular music Cultural analysis
  1. Music criticism isn’t just decoration — it’s a key way to understand culture and history.
  2. Different generations interpret past music in different ways; those disagreements can be annoying but often spark productive insight.
  3. The 1990s were a rich, complex musical era that rewards close listening and re-examination, revealing overlooked artists and unexpected cultural meanings.

What's Past is Prologue

Dada Drummer Almanach • 62 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎶 Music Live Music Venues Recordings Touring Collaborations Influences
  1. Longstanding venues like Café Oto give adventurous and song-based musicians a rare, sophisticated audience, but such places are disappearing because of rising rents and the loss of independent ownership.
  2. A multi-night residency lets musicians live in a neighborhood and build local relationships. Exploring Stoke Newington’s hidden histories showed how generations of nonconformists feed creative life there.
  3. The encore recordings from those nights feature unexpected cover versions shaped by this particular group of collaborators, and they’re being released as a Bandcamp exclusive.

I Share Private Journal Entries

The Honest Broker • 16623 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music culture Music theory Music Industry Music Trends Music Criticism
  1. The people who control music today often don't have a real connection to it, treating it just as content instead of something meaningful. This could be harmful for music culture.
  2. Art and music should be appreciated for their depth and creativity, not just dismissed or judged based on trends. Enjoying something everyone mocks can show true artistic integrity.
  3. There's a danger in the way we consume and perceive music now, as we might miss important experiences or emotions that classic works offer. It’s valuable to cherish original music and its impact on us.

The Don't Cha Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎶 Music Pop Songwriting Copyright Production Covers Music Industry Music Criticism
  1. The original recording was darker and more experimental than the radio hit, and critics noticed how unique and artful it sounded.
  2. A dispute over rights led the original performer to relinquish the song, after which the label reworked it into a polished pop version and gave it to a mainstream act.
  3. The original still gets rediscovered and appreciated, showing how production choices and legal control can completely change a song’s character and reception.

Morning report

Patti Smith • 11871 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎶 Music Live performance Music Artists Music Events
  1. Patti Smith had a great show in Cincinnati with The National's Homecoming.
  2. She sang 'I Need My Girl' with The National's singer and got a cool hoodie from Dave Willis.
  3. Packing her things, Patti Smith is off to Washington D.C., with Michael Stipe and The Walkman members making appearances.

12 Outstanding New Albums I'm Recommending Right Now

The Honest Broker • 5086 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎶 Music Albums Genres Artists Reviews Recommendations
  1. The new album by Cymande is a fantastic comeback after a long break, bringing back their strong groove from the past. It's one of the best releases this year, so listeners shouldn't miss it.
  2. The author recommends a diverse selection of new albums, highlighting tracks from various genres and regions. This gives listeners a chance to explore different musical styles.
  3. Supporting creators through subscriptions is encouraged, with options available for fans wanting to access more content. It’s a great way to stay updated on new music while helping artists.

My Search for Hidden Meanings in Beatles Songs

The Honest Broker • 18617 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎶 Music Song analysis Censorship Cultural impact Historical context
  1. Before the internet, people had to guess or argue about the meanings of popular songs because there was no easy way to find accurate information.
  2. Songs by bands like The Beatles were often seen as puzzles. Listeners searched for hidden meanings because they felt there was something important to uncover.
  3. Today, easy access to explanations can lessen the mystery of music, but that sense of exploration and surprise from trying to understand a song is valuable.

Musical Interlude: Live to Tell

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Pop Performances Artists Emotional
  1. Madonna's emotional ballads show her true feelings, especially in 'Live to Tell'. It's a standout piece that showcases her talent beyond her public persona.
  2. The song holds personal significance, echoing themes of trauma and understanding that resonate with many listeners.
  3. Alternative performances of 'Live to Tell', especially those by Patrick Leonard and during Madonna's later concerts, bring a new depth to the song that enhances its impact.

When Louis Armstrong Conquered Chicago

The Honest Broker • 12035 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎶 Music Jazz Biography Cultural History Entertainment Performing Arts
  1. Louis Armstrong changed American music by creating new rhythms and melodies that had never been heard before. His unique trumpet playing and singing style influenced countless artists.
  2. Ricky Riccardi has been studying Louis Armstrong for years and has written a detailed biography telling Armstrong's life story in three parts. This highlights both Armstrong's early struggles and his rise to fame.
  3. Armstrong's move to Chicago was a significant turning point in his career. He felt nervous at first, but once he started playing music, his confidence grew, showing how talent can shine through even initial doubts.

The 30 Most Intriguing Musicians of 2025

The Honest Broker • 5385 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists Genres Albums Reviews Trends
  1. Rumer has a calming voice and makes pop music that's both familiar and innovative. She's blending classic sounds with a fresh vibe in her new album.
  2. Hagneya creates music that feels natural and soothing. Her songs connect listeners to nature, making you feel relaxed and at ease.
  3. Cristóbal Tapia de Veer is known for his unique soundtracks, like the one for 'The White Lotus.' Despite his success, he's stepping away for more creative freedom, which could open new opportunities for him.

What Can Music Do Today?

The Honest Broker • 12101 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎶 Music Music history Music culture
  1. Music still holds a powerful role in our lives, influencing healing and emotional well-being. Recent studies show that sounds can even help revive people from comas.
  2. Many modern music events have a ritualistic feel, much like ancient practices. People seek transformative experiences through music, whether at a major festival or a local concert.
  3. The music industry often overlooks the deeper, transformative potential of music. Instead of creating meaningful connections, it tends to focus on short, entertaining tracks that don’t satisfy our deeper needs.

Prelude no. 1 in C major---music you should know by name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎶 Music Classical Composition Theory Instruments Performances
  1. Bach's Prelude no. 1 in C Major is a beautiful and well-known piece of music that many people recognize, even if they don't know its name.
  2. The piece is part of a collection called the Well-Tempered Clavier, which showcases different musical keys and tuning systems.
  3. You can hear similarities between Bach's Prelude and the song 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina', showing how classical music influences modern songs.

O Generous One!

Thinking about... • 653 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎶 Music Music history World music
  1. The melody known as "Carol of the Bells" actually comes from the Ukrainian folk song "Shchedryk," a shchedrivka used to welcome the new year and call for spring’s bounty, and its four-note ostinato and polyphony set it apart from typical Western carols.
  2. In the twentieth century the song was rearranged and repurposed—Mykola Leontovych set the folk tune to music, then an American rewrote the lyrics in 1936 into a Christmas song, which largely erased the Ukrainian spring-ritual meanings and origins.
  3. Ukrainians are making huge sacrifices defending their country, and remembering the song’s Ukrainian roots (as recent bilingual performances have done) is a simple way to honor their struggle and the debt others owe them.

Was Rock Music Deliberately Pushed Out of the Mainstream?

The Seat of Loss • 30 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🎶 Music Industry Genres History Technology Media Live shows Artists
  1. The idea that MTV or some secret "wizard" deliberately pushed rock out of the mainstream doesn't hold up; the timing and evidence point to broader market and technological shifts instead.
  2. MTV's consolidation and editorial choices changed who got exposure and probably hurt certain artists (like Billy Corgan), but they didn't single-handedly erase rock as a genre.
  3. The bigger forces were economic and technological — the CD crash, digital production tools, and streaming — which reshaped music economics so rock lives on mainly as a nostalgia-driven live business rather than the dominant source of new mainstream recordings.

"Stage Fright" by The Band (1970) with Todd Rundgren as engineer/producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Songwriting Music history Artist Profiles
  1. Todd Rundgren worked as the engineer and producer for The Band's album 'Stage Fright,' which showed his skills in the studio. He had to face challenges while recording, like setting up a makeshift control room.
  2. The song 'Stage Fright' is about the feelings many artists face, capturing the emotion of performing. It became one of the highlights of the album and a classic rock song.
  3. Despite being younger and less experienced than The Band members, Todd's dedication and hard work helped make the project a success, boosting his reputation in the music industry.

Crushing on the singer or rock star

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Culture Interviews Emotions Performance
  1. It's normal to crush on musicians and rock stars. They create strong feelings in us through their art, and it feels like we connect with them on a deeper level.
  2. People often confuse their feelings for the artist with feelings for the person. We get swept up in the emotions their work brings out in us.
  3. Many of us don't pay enough attention to each other. When someone really listens, it makes us feel seen and loved, leading to these intense crushes.

"Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Company (1968)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Performances Albums
  1. Janis Joplin was full of life and passion, especially during her time in San Francisco's vibrant counterculture scene. She really embraced the rock and roll lifestyle.
  2. Her hit song 'Piece of My Heart' helped make her a star, showcasing her powerful voice and unique style. It was a big moment for her career.
  3. Even though Janis was a natural performer, she sometimes struggled with the recording process. She preferred the excitement of live shows over studio work.

An Open Letter to Taylor Swift

The Honest Broker • 38632 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎶 Music Industry Artists Streaming Live Music
  1. The music ecosystem faces various challenges like declining artist incomes, corporatized platforms, and struggling live music venues.
  2. Big players like streaming platforms, record labels, and technocrats may not provide solutions for these challenges.
  3. Taylor Swift is encouraged to lead a new initiative to empower musicians, create fair music distribution, and revitalize the music industry.

"Last Night I Had a Dream" by Fanny (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Bands Producers
  1. Fanny was a pioneering all-female rock band formed in 1969, recognized for their talent and influential music. They had several hits and were supported by notable music figures.
  2. Todd Rundgren produced Fanny's fourth album, emphasizing their song structure and harmonies, which earned positive reviews despite no chart-topping hits.
  3. Although Fanny faced challenges in the tough music industry and eventually broke up, their legacy inspired future all-female bands and individual members continued to make their mark in music.

Things Worth Remembering: Why the Critics Got Billy Joel Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3023 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎶 Music Rock Criticism Artists Albums History
  1. Billy Joel has sold over 160 million records and is highly successful, but some critics still look down on him. That's surprising given his achievements.
  2. Despite the harsh criticism, many legendary musicians admire Billy Joel and view him as a true artist. This shows that talent can be recognized in different ways.
  3. Joel has a strong connection with his fans and often stands up against critics, even using humor to push back and keep performing. His resilience is inspiring.

"O-o-h Child" by the Five Stairsteps (1970)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Reviews Albums
  1. The song 'O-o-h Child' by the Five Stairsteps was released in 1970 and aimed to uplift listeners during tough times. It reminds us that things can get better, even when the world feels chaotic.
  2. The Five Stairsteps were a family music group from Chicago, known as 'The First Family of Soul.' Their name came from how they looked lined up by age, like steps on a staircase.
  3. The group's style evolved from matching suits to embracing individuality. Their performances reflected the changing culture of the late 60s and early 70s, showing off their talent and creativity.

Making mixtapes

Austin Kleon • 2218 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🎶 Music Collage Playlist Listening
  1. Making mixtapes can be a fun and creative way to enjoy music. You can use old cassettes to create something new and personal.
  2. This activity involves covering old songs and artwork, allowing for a fresh mix that reflects your current favorites.
  3. It's a great way to explore music and share it with others, helping to connect through your favorite tracks and discover new ones.

"Dancing Barefoot" by the Patti Smith Group (1979) with producer Todd Rundgren

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock Artists Albums Songwriting
  1. The song 'Dancing Barefoot' by the Patti Smith Group is a notable track from their 1979 album 'Wave', produced by Todd Rundgren. It's well-loved and has been covered by many artists.
  2. Patti Smith and Todd Rundgren share a deep friendship that began in the late 60s. Their bond was built on mutual respect and admiration for each other's artistic talents.
  3. The song is dedicated to women artists, showcasing Patti's love for strong female figures. It's recognized as a powerful piece about love and longing.

"Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren (1972)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Genres Albums History Culture
  1. Todd Rundgren's song 'Hello It's Me' became a big hit in the early 1970s, reaching high positions on music charts. Many people connect the song to feelings of young love and heartbreak.
  2. The song has two versions: a popular solo version and one from his band The Nazz. It's interesting to see how his songwriting evolved from his teenage years to his later work.
  3. Rundgren is a self-taught musician who used his piano skills creatively. His unique style and fashion choices also reflected the glam rock trends of that time.