The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

How do you explain the 'magic' of Aja's sound?

Expanding Dan • 412 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎶 Music Analysis Interview Vinyl
  1. Bernie Grundman explains how the magic of Aja's sound comes from mixing the instruments upfront but also creating space for a deeper experience.
  2. Aja by Steely Dan is considered a landmark recording that captures the energy of performances and creates a special environment for listeners.
  3. The goal of mixing and mastering music is to make an emotional connection with the listener and transport them to a unique 'magic place' reserved for that music.

Oontz Oontz Oontz

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 9 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎶 Music Electronic Music Live performance Music Production
  1. Long-term dedication and consistent practice can turn a hobby into a real DJ career, moving someone from living-room sets to major venues after many years.
  2. Great DJing is more about curating music and telling a musical story than about technical mixing tricks; building energy and picking the right tracks matters most.
  3. The tools and workflows evolved—from burning CDs and manual keying to Ableton and USB/CDJs—but meticulous preparation and musical integrity stayed essential across all venues and setups.
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A Christmas Wish: White Wine in the Sun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🎶 Music Songwriting Christmas Music Criticism Popular music Covers
  1. Some songs celebrate the simple comfort of being with people who make you feel safe, and that feeling matters especially at Christmas.
  2. The best response to uncertainty is to live well: be courageous, resilient, loving, forgive, and focus on what you can control.
  3. Embrace seasonal warmth and simple traditions that remind you of human goodness, since they help you feel safe and connected.

Bob Dylan Drummers Summit: Jim Keltner, Stan Lynch, Winston Watson

Flagging Down the Double E's • 471 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎶 Music Interviews Rock Performances Musicians
  1. The Dylan Drummers Summit brought together three legendary drummers who reflected on their time playing with Bob Dylan.
  2. The conversation was engaging, charming, and at times moving as they shared memories and anecdotes.
  3. Body language and subtle cues were crucial in playing with Bob Dylan, and drummers had to be fearless and attentive to contribute effectively.

The Late Gregg Sutton Remembers Bob Dylan's 1984 'Real Live' Tour

Flagging Down the Double E's • 432 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concerts Interviews Cover songs
  1. Gregg Sutton, Bob Dylan's 1984 bassist, was a huge Dylan fan and had a deep connection with him during their tour.
  2. The 1984 Bob Dylan tour had memorable moments with famous musicians like Santana, and unique experiences like Bono's extended rendition of 'Blowin' In The Wind'.
  3. Bob Dylan's live record 'Real Live' from the 1984 tour didn't capture all the magic of the performances and had shortcomings according to some band members.

The Mono vs. Stereo Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music Production Music history Audio engineering Music genres
  1. Mono and stereo mixes can sound very different from each other. Mono mixes might feel more powerful and live, while stereo mixes offer more depth and spatial detail in the music.
  2. Collecting both mono and stereo versions of records can lead to exciting new experiences. Some songs might sound better in mono, while others shine in stereo.
  3. When buying reissues of old records, it's important to check who remastered the album. Quality remastering can significantly enhance how the music sounds.

This YouTuber amassed a half million social media followers by interviewing touring musicians

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists Interviews Social media Content creation Music Industry
  1. Josh Weidling created Digital Tour Bus to give fans a peek inside musicians' tour experiences. He films tours and shares the behind-the-scenes moments through videos.
  2. Since starting in 2010, Weidling has posted over 9,000 videos and gained a following of over 500,000 people on social media. His work has grown from MySpace to platforms like TikTok.
  3. He originally saw the project as a way to help promote bands while also using his skills in planning and content creation. It's a unique way to connect musicians with fans.

Erik Hall

Flow State • 452 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎶 Music Composer Albums Recommendations
  1. Erik Hall is a multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Michigan.
  2. His new LP, 'Canto Ostinato,' explores minimalist pieces with gratifying harmonic development.
  3. Erik Hall's music can be found on various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

Wayne Shorter

Flow State • 452 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz
  1. Wayne Shorter was an American saxophonist known for his legendary experimentalism in jazz music.
  2. He was part of Miles Davis's second quintet and co-led Weather Report.
  3. Shorter's passing was acknowledged, and a 2011 compilation of his Blue Note Records tracks is recommended for listening.

Raspberries, Surprise! Your Fave Rock Stars Love the 1970s Power Pop Kings!

Front Row & Backstage • 452 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🎶 Music Rock Pop Influences Albums Live Performances
  1. Many famous rock stars like Lennon, The Boss, Axl Rose, and Dave Edmunds love the 1970s power pop band Raspberries.
  2. Raspberries are considered pioneers of power pop, featuring catchy tunes, jangly guitars, and harmonies.
  3. The Raspberries had an impact on music history, inspiring modern acts, receiving critical acclaim, and even drawing admiration from legends like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen.

The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 119 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Performance Artists Culture
  1. The Beatles made their famous debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, capturing the attention of millions of viewers. People were excited about their music and unique style, which changed pop culture forever.
  2. Before their big show in America, the Beatles played long hours in clubs in the UK and Germany. This experience helped them become amazing performers with a wide range of songs.
  3. Paul McCartney mentioned that many of his love songs had themes of attraction and desire, even if he didn't realize it at the time. Songs like 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' became classics that people still love today.

Jazz and confrontation

Expanding Dan • 432 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎶 Music Interview Radio Jazz Comedy
  1. In 1977, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen showcased their jazz influences on a radio program
  2. Becker and Fagen engaged in confrontational and humorous banter during the broadcast
  3. The interview highlighted the duo's wit and humor, even in the face of criticism

Rei Harakami

Flow State • 432 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎶 Music Electronic
  1. Rei Harakami was a Japanese electronic music producer known for using familiar dance music elements in unique ways.
  2. Rei Harakami's albums 'unrest' and 'opa*q' are recommended for listening.
  3. Harakami created electronic music with the Roland SC-88 Pro and his music style was considered non-obvious.

Tyler, The Re-Creator

HIDDEN.RSRCH • 432 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎶 Music Artistry
  1. Tyler, The Creator released a new version of his album with unreleased tracks called _CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale_.
  2. The visuals for the track [SORRY NOT SORRY] in the album paid homage to the artist's previous styles.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only.

RIP Wayne Shorter

The Nelson George Mixtape • 432 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz Composer Concerts
  1. Wayne Shorter's music has a wide range, from hard bop to space experiments to bright sounds.
  2. Shorter had unique encounters in different settings like an Italian music festival and a film screening.
  3. His mystical, searching style on soprano sax connected with elements during a concert in Ravello, Italy.

Dissecting a Case of Imposter Syndrome

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1612 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Imposter syndrome Self-reflection Personal experiences
  1. Imposter Syndrome can make you doubt your own abilities, even when others appreciate your work.
  2. Challenging negative thoughts and focusing on the evidence of your success can help overcome Imposter Syndrome.
  3. Exploring underlying reasons like past experiences or fears can provide insights into dealing with Imposter Syndrome.

THE USHER BOWL

The Nelson George Mixtape • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎶 Music R&B Performance Albums Tour Dance
  1. Usher, as a true soul singer, stands out from current R&B singers who heavily use autotune and rap-singing.
  2. Usher's confidence and immense stage presence make his performances, like his Vegas residency show, epic and engaging for the audience.
  3. Usher's upcoming album release and arena tour mark a significant moment in his four-decade career, with expectations of him integrating past performance traditions like never before.

The Sophisticated Summer Jam

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 412 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎶 Music
  1. Don't judge music by its cover - give different genres a chance!
  2. Explore 'sophisti-pop' music for a cool, vibey summer soundtrack.
  3. Music can set the tone for enjoying the lazy days of summer - find your seasonal playlist!

If You Can Hear Me

Black Music and Black Muses • 412 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Analysis Musicians Family Dynamics
  1. Music can be a powerful tool for expressing deep emotions and connecting with loved ones, even after they are gone.
  2. The relationship between musician parents and their children can be complex, filled with both admiration and struggle.
  3. Art, such as music and poetry, can help navigate feelings of loss and identity, serving as a means of connection and expression.

don’t want no other shade of blue but you

Notebook • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artist analysis Collaborations
  1. Taylor Swift's love songs are romantic but also pessimistic, focusing on derailment, need, and wreck in relationships.
  2. Taylor Swift's collaboration song 'Snow on the Beach' with Lana Del Rey stands out for its sense of total security and reciprocity, which is unique in Taylor's love songs.
  3. Loneliness is a significant theme in Taylor Swift's songs, often intertwined with love, portraying a stable but unpleasant solitude when relationships end.

Songs for Drella

Austin Kleon • 1318 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🎶 Music Albums Artists History Reviews
  1. The album 'Songs for Drella' is a tribute to Andy Warhol, created by Lou Reed and John Cale, who were once estranged.
  2. The nickname 'Drella' combines 'Dracula' and 'Cinderella,' reflecting the complex nature of Warhol's personality.
  3. The songs on the album present Warhol's life from different perspectives, including his own and those of Reed and Cale.

Concert Review: Taylor Swift @ Nissan Stadium Nashville 5/5/2023

coldhealing • 393 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎶 Music Albums
  1. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is a highly immersive and communal spectacle that showcases her career through multiple eras.
  2. Taylor Swift's albums, from her early country music to her recent folk-pop releases, reflect her growth and emotional range as an artist.
  3. Taylor Swift's commitment to owning her music and engaging with her fans has solidified her position as one of the most cared about artists in the world.

Audio Archaeology, 1971: Barbra Streisand Sings the First Recorded Steely Dan Becker/Fagen Song

Front Row & Backstage • 393 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music History Songwriting Producer Musicians Albums
  1. The songwriters of Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, had an interesting origin story starting from Bard College.
  2. Kenny Vance played a crucial role in discovering and managing Becker and Fagen, leading to the formation of Steely Dan.
  3. The journey of the Steely Dan songwriting team from anonymous staff writers to successful recording artists is a testament to their talent and perseverance.

Audio Archaeology, 1973: The Legacy of Jobriath as Morrissey, Numan, Def Leppard Remember

Front Row & Backstage • 393 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎶 Music Influences Music Industry Documentary Performance
  1. Jobriath was a pioneering openly gay rocker signed to a major label in the 1970s, but faced challenges due to homophobia
  2. Influential musicians like Morrissey, Numan, and Def Leppard have been inspired by Jobriath's music and image
  3. Despite his initial hype and record deal, Jobriath's career struggled due to lack of promotion and personal struggles, leading to his untimely death

A Very Special Announcement

First Floor • 393 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎶 Music Electronic Music Newsletter Essays Culture
  1. First Floor newsletter is becoming a book called 'First Floor Volume 1: Reflections on Electronic Music Culture'.
  2. The book includes updated essays from the newsletter, new material, and a foreword by Martyn, offering a comprehensive look at contemporary electronic music culture.
  3. The book shares insights on electronic music culture, industry challenges, and the future trajectory of the genre.