Dada Drummer Almanach

Dada Drummer Almanach explores themes around the evolving landscape of music, technology's impact on art, and societal shifts affecting community spaces. It critiques streaming platforms' economic models, highlights the importance of artist rights, and delves into the challenges of digital and live music realms. Environmental and subjective perceptions of sound also feature prominently.

Music Industry Challenges Artist Rights and Royalties Digital Technology in Art Streaming Platforms' Impact Live Music and Community Spaces Environmental Changes on Soundscapes Artistic Creation vs. AI Music and Social Movements Copyright and Legal Issues in Music Personal and Social Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of Dada Drummer Almanach

And their main takeaways

Becoming Led Zeppelin

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.

Thinking Under Fascism

505 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Media Philosophy Politics
  1. Thinking creatively during tough times can help us hold onto our reality. It's important to find a personal truth even when the world feels distorted.
  2. Art can be a powerful tool against oppressive forces, as shown by Chaplin's famous speech in 'The Great Dictator.' Speaking out against injustice can attract both support and backlash.
  3. History shows us that silencing voices of opposition is a strategy used by fascists. We must stay connected and support one another to resist these challenges in the present.

Active Listening

226 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music Criticism Cultural impact Artist interviews
  1. Active listening helps us connect with the world around us. It allows us to hear sounds we usually miss when we have headphones on.
  2. Spotify and similar services prioritize convenience but often neglect the true experience of music. This can lead to a shallow way of listening that doesn't engage deeply with the art.
  3. There are alternatives to corporate music platforms. We can support local music and artists to create a richer cultural experience beyond what major streaming services offer.

On First Looking into Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog

221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Philosophy Art Environment
  1. The Whole Earth Catalog was more than just a book; it represented an idea that individuals can take control of their own education and lives. It promoted the power of personal agency in shaping one’s environment.
  2. Stewart Brand's famous quote about information highlights a tension between making information accessible and recognizing its value. While information can be freely shared in some ways, its worth still holds significant economic implications.
  3. The catalog’s legacy is complicated. It began with a vision of ecological awareness and individual empowerment, but its ideas have been co-opted by corporate interests, raising questions about the true impact of technology on society.

Christian Wolff

86 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Composition Performance Jazz Classical
  1. Music exists through performance, meaning it comes alive when played by musicians. The written score is important, but it doesn't define the music completely.
  2. Christian Wolff contributed to a style of music that allows performers to interpret and play it in different ways. This makes each performance unique.
  3. Wolff was part of the New York School of composers, which focused on new musical ideas and included famous figures like John Cage. Their work influenced how we think about music today.
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The Prehistory of Music

52 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history Anthropology Cultural Theory Evolutionary Theory
  1. Music has deep roots in human history, showing how important it has been in shaping cultures. It connects us to our past and influences how we live today.
  2. The study of music isn't just about its notes and rhythms; it's also about understanding its role in society and culture. Music can help create and define the world around us.
  3. Exploring how humans developed musical abilities can lead to insights about our evolution and what makes us unique as a species. It's fascinating to think about why we can engage with music in such powerful ways.

Music and Revolution

96 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎶 Music Artists Interviews History Albums Genres
  1. Caetano Veloso, a famous musician, had a memorable moment reflecting on his past beauty while signing an album. He seems to appreciate the admiration from others as well as his own history.
  2. During an interview, Veloso shared that one of his earlier albums, which flopped, was significant in his career. It shows how even setbacks can shape a person's journey.
  3. The playful banter and compliments exchanged between Veloso and his friends reveal a sense of camaraderie and humor, highlighting the importance of connections and support in life.

Plus Ça Change, Plus C'est the Same Shit

274 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music History Politics Art Literature
  1. History often repeats itself, especially during tough times like culture wars. Understanding the past can help us navigate current challenges.
  2. In the 1950s, young musicians faced threats from a culture war but found ways to support each other and thrive despite the pressures around them.
  3. It's important to focus on surviving and adapting during difficult periods rather than arguing about what's better. There are always paths to move forward.

Black-market Bob

101 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎶 Music Artists Albums Live Performances Music history
  1. Bob Dylan's bootlegs provide a deeper look into his music that fans enjoy. These recordings include live performances and outtakes that show his artistic evolution.
  2. The 1965-1975 period is a favorite for many Dylan fans, showcasing his unique style as he transitioned from folk to rock music. Key recordings from this time have become legendary.
  3. Despite recent Grammy wins, some feel Dylan's latest work lacks the powerful imagery and creativity of his earlier albums. Fans often discuss his cycles of ups and downs in music careers.

Nice Opening, Duchamp

149 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎶 Music Bands Albums Genres Music history Music Reviews
  1. Damon & Naomi are a music duo that formed after their previous band, Galaxie 500, ended. Their new music blends American and Japanese styles.
  2. Ghost is a Japanese band known for its psychedelic sound and creativity, and they collaborated with Damon & Naomi on an album.
  3. The writing and music process for the collaboration was detailed and unique, with strict schedules and a focus on artistic expression.

Interview with Tom Rapp of Pearls Before Swine

52 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎶 Music Artists Interviews Legacy Genres Civil Rights
  1. Tom Rapp was not just a musician; he was also a civil rights lawyer who cared deeply about social issues. He infused his conversations with humor and sharp critiques of society.
  2. His music left a lasting impact, especially from the 60s and 70s, showing that he had a unique voice and perspective.
  3. Even after his passing in 2018, people remember him for his faith in fighting for good and his insightful commentary on current events.

Dear Subscribers

110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Media Writing
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

Cut-ups

72 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎶 Music Genres Artists Composition History Influence
  1. Can was a unique rock band formed in 1968, made up of musicians with diverse backgrounds in classical music, jazz, and even astrology. They aimed to create spontaneous music that broke traditional boundaries.
  2. Their approach involved improvisation and experimentation, often pushing the limits of what rock music could be. This made their albums innovative and influential on many modern artists.
  3. One of the band's interesting practices was to leave their instruments recording in a room to capture unexpected sounds, showing their commitment to spontaneity and creativity in music.

The Common Listener

120 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎶 Music Music journalism Artist analysis Cultural Commentary Music history
  1. Music recommendations can be a fun way to explore new sounds. They don't have to follow a strict 'best of' list; just enjoy what you like.
  2. Listening to music should be for your own enjoyment, not just what critics or charts say is popular. Everyone has different tastes.
  3. You can connect music to your personal experiences and moments in life, like what you were cooking or doing at the time.

The Unclassifiable, Unstreamable Eighties Albums of Annette Peacock

86 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎶 Music Rock Jazz Albums Streaming
  1. Annette Peacock's albums from the eighties aren't available on streaming services or in print. It's hard to find her music today.
  2. Peacock is seen as a rock star due to her unique style and background, but she struggles with self-confidence. She believes bravery and confidence are different traits.
  3. Despite her struggles, Peacock has had an intriguing career with many twists, showing her brave nature in the music industry.

Tokyo Story

182 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Travel Society Food
  1. In Tokyo, the focus was on enjoying life and community rather than the stressful politics at home. It felt nice to step back from the chaos and think about what really matters.
  2. Building a supportive community and enjoying music with friends are key goals. These connections help to create a peaceful and happy environment.
  3. It's important not to get overwhelmed by negative news. Instead, we should focus on what we value and support one another through tough times.

A Thousand Shows Later

144 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎶 Music Artists Genres Concerts Albums Music culture
  1. Habib Koité is a unique artist who blends different musical styles, but doesn't strictly fit into one genre. He has spent years creating music that reflects his Malian roots.
  2. After the pandemic disrupted his tour plans, Koité finally returned to the stage, performing with a smaller band. This approach highlighted the beauty of his acoustic guitar and brought a different energy to his music.
  3. Over his long career, Koité has evolved as an artist, yet has stayed true to his roots. His music continues to grow while respecting the traditions that inspire him.

Take the Soap out of the Wrapper

163 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎶 Music Artists Lyrics Performance
  1. Demos are an important part of the music creation process. They can be rough ideas or complete songs, and they help artists shape their final work.
  2. Joni Mitchell's demo for 'Amelia' shows how a simple line can change the feel of a song. Editing and reordering lyrics can make a big difference in how the song tells its story.
  3. Listening to your own demos can be hard, but it’s also a chance to learn. Great artists like Joni Mitchell also spend time refining their work, which is encouraging for everyone.

A Pyramid of Inequality

327 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎶 Music Streaming Artists Income Spotify Platforms
  1. The majority of tracks on music streaming platforms receive little to no streams, affecting artist royalties.
  2. Even popular tracks earn very little from streaming platforms due to low royalty rates.
  3. A more equitable distribution of streaming revenue is needed to support working musicians.

Musicking

264 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎶 Music Performance Listening Community Relationships
  1. Musicians need to adapt to different performance spaces and adjust their habits accordingly, even if they were formed early in their careers.
  2. Performers should listen to the space they're in and consider how their music is being experienced by the audience, especially in various venue settings.
  3. Music is not just about playing notes; it's about creating relationships and connections with the audience and other musicians through listening and gestures.

A Year of Necessary Music

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.

1,000 Streams or Bust

336 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎶 Music Streaming Royalties Artists Market Industry
  1. Spotify plans to stop paying royalties for tracks with less than 1,000 streams a year.
  2. This change may widen the gap between successful and struggling artists.
  3. Musicians' voices are crucial in shaping the future of streaming platforms.

The Living Wage for Musicians Act

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.

To the Reader

163 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📚 Literature Library Research Books Reading
  1. Working with what's available can lead to innovative approaches, like practicing 'deconstruction' even in a small college far from big libraries.
  2. Access to resources can change drastically over time, as seen in the shift from paid alumni access to free borrowing privileges at Harvard Library.
  3. The shift to online resources has transformed research practices, offering a wealth of materials instantly but altering the traditional experience of library exploration.

Spool! (pause.) Spooool!

178 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reflection Creativity Inspiration Sound Art
  1. Listening to old tapes can bring up feelings of unfulfilled potential and alternative paths not taken in music.
  2. Each decision in music, like chord choices and melodies, leads down different creative paths.
  3. Rejected tapes and imperfect recordings can add character and beauty to music, enhancing the listening experience.

Solidarity

182 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Legislation Music Activism Solidarity
  1. Independent musicians legally cannot strike or form a union due to antitrust laws.
  2. There are ongoing efforts, like the Protect Working Musicians Act, to exempt musicians from antitrust laws and negotiate better with streaming platforms.
  3. Even though musicians can't strike like Hollywood workers, they can still build solidarity and advocate for better conditions.

Planned Obsolescence

255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Labor Technology Music Space
  1. Planned obsolescence in technology can lead to unintended consequences like a decline in quality and essential maintenance being neglected.
  2. Digital advancements like AI in music and movies can eliminate important human interactions and connections.
  3. Labor is crucial for maintaining shared spaces like movie theaters and music venues, and eliminating human jobs can ultimately eliminate the social experience these spaces provide.

Poetry is an Art of Sound

115 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Music Translation Art Influence
  1. Poetry is an art of sound and speech, an art performed by the reader.
  2. Keith Waldrop emphasized the importance of combining different elements in poetry, like verse and prose, to create a new language.
  3. Music was a significant influence for Keith Waldrop, who admired composers like Monteverdi, Mozart, and Indian Carnatic music.

Summer Soundscape

163 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🔬 Science Environment Birds Climate change
  1. The soundscape in many neighborhoods has changed due to human activities like construction and climate change.
  2. Scientists have observed a significant decline in the number of insects and birds in certain environments over the years.
  3. The decline in insects has led to a decrease in bird populations as well, affecting ecosystems.

The Power of the AM

187 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎶 Music Radio
  1. AM radio stations are equipped with emergency resources to reach populations during crises.
  2. AM radio can be sensitive to electronic interference from various household devices.
  3. Efforts are being made to ensure that electric cars include AM radio for emergency broadcasting.

Got to Give It Up

202 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Copyright Songwriting Plagiarism Artists Popularity
  1. Copyright lawsuits in the music industry can have varying outcomes, like with the cases of Marvin Gaye's songs and recent hits.
  2. Ed Sheeran's legal victory in a copyright case highlighted the debate over common elements in music.
  3. Sheeran's argument about pop songs being similar, written quickly, and prone to plagiarism raised questions about the future of AI-generated music and copyright laws.

One Hundred and Twenty-four Speakers

158 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Technology
  1. Listening to sound in a Sonic Sphere with 124 speakers can be boring and lack immersion.
  2. The manifesto of Sonic Sphere aims to create an immersive experience through technology and architecture.
  3. Despite the technological advancements, like the Sonic Sphere, the experience may not offer significantly new audio experiences compared to everyday surroundings.

Strangers on a Train

216 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
  1. Chance encounters during travel can lead to meaningful conversations and connections.
  2. The increase in no-shows at music events is not just due to COVID, but also reflects changing habits and emotions like anxiety or exhaustion.
  3. People may still be interested in attending live shows, but face emotional barriers that prevent them from following through.