The hottest Artists Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Closing Out 2025

Animation Obsessive • 17222 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. Focusing on human-made craft in animation offers a meaningful alternative to generic, AI-driven content and keeps attention on artistic skill.
  2. Highlighting artists who work with materials like oil, sand, paper, wool, or metal pins shows how creative techniques and perseverance matter even when industry and politics make things harder.
  3. Celebrating concrete wins, growing an audience, and sharing work freely during hard times helps sustain the creative community, while planned breaks and continued effort keep the project viable for the future.

Paul McCartney Invents a New Kind of Protest Song

The Honest Broker • 22308 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Paul McCartney led hundreds of musicians in releasing an album of empty studio recordings as a protest against AI, with proceeds going to help musicians.
  2. Prominent creators like Vince Gilligan and Guillermo del Toro openly reject AI as a form of creative theft and a threat to human artistry.
  3. Major companies are striking deals with AI firms and settling lawsuits for profit, undermining artists' rights and creating a new culture war whose outcome may depend on audiences and stronger copyright enforcement.

The Rock Star Who Couldn't Sing or Play a Note

The Honest Broker • 12400 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The music industry shifted from trusting musical expertise to prioritizing image and commercial appeal over actual talent, sidelining aesthetic judgment.
  2. A 1958 example showed producers could manufacture hits by using a charismatic non-singer who spoke or ‘rapped’ over music and pairing them with a real vocalist, proving marketability could trump ability.
  3. That formula helped normalize influencer-style fame, appearance-driven acts, and formulaic pairings that still shape mainstream popular music today.

Will West Coast Jazz Finally Get Some Respect?

The Honest Broker • 8610 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. West Coast jazz was historically marginalized and often dismissed by the jazz establishment, even when its musicians had significant success. Those players deserve recognition as an important part of jazz history.
  2. A new documentary project aims to tell the definitive story of West Coast jazz but is struggling for funding and public attention. People can help by donating, sharing the project, or otherwise spreading the word.
  3. Many West Coast musicians were forgotten, lived in poverty, and efforts to preserve their oral histories have been underfunded. Grassroots advocacy and financial support are needed to rescue and celebrate their legacy.

The Next in Line

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. When the USSR collapsed, state studios and funding for animation fell apart, causing a big loss of skilled artists and a real fear that the craft’s generational knowledge would disappear.
  2. Veteran animators set up School‑Studio Shar and other teaching efforts to pass on techniques to younger artists, and that training helped Russian animation slowly rebuild over decades.
  3. Anton Dyakov, a Shar graduate, earned an Oscar nomination for BoxBallet, proving the mentorship pipeline can produce world‑class work, but his rise also highlights how fragile the succession and revival remain.
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Record Labels Are Running on Empty

The Honest Broker • 17919 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Record labels are focusing more on old music instead of investing in new artists. This trend shows a lack of faith in the future of music.
  2. Big record companies are becoming more like businesses that manage copyrights instead of nurturing new talent. This shift could hurt the music industry long-term.
  3. If the music industry doesn't support new artists, fans might seek music elsewhere. There needs to be a push to create new music for the health of the culture.

Driving in Circles

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 12940 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' holds generational significance, connecting people across time through shared experiences and emotions.
  2. The song 'Fast Car' transcends eras, evolving from a narrative about Reagan-era struggles to a modern anthem of survival and reflection on American society.
  3. Music, like Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car,' serves as a powerful medium for empathy, reflection, and social commentary, resonating across generations and stirring emotions.

The most joyous portrait of love I’ve ever heard

Superb Owl • 2930 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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 Music Business is Healthy Again? Really?

The Honest Broker • 20845 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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.

John Coltrane's Love Is Still Supreme at Age 60

The Honest Broker • 20113 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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.

The Curious Case of the Pearl Jam Posters

Webworm with David Farrier • 10299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. An artist was asked to make posters for a Pearl Jam tour but was offered an unusual form of payment.
  2. There were mixed reactions from artists who had similar deals with bands like Pearl Jam, with some feeling undervalued.
  3. The case raises questions about fair compensation for artists and the value of their work, sparking a conversation about artist payment standards.

Re-Noted: 6 Ways to Use a Diary

Noted • 8471 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. Keeping a diary is a gift to your future self.
  2. Morning Pages are a helpful practice for writing out thoughts first thing in the morning.
  3. Using different formats like single line entries, illustrated diaries, or one page diaries can make diary-keeping more engaging and creative.

12 Outstanding New Albums I'm Recommending Right Now

The Honest Broker • 5086 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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 favorite artist

Austin Kleon • 4036 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. Many artists believe that all kids are born artists because they naturally create and imagine. Staying artistic is about keeping that sense of wonder and creativity as we grow up.
  2. A personal story highlights the moment a child started drawing, showing that creativity can start at a young age. Encouragement from parents helps nurture this talent.
  3. The act of drawing and creating is a joyful and playful experience, often leading to spontaneous and fun discoveries in art.

Musical Interlude: Live to Tell

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  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.

“Fire moves away”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 570 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🎶 Music Artists
  1. A personal roundup of music from 2025 that shares highlights and reflections on the year’s sounds.
  2. The publisher is moving new pieces behind a paywall starting January 2, and a large discount offer expires on January 1.
  3. This post is available free for now as a courtesy, but future content will generally require a paid subscription.

The 30 Most Intriguing Musicians of 2025

The Honest Broker • 5385 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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.

Was Rock Music Deliberately Pushed Out of the Mainstream?

The Seat of Loss • 30 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🎶 Music 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.

Crushing on the singer or rock star

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  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 Artists
  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 Artists
  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.

Things Worth Remembering: Why the Critics Got Billy Joel Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3023 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  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 Artists
  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.

"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 Artists
  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
  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.

Why Is Music Journalism Collapsing?

The Honest Broker • 24402 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Music journalism faces a crisis with major layoffs and company mergers.
  2. The decline in music journalism mirrors broader issues in the music industry, like layoffs in music companies and streaming platforms.
  3. The root cause of the crisis includes industry focus on old music, passive listening, and AI-generated tracks, leading to a lack of support for new artists.

Epiphanies

Dada Drummer Almanach • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎶 Music Artists
  1. He finds freedom inside musical limits, stretching time and phrasing like a jazz musician to make his drumming and singing constantly surprising and expressive.
  2. He lives simply and generously in retirement, valuing small pleasures, leftist principles, and warm, kind interactions with fans and friends.
  3. His work turns ordinary details into deep feeling and has profoundly influenced other musicians, teaching new ways to play drums and sing.

"Peace Train" by Yusuf/Cat Stevens (1971)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Cat Stevens was super popular in the early 70s, with his albums selling millions of copies. Songs like 'Peace Train' and 'Morning Has Broken' were huge hits.
  2. He left the music industry in 1977 after converting to Islam, which shocked many fans. It was a big deal because he gave up a successful career.
  3. Cat made a comeback in 2006 under the name Yusuf and has been creating music and touring ever since. His song 'Peace Train' remains a favorite for its catchy and uplifting melody.

Painting with Grains of Sand

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. Caroline Leaf changed animation with her unique style, focusing on painting with sand instead of traditional cartoon methods. Her creativity has inspired many other animators since the 1970s.
  2. Her work, especially 'The Metamorphosis of Mr. Samsa,' was highly praised and showcased her poetic storytelling through visual art. It's considered a significant piece in the animation field.
  3. Many famous animators, including Kihachiro Kawamoto, regard Leaf's work as influential and beautiful, showing her lasting impact on animation culture.

16 YouTube Videos I'm Watching This Week

The Honest Broker • 6848 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. There are many interesting YouTube videos available this week, covering a wide range of topics. You might find something that really catches your interest.
  2. Some artists are pushing boundaries, like a young pianist who composes chamber music or a K-Pop group that performs live without auto-tune. It's great to see talent showcased in different ways.
  3. The blend of old styles with modern songs is intriguing, like rock songs performed in a swing jazz style. It's a fun way to explore how music can change across genres.

Zac Brown Show At The Sphere

Points And Figures • 532 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The concert is a narrative journey from darkness to light that emphasizes personal growth, forgiveness, and life after failure.
  2. The Sphere's bold visuals and symbolic moments — skeletons, King Neptune, poems and Roosevelt interludes — build a coherent story rather than anything satanic.
  3. The show urges people to take agency: face fear, take risks, be the 'man in the arena,' and stop being a passive spectator in their own lives.

10 Great Vince Guaraldi Tracks NOT from Charlie Brown TV Shows

The Honest Broker • 7812 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists
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"Baby Blue" by Badfinger (1972) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 339 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Todd Rundgren took over as the third producer for Badfinger's album _Straight Up_, stepping in after the previous producers faced challenges. He worked quickly to finalize the album in under two weeks.
  2. The hit song 'Baby Blue' was written by Pete Ham about a woman he met on tour. It became popular, hitting #14 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in the U.S. and was later featured in _Breaking Bad_.
  3. Todd's approach to production was more controlling than the previous producers, which caused some tension with the band. However, his work led to successful singles and helped build his reputation as 'The Fixer'.

The 100 Best Recordings of 2024 (Part 1 of 2)

The Honest Broker • 7746 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists
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My New Favorite Music Genre Is Polish Noir

The Honest Broker • 8344 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. There's a new music genre called Polish Noir, which has a dark and melancholic vibe but also feels uplifting. It's perfect for those looking for deeper, more meaningful sounds.
  2. Polish Noir music often has a trance-like quality and is influenced by mysticism. It's different from mainstream music and invites listeners to connect with their emotions.
  3. The genre features talented artists like Hania Rani who create unique, ritualistic music that's not about commercial success. It's about artistry and evoking a special feeling.

"We're an American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer/engineer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The song 'We're an American Band' by Grand Funk Railroad, produced by Todd Rundgren, became a major hit and solidified Rundgren's reputation in the music industry.
  2. The recording of the song was quick, done within a few days, and it topped music charts, marking a successful moment for the band.
  3. Personal memories connected to the song highlight family dynamics and how music can create lasting memories, even amidst sibling rivalry.

Skylarking by XTC (1986) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Todd Rundgren produced the album Skylarking by XTC, which was a big deal because the band needed a successful record to stay with their label. They had many songs but no clear direction when they started.
  2. To create a more cohesive sound, Todd visualized each song with images, connecting music to themes like seasons and emotions. Most of the album turned out great, but one song, 'Another Satellite,' didn't quite fit and caused some tension.
  3. Despite some challenges during the album's creation, Skylarking ended up being successful, helping XTC to continue making music. The album received recognition and is considered one of the top albums of the 1980s.

My 10 Favorite Paul McCartney Post-Beatles Musical Moments

The Honest Broker • 7014 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Paul McCartney had a successful solo career after the Beatles, showcasing his incredible talent beyond the famous band. His post-Beatles work is impressive enough to secure his legendary status.
  2. A touching moment from McCartney's 2022 performance featured him singing with a video of John Lennon, highlighting their deep connection even years after the band's breakup. This moment resonated with many fans, evoking strong emotions.
  3. In a lesser-known performance, McCartney played with an Afrobeat band from Malawi, demonstrating his versatility as a bassist. It's surprising that this performance didn't get more attention, as it showcases his unique style.