The hottest Artists Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Artists Outside Their Comfort Zones, 1.0

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2075 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Artists can surprise us by stepping outside their usual styles. For example, Ella Fitzgerald covered a hard rock song, showing her versatility.
  2. Many musicians have covered popular songs in unexpected ways. It's interesting to see how different artists put their spin on classics.
  3. Covering songs can add humor and variety to music. Artists like Lawrence Welk and Andy Williams took on rock songs that you wouldn't expect from them.

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones (1969)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 319 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The Rolling Stones' song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' reminds us that we may not always get what we desire, but sometimes we get what we need instead.
  2. The song features notable piano and organ work, showcasing the talent of the musicians involved.
  3. Many people enjoy learning about artists' creative processes and the stories behind their music.

"Day After Day" by Badfinger (1971) with producers George Harrison and Todd Rundgren

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Badfinger had strong ties to The Beatles, which helped them get noticed and signed to Apple Records. They created hits partly thanks to Paul McCartney's early support.
  2. The band faced challenges with production and management, especially when inexperienced producers were assigned to them. This affected their music quality and output.
  3. Todd Rundgren eventually took over production and helped Badfinger achieve significant success with hits like 'Day After Day,' showcasing their musical talent.

Revisiting the Pyramid of Inequality that is Streaming Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 173 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Streaming payouts are massively concentrated, with a tiny share of tracks getting nearly all the money while most tracks earn nothing.
  2. Per-stream payments are extremely small — artists often receive only a fraction of a cent per play — so even millions of streams usually don’t produce a livable income.
  3. Systemic change is needed, like laws requiring platforms to pay musicians directly per stream, and that will take fans, music workers, and artists organizing and supporting reform.
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EMPTY CHEESE JAR

Entering The Lung • 3125 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Musicians are struggling financially, especially due to streaming services like Spotify.
  2. The pandemic has worsened the situation for musicians without financial safety nets.
  3. There is a need for better support systems for musicians to ensure their well-being and livelihood.

"I Saw the Light" by Todd Rundgren (1972)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Todd Rundgren wrote 'I Saw the Light' very quickly, in just about 20 minutes. He played all the instruments and sang all the parts himself to make it sound just how he wanted.
  2. The song was part of his album 'Something/Anything?' and became a Top 20 hit, even though another song from the same album, 'Hello It’s Me,' ended up being more popular later.
  3. Rundgren also performed 'I Saw the Light' with Daryl Hall, showing that their music is still great as they get older. You can hear both his original version and this performance to compare.

"We Gotta Get You a Woman" by Todd Rundgren (1970)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Todd Rundgren's song 'We Gotta Get You a Woman' was inspired by his experiences as a young man in New York, feeling lonely and wanting to connect with others.
  2. The song faced some controversy over its lyrics, with some people feeling they were misogynistic while others saw it as just a story from a character's perspective.
  3. Songs can reflect different meanings depending on who sings them and when, so it's important to remember they aren't always giving advice, but are telling stories instead.

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

The Honest Broker • 4521 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Aiming, to find top notch t r y m o , d i f f t h i m f , h o giving B M f nding or doing i n m c o t m nt o t h n d o 
  2. T h i h b t  h i b i g , d o h n i n m c i f n t g h f or p r o m o t o r o g r D x n t h o n t h  m t t to g
  3. M r h g y o o o n c o g m c m h ön b f c o n t r t f i n n h h c b t b h d h t o r

Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermints" (1967)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The song 'Incense and Peppermints' by Strawberry Alarm Clock is a classic from 1967 that brings back nostalgic vibes for many.
  2. Strawberry Alarm Clock is still active and performing, with some original band members still making music today.
  3. A new piece about Todd Rundgren, focusing on his creative journey and honest reflections, is coming soon.

Carole King: The Creator Series #2

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 319 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Carole King started making music at a very young age, with supportive parents and lots of practice. She began writing songs at just three years old.
  2. She faced challenges throughout her career but never gave up. Her perseverance helped her succeed in the music industry, and she learned a lot from her experiences.
  3. Carole's creative process involved teamwork and collaboration, especially with her husband. Together, they wrote many hit songs, including classics like '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'

How Miles Davis Hired John Coltrane

The Honest Broker • 8710 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Miles Davis hired John Coltrane out of necessity, as his band needed a saxophonist for an upcoming tour.
  2. John Coltrane's musical talent and knowledge of Miles Davis's repertoire impressed during tryouts, leading to his eventual hiring.
  3. Their initial interactions were characterized by Miles Davis's aloofness and Coltrane's uncertainty, but despite difficulties, Coltrane eventually joined Davis's band.

art delivery : 01.20.24

The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society • 1139 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. British artist Sue Williams A'Court creates stunning landscape drawings in graphite on various surfaces.
  2. Sue Williams A'Court also incorporates some of her drawings into small collage pieces available in her shop.
  3. The 'Dear Arty' column in the ART DELIVERY newsletter allows subscribers to ask questions and receive advice and insights from the community.

A Diagram of YOU

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1631 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. The art of making sense of messy lives with silly charts and diagrams
  2. Drawing diagrams can help make sense of overwhelming things like relationships and love
  3. Venn diagrams can be fun and creative tools for expressing personal, profound, or silly ideas

The Storm

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. The sea holds both beauty and danger, shaping human history through travel, trade, and artistic inspiration.
  2. Artists use paintings and literature to capture the essence of the sea's dual nature, from its nurturing qualities to its destructive power.
  3. The fascination with the sea stems from its role in human exploration and adventure, despite the risks and tragedies it has brought.

James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" + "You Can Close Your Eyes" with his son Henry Taylor

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. James Taylor's song 'Fire and Rain' was inspired by his struggles with addiction and the loss of a friend. He wrote it during tough times in his life.
  2. The song became a huge hit in the 1970s, helping to launch the singer-songwriter movement and leading to James' successful music career.
  3. Over the years, 'Fire and Rain' has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic, recognized for its emotional depth and beautiful sound.

THE SMILE OF TRACY CHAPMAN

The Nelson George Mixtape • 766 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Tracy Chapman's music stood out due to its poetic, working class themes and emotional vocals.
  2. Tracy Chapman faced ridicule for her musical style and appearance in the black music community.
  3. Luke Combs' cover of Tracy Chapman's song helped generate financial success and renewed appreciation for her music.

Marisa Anderson

Flow State • 766 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Marisa Anderson is an American guitarist and composer based in Portland.
  2. Anderson's music is influenced by her experiences walking across America.
  3. She has released three LPs showcasing her improvisational style.

The Lennon Sisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The Lennon Sisters are known for their beautiful harmonies and musical talent.
  2. Their music often carries positive messages and a sense of peace.
  3. Supporting the creators behind this music can help keep the artistry alive.

Owned

ASK MOLLY • 1257 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. The post is about 'Owned' and what you didn't know you wanted.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only.
  3. Includes a piece of writing by Leonora Carrington on farming.

The Beatles Diaries: Celebrating 60 Years and The Feb 9, 1964 Appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

Front Row & Backstage • 589 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The Beatles made a significant impact on American culture with their first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964, influencing a generation of musicians and fans.
  2. The Beatles had a strong sense of identity and confidence in their music, which helped them stand out in the rock 'n' roll industry at the time.
  3. The Beatles' innovative sound, style, and attitude during their 'Ed Sullivan Show' appearance changed the course of pop music history, inspiring many musicians to pursue music careers.

The Day of Your Awakening: Five Hours with Bright Eyes

Five’s Substack • 159 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Time feels different in summer, like a slow heat. It's always moving, whether we notice it or not.
  2. Bright Eyes' album _LIFTED_ explores deep questions about life and struggle, reminding us that we're not alone in our feelings.
  3. The songs reflect on love, loneliness, and anger, showing how we can connect with each other despite life's challenges.

My 60 Favorite Nonesuch Albums (Part 1 of 3)

The Honest Broker • 4255 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Nonesuch label is known for maintaining high standards and integrity in releasing music, balancing commerce and artistry effectively.
  2. The list showcases a diverse range of Nonesuch albums, representing various genres and time periods, from Laurie Anderson's 'Big Science' to John Adams' 'City Noir.'
  3. The music by Nonesuch reflects a unique blend of traditional and avant-garde sounds, capturing the essence of different cultures and musical styles.

A Master Animator's Masterwork

Animation Obsessive • 4126 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Artists
  1. Art Babbitt, a renowned animator, considered his best work to be an animation sequence in a lesser-known UPA cartoon called 'Grizzly Golfer'.
  2. Babbitt's animation style for the bear chase scene was a blend of Disney's fluidity and UPA's limited animation approach, showcasing his technical skill and creativity.
  3. The UPA animation style, including 'limited animation,' was a deliberate artistic choice that differed from Disney's constant motion approach, providing a unique aesthetic to animated scenes.

So this is 2024, huh

So Here’s a Thing • 629 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The author is transitioning from vacation mode to work mode and shares music recommendations in their post.
  2. They highlight artists like Olivia Rodrigo, David Bowie, Blue October, and The Stones, along with their personal connections to music.
  3. The author reflects on the past year, shares insights on their listening habits, and expresses positivity for the new year.

My 60 Favorite Nonesuch Albums (Part 2 of 3)

The Honest Broker • 3989 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Nonesuch Records is a unique label that focuses on nurturing creative work and high-quality music rather than just commercial success.
  2. Ted Gioia shares his favorite Nonesuch albums, showcasing a range of artists and eclectic music genres.
  3. Artists like Emmylou Harris and Lake Street Dive found creative freedom and success after joining Nonesuch Records.

The 2025 Jazz Recs Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Jazz is experiencing a really exciting time right now, unlike any we've seen in the last 40 years.
  2. There are some new albums out that show how diverse and talented jazz music has become.
  3. Checking out these recent releases can help you understand the current state of jazz and its fresh talent.

How Eric Clapton got "Bell Bottom Blues" and wooed away George Harrison's "Layla"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Eric Clapton wrote many songs for Pattie Boyd, who was originally married to George Harrison. His famous songs like 'Layla' and 'Bell Bottom Blues' were inspired by his love for her.
  2. The band Derek and the Dominos formed when Eric was struggling with his feelings for Pattie. They recorded an album that was initially not very successful but later became a classic.
  3. Pattie felt a lot of pressure being a muse for two rock stars. She eventually left George and married Eric, but their relationship had its challenges.

For The Record- 10. February. 2024

On Repeat by Kevin Alexander • 452 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Time moves swiftly: Year Progress on Twitter reminds us that time keeps ticking, and before we know it, days turn into years.
  2. Memories fade: The passage of time can make entire years seem like a blur, with only snippets of memories left behind.
  3. Nostalgia for the past: Looking back at favorite records and shows brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding us of special moments and experiences.

It's that "Time of the Season" to "Tell Her No," but uh-oh "She's Not There"!

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The Zombies are a famous 1960s band known for their unique sound and hit songs like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.'
  2. Their successful music came from a mix of talent, early musical backgrounds, and the impressive environment at St. Albans School.
  3. After some ups and downs in their career, the band reformed and is still creating new music and touring, showing they still have the magic from their early days.

Inside Tracks #32: Plimsouls, 1983, "A Million Miles Away" w/1990 Cover by Goo Goo Dolls (A Collab with Keith R. Higgons of "Abandoned Albums")

Front Row & Backstage • 471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The article discusses the original and cover versions of the song 'A Million Miles Away'.
  2. The author shares personal stories related to the two recordings and the emotional connection to music.
  3. There is a comparison between The Plimsouls' and Goo Goo Dolls' versions, showcasing different interpretations and personal preferences.

The Cristo Redentor Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The Cristo Redentor Edition is a special track that people might enjoy. It seems perfect for a relaxed Friday vibe.
  2. Sharing music can be a nice way to connect with friends or brighten someone's day. It's great to spread good tunes!
  3. The visuals accompanying the music may enhance the listening experience and make it more enjoyable.

Donato Dozzy

Flow State • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Donato Dozzy is an Italian electronic music producer known for his subtle kick drums and 'twinkling arpeggios'.
  2. He pursued a doctorate in politics while his music career took off, earning him the nickname 'The Professor'.
  3. His latest LP, 'Magda', and earlier release 'Filo Loves the Acid' showcase his unique sound.

Sundays are for Piano

if not, Paris • 353 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Artists often find value in the journey of creating, not just the end result
  2. Music and art can capture the essence of moments in time and emotions
  3. Sharing works that are still in progress can be meaningful and authentic

Black Swans

Black Music and Black Muses • 687 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎶 Music Artists
  1. Nina Simone's art was a blend of vulnerability and vengeance in her singing.
  2. Nina Simone's career and music reflected a battle between her desire to be a concert pianist and her role as a diva.
  3. Nina Simone's honesty and self-awareness about her path question the idea of success, sacrifice, and the road not taken.

My appearance on the Year of Bach podcast

The Common Reader • 425 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists
  1. The discussion covered various topics including Bach, AI, and the emotional depth of music. It was an engaging conversation that explored the connections between different composers and their styles.
  2. Glen Gould's music was analyzed, with opinions shared about what was loved and disliked in his works. The contrast between Gould's introspective nature and Mozart's extroverted joy was particularly highlighted.
  3. The podcast emphasized the importance of serious music and its emotional weight. This perspective invites listeners to think deeply about the music they enjoy and its impact on their lives.