The hottest Indie Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Towards an Alternative Canon of Millennial Pop

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1244 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎶 Music Indie
  1. Between roughly 2009 and 2018 a loose, internet-native wave of artists fused electronic production with strong pop songwriting to make some of the era's best, most timeless songs. Many of these tracks were anthemic and inventive but never became mainstream hits.
  2. There was no central curator like MTV’s 120 Minutes, and music media and industry shifts (including commercialization and 'poptimism') meant this music stayed scattered in niche corners instead of reaching wide audiences.
  3. Naming and defending this alternate Millennial pop canon matters — building new ways to curate and promote these artists could help the best music reach more people and alter contemporary pop culture for the better.

Does the Pulitzer Prize Hate Substack?

The Honest Broker • 14894 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Indie
  1. The Pulitzer Prize has a history of ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the achievements of alternative media like Substack, despite its growing influence.
  2. Indie journalists and platforms like Substack might not need recognition from traditional institutions like the Pulitzer anymore, as they can create their own awards and communities.
  3. Building a new ecosystem for independent media is crucial, as legacy media continues to face trust issues and declines in relevance.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #8

The Bottom Feeder • 509 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Indie
  1. Avernum 4 has been well-received and is now available for iPad, allowing players to enjoy it on-the-go. The team is also starting on new projects, showing their continued growth.
  2. Borderlands 4 continues to follow the same gameplay pattern, but it faces issues like bugs and a lack of polish. It's frustrating to deal with these problems, yet playing together can be part of the fun.
  3. Many indie games are still enjoyable and bring happiness despite the industry's changes. Recent releases are delighting players, proving that quality experiences can come from indie studios.

The Jonathan Fire*Eater Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎶 Music Indie
  1. Jonathan Fire*Eater brought a new energy to the 90's rock scene in New York when it felt stale. They were different and drew attention, leading to a bidding war from record companies.
  2. The band's unique sound mixed retro and modern styles, influencing many future bands despite their short career. They shaped how indie rock was created and promoted in the years that followed.
  3. Their story serves as a warning about the risks of personal struggles and the music industry's challenges. Even though they faced many issues, their legacy continued to inspire other artists after they broke up.

Mom Punk

Sucks to Suck • 943 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎶 Music Indie
  1. Getting older doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying music and youth culture.
  2. Supporting small acts and discovering new music can be fulfilling at any age.
  3. Music can speak to you in different ways throughout your life, even addressing adult experiences like parenthood.
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No pressure, Laneway.

Boiler Room • 58 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎶 Music Indie
  1. Laneway festival faces challenges in a changed festival landscape
  2. Questions arise about the festival's relevance, lineup, and ability to make up for past cancellations
  3. Key acts to watch at the Laneway festival

The New Cue #356 February 9: The Jesus And Mary Chain, Jon McKiel, Borough Council, Brittany Howard, Burial, Declan McKenna, Bullion, Julien Chang

The New Cue • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Indie
  1. The best electronic producers create a whole sonic world for listeners to dive into.
  2. Frank Turner recommended the album 'Sultans Of Sentiment' by The Van Pelt, describing it as unique and thought-provoking.
  3. You can access full editions and playlists by subscribing at The New Cue website.

Best Music 4

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Indie
  1. The post shares the best music from the past month, featuring various artists and genres.
  2. It emphasizes quality content with 'All Killers No Fillers' approach.
  3. Readers are encouraged to support the online magazine through subscription upgrades or other support options.

GOOD MUSIC 02/2024

GOOD INTERNET • 3 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎶 Music Indie
  1. The post highlights a diverse selection of music genres and artists, from indie to punk to electronic and more.
  2. Various well-known artists are featured such as Norah Jones, Little Simz, and Burial, offering a mix of new tracks and cover songs.
  3. Readers are encouraged to support the online magazine through paid subscriptions or other support options listed at the end of the post.

Murderer's Row of Indie Podcasters at the Outlier Podcast Festival | Los Angeles

The Outlier • 1 HN point • 16 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Indie
  1. The Outlier Podcast Festival in Los Angeles will feature an impressive lineup of indie podcasters, creatives, and industry leaders on May 18-19, 2023.
  2. Speakers like Laura Cathcart Robbins, Cory Montalvo, and Sarah Merrill Hall will be sharing insights at the event.
  3. The festival will include panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities for those interested in podcasting, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

GOOD MUSIC 01/2024

GOOD INTERNET • 0 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎶 Music Indie
  1. The post features new tracks from various artists like POND, Faye Webster, IDLES, Fat White Family, Kim Gordon, and more.
  2. The author shares monthly curated songs from their other blog 'GOOD MUSIC,' offering a collection of fresh tunes and emerging bands.
  3. Genres covered range from indie rock, hip hop, electronica, arty synth funk, to hardcore and angsty alt-rock, providing a diverse music selection.