The hottest Music Industry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

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 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.

The (Truly) Greatest Hits Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Greatest Hits compilations in the music industry have historically shaped artist canons.
  2. Streaming platforms now use curated playlists like 'Essentials' instead of traditional Greatest Hits albums.
  3. Artists should consider creating their own curated Best Of playlists to guide fans through their catalog.

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

Front Row & Backstage • 393 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  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
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Tony Bennett Never Went Anywhere

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 334 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Tony Bennett remained a constant and influential figure in the music industry for decades.
  2. He had a unique ability to adapt and appeal to different generations while staying true to his classic style.
  3. Bennett's music, particularly his 'Unplugged' album, resonated with younger audiences and introduced them to the beauty of classic standards.

Should Condé Nast Subsidize Pitchfork?

The Seat of Loss • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Music sites can’t rely on ads the way they used to, so album reviews need subscription revenue to be sustainable. Putting reviews and commenting behind a paywall is a market response to that reality.
  2. Large publishers subsidizing cultural outlets insulated them from market pressures and warped expectations for readers, writers, and smaller competitors. That subsidy made it harder for scrappy innovators to compete and created an unsustainable bubble.
  3. Condé Nast shouldn’t be expected to keep footing the bill indefinitely; Pitchfork should try to build a real subscription product and invest in podcasts and short-form video. If it can’t find a viable business model, it may be better for the site to close so the people who work there can pursue sustainable opportunities elsewhere.

Peter Farrelly was a Danfan first

Expanding Dan • 314 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Peter Farrelly discovered Steely Dan while at a boarding school and was deeply moved by their music, leading to a lifelong appreciation.
  2. Farrelly's interaction with Walter Becker for the 'Me, Myself & Irene' soundtrack showcased his passion for Steely Dan and the importance of their music in his films.
  3. Farrelly reflects on his career, his love for Steely Dan's less popular songs, and the inspiration he drew from creative duos like the Zucker brothers and his unconventional encounters with musicians.

November 3 2023

S/FJ • 255 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The author worked on a piece about Ryuichi Sakamoto and a review of Teju Cole's work
  2. The new Black To Comm album is described as a nightmare but cathartic
  3. Hive Mind Records issues music from artists outside the English-speaking sphere with a unique perspective

Music NFTs: Passing Fad or Future of Music?

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Music has changed a lot over the years, especially with technology. Today, artists can reach fans easily, but streaming often doesn't pay them well.
  2. True fans engage more than just listening. They buy merch and go to shows, which is why artists want to connect with them.
  3. Music NFTs can be a helpful tool for artists and their loyal fans. They don't need to change the whole music industry to be valuable.

Pitchfork’s Dead. Thank god for that!

Sounds Good! • 98 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The death of music journalism was influenced by various factors like streaming services and changing reader behaviors.
  2. Pitchfork's decline started when they shifted focus from writers to brand and relied heavily on their rating system.
  3. Critics like Bob Lefsetz shed light on modern music journalism challenges, with many expressing disingenuous sentiments about the demise of platforms like Pitchfork.

Quick Media Update

The Sleepwell Strategy • 176 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Joined Chit Chat Money Podcast to discuss State of the Music Industry
  2. Talked about streaming royalties, independent artist experience, labels, streaming platforms, and AI
  3. Expressed gratitude for support and growth of over 5,000 subscribers

Laneway has levelled up.

Boiler Room • 78 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Auckland's Laneway festival has grown bigger and better than before.
  2. This year's Laneway event featured new and exciting acts, attracting a larger crowd than ever.
  3. The festival's success shows it has firmly established itself as a summer staple, rivaling past music events like the Big Day Out.

Those Songs Still Shine

Sounds Good! • 157 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The Carpenters' music is filled with both joy and sadness, especially in Karen Carpenter's vocals.
  2. Karen Carpenter was a talented drummer, breaking barriers for females in the industry.
  3. The Carpenters' songs are beautifully crafted and continue to shine with emotion and purity.

06/02/23 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 137 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music Industry
  1. The "hukou" system in China is based on historical practices and plays a significant role in access to public services in modern times.
  2. China's social culture values connections and social gameplay, reflecting in a strong 'guess culture' approach to interactions.
  3. The mainstream music industry and idol groups in China differ from the West, with a shift towards influencers and acting over traditional music careers.

Partying like it's 1999

followfox.ai’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Music Industry
  1. Innovation often comes from unexpected intersections of technologies and fields, like how music sharing led to cryptocurrencies.
  2. Technological progress is a complex web of interactions with surprises and unintended consequences.
  3. The future of AI holds unpredictable surprises and revolutionary advancements, much like the evolution from music sharing to cryptocurrencies.

TITAA #46.5: AI "Fakes," Sproings, and Splats

Things I Think Are Awesome • 117 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. There is a controversy around leaked music tracks, with fans unsure if they are real or created by AI.
  2. Fans face challenges in determining the authenticity of leaked music, with some being threatened for suggesting the tracks may be fake.
  3. The situation highlights the complex dynamics between fans, authenticity, and the value of content in the music industry.

Is This Music My Friend?

Leia Jospe • 117 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Examine your taste in media and question if it aligns with your beliefs.
  2. Critically analyze how music is reviewed and rated by media sources.
  3. Consider the impact of cancellations in the music industry on artistic freedom.

No pressure, Laneway.

Boiler Room • 58 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎶 Music Music Industry
  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

Kurt Cobain's Hierarchy of Needs

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music Industry
  1. Kurt Cobain succumbed to 'The Jonah Complex,' a fear of realizing our highest potential.
  2. At the peak of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is self-actualization, a stage where one balances necessary and possible growth.
  3. Influencers can lose their center when their influence defines them, leading to a relentless pursuit of self-actualization.

Vol. 1, Issue 43 - Interview with Johto

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The band Johto created popular songs for the Pokémon anime and soundtracks, helping to shape a big part of Pokémon's musical identity.
  2. Their audition experience was unique, with most members being chosen quickly and getting to work together to produce fun, catchy tracks.
  3. Despite their success, plans for a tour didn't happen, but all members continue to cherish their time together and their connections in the music world.

Introducing At The Door

At The Door • 78 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. In the competitive music industry, telling a unique story is crucial for standing out.
  2. Embracing ordinary aspects of creation can hold value and interest.
  3. Celebrate the small victories and connections rather than focusing solely on broad success.

Music’s Golden Age

Interesting bits • 78 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Music consumption has evolved significantly, with endless options and easy access to diverse genres.
  2. Technology is transforming music creation, making it more accessible for everyone.
  3. Speculations on the future of music include personalized soundtracks, AI-generated music, and potential challenges with royalties and individualized music taste.

[untitled]

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 117 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The app named 'untitled' is designed for music creators to store, edit, and share their work-in-progress music easily. It focuses on making the creative process smoother for artists.
  2. Untitled recently raised $18 million in funding and has gained over 100,000 monthly users, showing that there is a strong demand for tools that support musicians.
  3. The founders believe in creating a unique experience for artists that combines the ease of mobile apps with the depth of traditional music software, aiming to become the go-to platform for all music creation needs.

After Bandcamp, What?

Dada Drummer Almanach • 336 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Music industry facing financial challenges for artists despite quality music
  2. Bandcamp's direct artist to audience communication is valued over algorithm-run platforms
  3. New ownership of Bandcamp raises concerns about the future of this direct exchange model

Set It Off, Evanescence, Ghost

Stream N' Destroy • 39 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Spotify's top artists include Linkin Park, Queen, and Metallica.
  2. RIAA's 2022 report shows a 6% increase in music revenues, with streaming dominating.
  3. New RIAA certifications include Set It Off going gold and Ghost receiving a silver certification.

DIY Professional

Dada Drummer Almanach • 202 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Professionalism is important even in DIY music scenes.
  2. Respecting fellow artists and crew is a key aspect of professionalism.
  3. Adapting and problem-solving on the spot showcases true professionalism.

Writing About Utopia

rene saenz • 19 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Travis Scott's 'Utopia' is a cinematic and forward-thinking release of 2023.
  2. The album balances emotional extremes and themes of family, resilience, and love.
  3. The album raises questions about Travis' future, his competition with Drake, and his collaborations.

It's Probably Good That Pitchfork Is Doing Comments And Reader Scores

The Seat of Loss • 2 implied HN points • 22 Oct 25
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. Pitchfork is testing out a comments section and reader scores for their reviews. This could make the site more interactive and allow readers to have a voice.
  2. Allowing reader scores might help Pitchfork make more money without charging for content. This could help keep the site operating and support writers.
  3. Opening up comments could change how people see Pitchfork, potentially making it less of a strict authority and more of a community space for music discussion.

This Is What You'll Pay For

The Seat of Loss • 15 HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎶 Music Music Industry
  1. The music industry is facing significant changes due to generative music and digital distribution.
  2. Subscription-based streaming services like Spotify offer great value compared to the CD era.
  3. The devaluation of recorded music and the increasing dominance of generators may reshape our relationship with music.

"Income and Wealth Inequality Went Down During the Pandemic": A Q&A with Felix Salmon

James Ledbetter's FIN • 5 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💰 Finance Music Industry
  1. Income and wealth inequality decreased during the pandemic due to stimulus and increased minimum wages.
  2. The pandemic accelerated technological advancements, such as the development of mRNA vaccines and digital payments.
  3. Changes in real estate preferences indicate a lasting shift towards valuing residential space over commercial space.