The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Teenage Dreams Grow Up

Rich Text • 1002 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Olivia Rodrigo's song 'GUTS' captures the complexities of girlhood and growing up.
  2. As we age, the emotions and pressures of our teenage years continue to shape us.
  3. Listening to music that resonates with our youth can be a cathartic experience.

What was Blackbird Spyplane?

Blackbird Spyplane • 2038 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Blackbird Spyplane turned 3 years old this week and celebrated with its enlightened readers.
  2. The newsletter focused on spotting cool things, maintaining a strong moral compass, and avoiding consumerism.
  3. Blackbird Spyplane provided cultural insights, engaged with famous individuals, and promoted positivity.

Jawn Ramachandra

Blackbird Spyplane • 599 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Music
  1. Blackbird Spyplane offers various fashion and lifestyle recommendations through their posts.
  2. They have a selection of unique, single-craftsman made clothing items and accessories available for purchase.
  3. The website also features an electronic music playlist curated by Studio Nicholson.

Music News Has Lost Its Appeal

First Floor • 511 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Music journalism is struggling to connect with younger audiences.
  2. The changing nature of music consumption is impacting the relevance of music news.
  3. Streaming platforms and online communities are changing how music fans discover new music, affecting the need for traditional music journalism.
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Confessions of a former hippy

Everything is Light • 471 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The hippy movement holds beliefs about environmental damage, overpopulation, living without technology, and anti-capitalism.
  2. The author realized that the hippy movement was judgmental and intolerant, despite promoting peace and love.
  3. Leaving the hippy community allowed the author to develop and vocalize their own thoughts outside of the movement's restricted ideologies.

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's suicide

Subtle Digressions • 136 HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah' took him years of struggle and creativity to write. Despite being so personal and deep, it was initially overlooked and rejected by the music industry.
  2. John Kennedy Toole's novel 'A Confederacy of Dunces' faced major rejections before it was finally published and won a Pulitzer Prize, highlighting how valuable work can be ignored until a proper champion finds it.
  3. Success for artists can depend a lot on luck and timing. Sometimes, a great song or book needs just the right person to recognize its worth to achieve success.

Pity the Poor Bastards Who Have to Try to Racially Balance Every Big Event

I Might Be Wrong • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Entertainment often forces racial "entry points" into shows to try to make every group feel represented, which can create tokenism and awkward shoehorning of performers.
  2. Every booking gets read as a win or loss by different political and racial camps, so backlash happens no matter who is chosen and the debate becomes a zero-sum culture war.
  3. Executives are stuck trying to please everyone, an impossible task, and the better solution is to stop prioritizing race as the main factor and treat culture as different expressions of shared experiences.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

A creepy sci-fi horror series with a great conceptual hook, a strangely gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy, and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a really creepy sci-fi horror series that has a cool concept. It sounds like it could be a great watch for horror fans.
  2. A gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy is highlighted. It might be particularly interesting if you enjoy shows like Andor.
  3. The roundup includes new music and essays discussing big ideas like AI's impact on jobs. These topics are worth exploring for those interested in the future.

How the hell are you?

So Here’s a Thing • 884 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music
  1. The Writers' Guild of America and SAG are on strike because of issues like inadequate pay and the rise of AI in creating shows.
  2. Parents are experiencing the bittersweet moment of their child leaving for college, a significant life transition.
  3. Grief persists and evolves over time, impacting relationships and defining moments in life.

Artisinal white noise

escape the algorithm • 199 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Social media can turn personal identity into obligation, like with Spotify Wrapped.
  2. There was a period where white noise podcasts were popular due to an algorithmic trend.
  3. There are creative acts of algorithmic resistance, like music artists and extensions that subvert norms.

Nights Without Dreams

Crumpstack • 432 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The downtown Manhattan scene is divided into two main groups: the 'politicos' and the 'hipsters'.
  2. Sovereign House is a popular spot for Yarvinist DIY-space nightlife.
  3. There is a symbiotic relationship between the 'politicos' and the 'hipsters' in maintaining the scene's allure.

The Week In Recommendations 1.24.24

Rich Text • 471 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger" on Hulu is a classic whodunnit worth checking out
  2. Stay informed by reading sources like Jessica Valenti's Abortion, Every Day newsletter
  3. Explore new shows like "Death and Other Details" on Hulu for a mystery fix

Generative AI Cars Coming Soon

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 499 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Music
  1. Mercedes-AMG launched a new car feature called MBUX SOUND DRIVE at CES 2024. This feature lets drivers create music based on their driving actions.
  2. The system uses sensors and advanced software to turn driving dynamics like acceleration and braking into musical sounds.
  3. This technology allows drivers to have a unique and immersive experience while driving, blending music with their driving style.

The Tachibana Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Buying used records can make music purchases more special. It allows for a personal connection to the places visited.
  2. The Tohru Aizawa Quartet created a rare jazz album in the 1970s, originally made as a business card. The album stands out because of its unique backstory and quality.
  3. Despite their main careers being outside music, the band delivered impressive compositions that show their talent. Their music can be enjoyed by listening online, even if you can't find the physical record.

And then what?

Austin Kleon • 2278 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's important to think about what comes next after finishing a big task. Asking 'And then what?' can help guide your next steps.
  2. We often shape ourselves to fit what machines can do. It's surprising how much we adapt to be like technology.
  3. Kids today are pushing back against social media culture. They care less about likes and more about real connections.

What’s Missing from Today’s Pop Music and Museum Galleries? Call It Boogie

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Good groove or “boogie” comes from small dynamic gestures and subtle timing, not identical, clipped hits; flattening sounds loses the swing that makes music feel alive.
  2. Museums often present sound badly — low-fidelity playback, loud excerpts, and spillover make listeners hear only the biggest bits and miss the works' nuance and intent.
  3. Sound in art should be treated with as much care as visuals, so galleries need to redesign how they present audio and the public should support cultural work that values those listening details.

Girlhood, mortality hacks and a theory of "Sound Towns"

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 618 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Spotify's 'sound towns' feature matches music preferences to specific cities, indicating local listening patterns influenced by demographics.
  2. Research shows that music preferences in cities correlate with factors like race, education, and income, reflecting unique resident mixes.
  3. Spotify Wrapped findings, like matching to college towns, may align with demographics of listeners, such as higher education levels.

What I read this week...

chamathreads • 845 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
📰 News Music
  1. Scientists are testing room-temperature superconductors
  2. Health insurers have hidden information about medical bills
  3. Taylor Swift gave out over $55 million in bonuses

The Week in Recommendations 5.3.2023

Rich Text • 845 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The newsletter features a book of essays uncovering the dark histories behind beautiful objects.
  2. The creators discuss their latest cultural recommendations, from TV shows to music.
  3. Recommendations include Youswim one-pieces for maternity wear and luxurious body wash.

The Monday Media Diet with Joe Weisenthal

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Music
  1. Joe Weisenthal loves using Twitter in the morning to catch up on fast finance news, but he also checks his email and Bloomberg for important updates.
  2. He enjoys reading Substack newsletters, especially about country music and geopolitics, and he recommends some that he thinks others should follow too.
  3. Weisenthal has spent years exploring media theory and believes it helps understand today's changes in society and technology, particularly with social media.

Art in an Emergency

Seven Senses • 739 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Art, like dance and music, helps heal our spirit and emotions. Many cultures have known this for a long time.
  2. Holding on to emotions can cause physical discomfort or pain in our bodies. It's important to process these feelings through creative activities.
  3. Making time to dance, sing, or be still can greatly improve our well-being. Connecting with these activities can revive our energy and joy.

Attack of the 50something women

The Shift With Sam Baker • 838 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Women over 50 are showcasing their skills and confidence in various fields, challenging the notion that they should be invisible.
  2. Prominent female figures like Sharlene Spiteri, Cate Blanchett, and Jo Whiley are inspiring with their energy and talent at ages 54-57.
  3. The growing visibility of women over 50 in media, entertainment, and other industries may signify the start of a movement towards inclusivity and recognition.

Hand-Holding: Two Final Readings (for now)

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Directly asking to hold hands is a simple, effective way to show interest.
  2. Saying "Do you like holding hands?" gives both people plausible deniability while still making your interest clear; if they say yes you can take their hand, and if no you can shrug it off.
  3. If you’re shy, small gestures and cultural moments can help you reach out; holidays like Thanksgiving or a song that resonates can be a good excuse to ask someone to hold your hand.

Britain's last acceptable hatred

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Glastonbury is a famous music festival in Britain, but it gets a lot of criticism for being expensive and mostly attended by privileged people.
  2. People often see Glastonbury's left-leaning politics as annoying, but most attendees are just there to enjoy music and have a good time.
  3. The festival's founder acknowledges it may seem too middle-class, and some believe it reflects the trends of the wealthy getting more progressive in their views.

The rise of Manchester’s urban gardens

The Mill • 432 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The rise of urban gardens in Manchester is transforming disused land into green spaces for the community.
  2. Partnerships between organizations like the National Trust and Sow the City are helping create urban gardening projects across the city.
  3. Efforts to develop more urban gardens are supported by initiatives like the GMCA's green space fund and are essential for improving access to green spaces in Manchester.

Spooky season! 👻

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Spooky season is a time for fun and cozy activities like watching scary movies. It's a great way to enjoy the change in the air and get into the spirit of fall.
  2. Reading is highlighted as a wonderful pastime, with recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction books. This can inspire others to dive into new stories or learn something new.
  3. Sharing experiences like interesting events or personal reflections can connect people and spark conversations. It’s a reminder of the joy of community through shared interests.

Tuesday Thread: Where are you buying/finding art?

Culture Study • 1461 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Art can create a calming atmosphere in your home. Choosing pieces that resonate with you makes your space feel more personal.
  2. Finding art can often come from recommendations by friends or other artists. Connecting with the community is a great way to discover new favorites.
  3. Exploring different artists and their work can be an enjoyable experience. Websites and social media are great places to find stunning art that speaks to you.

Links and Tingz (May '25)

Secretum Secretorum • 530 implied HN points • 29 May 25
📚 Literature Music
  1. Poetry often reflects deep feelings about life and existence. It can make us think more about our thoughts and emotions.
  2. The history of marginalized groups, like the Cagots, shows how society can exclude and discriminate. Understanding these stories helps us learn about empathy and acceptance.
  3. Time can feel powerful and transforming, blending our experiences. Thinking about time can change how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings.

Donald Fagen: an interview

Expanding Dan • 786 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. Steely Dan is starting a tour with the Eagles at Madison Square Garden.
  2. Donald Fagen answered questions about the tour, memories of Wayne Shorter, favorite albums, and his love for iced tea.
  3. The interview is available to paid subscribers only.

A terrific noir series perfect for summer reading; a warm, funny, wise, and lately overlooked family drama; and more

Read Max • 421 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Check out a cool noir series that could be a great read for summer. It's smart and thrilling, perfect for fans of mystery.
  2. There's a French drama that people haven't talked about much but is really good and gives off summer vibes. It deserves more attention.
  3. The author is open to recommendations and loves hearing from readers about books or movies they enjoy.

Further Thoughts on Tornetta (and a bit about Veracini)

lawrence’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💰 Finance Music
  1. Attorneys' fees in legal cases can be substantial, with requests reaching billions of dollars, setting new records
  2. Tesla may face implications in its stock price due to potential sale of awarded shares, creating a significant influence on the market
  3. The _Tornetta_ decision could result in a significant earnings windfall and raises questions about the fundamental duty of a board of directors in improving shareholder value

Which intelligence?

Paola Writes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Intelligence comes in various forms beyond traditional measures like logical-mathematical or linguistic-verbal.
  2. The definition of human intelligence can be complex, with factors like motivation and self-awareness playing a role.
  3. Efficiency in gaining skills may be a significant factor in measuring intelligence, but human intelligence is complex and cannot be solely defined by efficiency.