The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Fly-fishing in a business suit

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. This week features a mix of cool recommendations, including a thrilling international book and a stylish 1990s movie.
  2. There's interesting reading on sports conspiracy theories and financing in soccer, plus a new eurodance-pop album that's really enjoyable.
  3. The writer loves getting suggestions from readers for books or movies they might like, and they offer a free trial for new subscribers.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 61

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Riders in the Tour de France now consume more calories than ever, which helps them train harder and perform better in races.
  2. A study shows that Tinder boosted sexual activity significantly, but it didn't really help people form long-term relationships.
  3. Wimbledon officials defend the use of AI for line calling, even though some players feel it isn't always accurate.

Slop as a Way of Life

Kneeling Bus • 273 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. 'Slop' describes random content that fills spaces without much thought, like a song playing in an empty store. It's almost background noise that people often overlook.
  2. 'AI slop' refers to the flood of AI-generated content online, which many blame on technology, but much of it is still created by real people.
  3. The concept of slop highlights how we've become careless about what we consume, making everything feel interchangeable and less meaningful.

The Pandemic Revealed the Most Cowardly Society of All Time

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 58 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The pandemic provoked unprecedented global lockdowns and widespread fear. Vaccination was pushed as a social duty to “protect others,” even though vaccines were not authorized or proven to stop transmission.
  2. Mandates and campaigns pushed many low-risk groups, especially children, to get vaccinated; the piece says effectiveness waned quickly and cites studies reporting adverse events, long‑term health associations, withheld data, and censorship of dissenting voices.
  3. The crisis produced deep moral and cultural effects: society became more obedient and fearful, accepted sacrificing the young to protect the old, failed to produce a meaningful cultural movement in response, and saw massive wealth transfer to billionaires.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Whatever happened

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Nostalgia can be comforting, so it's okay to revisit old books and memories when things get tough.
  2. It's fun to discover new and interesting art and media, like books and podcasts, that bring inspiration and joy.
  3. Sharing experiences and recommendations can help build community and keep creativity flowing.

#148 Music to my eyes

Design Lobster • 179 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Music visualisation dates back to as early as the 18th century with instruments like the Ocular Harpsichord by Lousi Bertrand Castel in 1725.
  2. The iconic album cover for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon teaches the power of condensing design into a single, impactful image.
  3. Designers can blend different senses creatively in their designs, like how music visualisation fuses sound and visuals in surprising ways.

One year later

Jeff Giesea • 219 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Grieving is a personal journey, and it's okay to let go of sadness over time. It's important to find a way to remember loved ones while moving forward.
  2. Sharing memories and stories about those we've lost can lead to moments of joy, even amidst the sadness. Laughter and memories can help heal.
  3. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions when grieving. Allowing yourself to smile and celebrate the life of those who have passed can be a way to honor them.

You can help me escape

Austin Kleon • 1878 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's a good time to enjoy the changing seasons and reflect on seasonal thinking. Fall brings an opportunity to re-evaluate our daily routines.
  2. Finding the right book can be a generous escape, as they can draw readers in so deeply that they want to stay up late reading.
  3. Embracing imperfection is important for creativity. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them instead of striving for perfection.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
  2. Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
  3. Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

It was not a request

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Many people today struggle with hands-on skills, like cutting paper, which shows a disconnect from traditional crafts.
  2. Artists like Steve Keene focus on quantity over perfection, believing that producing more work can lead to better creativity.
  3. There's a shared appreciation for music and movies, with a nostalgia for past artists and a love for engaging stories told through film.

The Monday Media Diet with Joost Joossen

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Joost Joossen uses photography as a way to practice mindfulness and boost his creativity. He believes in the power of daily photography to enhance well-being.
  2. Podcasts are a big part of Joost's media diet, helping him dig deeper into important topics without the stress of breaking news. He enjoys shows that cover culture, politics, and philosophy.
  3. He encourages everyone to visit bookstores and libraries, viewing them as essential places for learning and personal growth.

Re-post: A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Madonna has always stood out for her bold and sexual persona, challenging societal norms and expectations for women. This often led to criticism, especially from other women who were jealous or saw her as a threat to feminist ideals.
  2. The personal struggles and traumas she faced growing up shaped her identity and art, revealing a complex character with deep insecurities. Her experiences resonate with many, especially those who relate to her feelings of abandonment and longing for love.
  3. As Madonna ages, her performances have shifted, revealing a sense of vulnerability and loss of the strong icon she once was. This change highlights the emotional challenges of growing older in the spotlight, leaving fans wishing for a more empowered version of her.

A great new sci-fi novel for Iain M. Banks fans, a masterpiece French crime epic, and a great new jangly power-pop album

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a new sci-fi novel that fans of Iain M. Banks will likely enjoy. It's about space travel and alien intelligence.
  2. A thrilling French crime story set in prison is now available on Netflix. It’s a gripping watch if you like intense dramas.
  3. A fresh album inspired by bands like Hüsker Dü and Big Star has been released. It's catchy and worth a listen.

Who Are They Going to Be?

The Biblioracle Recommends • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. School systems often reward students who conform to rules and standards, leading to stress and disengagement.
  2. The behavior of children watching a band perform raises questions about who they are and who they will become.
  3. A proposed experiment seeks to track children's reactions to a performance to understand how individual behaviors may shape their future selves.

If Joan Didion wrote 'Little Drummer Girl'?

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a new espionage novel that mixes rich settings with themes similar to Joan Didion and 'Little Drummer Girl.' It sounds intriguing for fans of deep storytelling.
  2. The roundup includes recommendations for unexpected topics like the Murdoch family and some odd mysteries, which could make for interesting reading.
  3. There’s a one-take action movie mentioned that blends suspense with gritty action, perfect for anyone who enjoys intense thrillers.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

We’re not going back

Message from the Underworld • 255 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Wayne Kramer, a proud son of Detroit and legendary guitarist, was radicalized by events in Detroit in the 60s.
  2. Detroit, as one of America's most misunderstood cities, has a unique history and culture.
  3. It's important to use art, resources, voice, and vote to prevent a regression to past societal issues.

"We're In The Discovery Business"

TSOH Investment Research Service • 511 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
💼 Business Music
  1. Spotify's MAU growth has been strong, with 88 million net MAU's added in FY22
  2. Spotify reached a milestone with over 200 million premium subscribers in Q4 FY22, having quadrupled since 2016
  3. Spotify's profitability is a concern, but the company's scale positions it for potential advantages in the future

“The Witch Trials of JK Rowling”

if not, Paris • 511 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Taking time away from constant media consumption can help appreciate the world around us.
  2. Being selective about podcasts can lead to finding ones that challenge our beliefs in a thought-provoking way.
  3. Engaging with diverse perspectives through podcasts can enhance critical thinking and empathy.

Water in the well

Austin Kleon • 1898 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's important to keep your creative well full so you can keep making good work. Think of it as filling up a water tank; you need it to be full to use it.
  2. Creativity often faces resistance, and overcoming that resistance can lead to better creative outcomes. Embrace the challenges as part of the creative process.
  3. Finding joy in what you read or watch can inspire and refresh your creativity. Explore new books or films to keep the ideas flowing.

Best of 2024

Obvious Bicycle • 723 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The best of 2024 includes a wide range of media like songs, movies, and books that made an impact. It's great to keep track of what we've enjoyed over the year.
  2. Live events like concerts and stand-up shows are memorable experiences that often stand out. They bring joy and a sense of community.
  3. Quotes from various sources can inspire us and offer different perspectives on life. They remind us to think deeply and reflect on our experiences.

Hidden Open Thread 389.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The post is intended for paid subscribers only, so it's exclusive content.
  2. There seems to be a focus on sharing and community engagement in the discussion.
  3. Many readers have participated in the comments, showing a lively interaction among subscribers.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 80

Why is this interesting? • 60 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Crying can be a good release for emotions, and it helps people feel better in real life too. It's okay to let your feelings out sometimes.
  2. There's a strange commercial flight in America that connects two very quiet airports, even though it doesn’t make much economic sense. It shows how some things are about more than just money.
  3. Joan Didion was very serious about hosting Thanksgiving, paying attention to every little detail. This shows how much love and care can go into making traditions special.

Warp & Weft

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Weaving has two main threads: the warp, which is the tense thread on the loom, and the weft, which moves over and under it. This can symbolize how we create things from both old ideas and new ones.
  2. The concept of warp and weft is often used in writing and art to describe how we all borrow from traditions and influences. Nothing is completely original because we all build on what came before us.
  3. Anni Albers' work connects weaving to creative expression, showing how different materials can inspire and shape our artistic processes. Learning about materials can open up new creative possibilities.

Labor and wait

Austin Kleon • 1758 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Patience is key in the creative process. Sometimes, you just have to put in the work and wait for the results.
  2. Art and creativity can often be inspired by what we experience in life and what we consume, whether it's books, movies, or music.
  3. Sharing and discussing what you love helps you connect with others. There’s value in sharing your thoughts and favorites with friends.

Get Tickets for Bet on Love!

Above The Fold • 275 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Bet on Love is a professionally produced live dating show with betting happening on Manifold.
  2. The event will take place in San Francisco at the Brava Theater Center, with a livestream available.
  3. Contestants can still participate and the show will feature live music by Tim Blais and Bashu.

More of what I'm reading about the election, a masterpiece "erotic thriller," and four songs I'm digging

Read Max • 816 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a collection of interesting reading material about the election that can help understand what's going on.
  2. A unique 'erotic thriller' book is recommended, noted for its dreamy qualities and great music rather than typical thriller elements.
  3. Four cool songs are also highlighted, showing a mix of various forms of entertainment to enjoy.

Matti Friedman: The Song of the Israel-Hamas War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1729 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Matti Friedman is a well-known nonfiction writer, reporter, and columnist, whose work delves into Israeli history and identity.
  2. His song 'Canaan' captures the dark and existential realities of the ongoing war, challenging the notion of reaching a promised land and questioning the concept of homeland.
  3. Shaban's songs, like 'Canaan' and 'A Practice Run for Waking Up,' seem to foreshadow Israeli conflicts, evoking deep emotions for those directly involved in the war.

A heavy canceling by asteroid

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Access to health care, including abortion, is super important for artists and everyone else. Supporting established organizations can really help with this big issue.
  2. Experiencing live music, like a Kraftwerk concert, can be a fantastic family outing and create lasting memories.
  3. Enjoying a good book or watching lighthearted shows can be comforting when you're feeling unwell; it's a nice way to relax and escape.

Jim Morrison's End

Litverse • 219 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Jim Morrison's art was more like possession than process, often acting beyond his own spirit and becoming a product for the audience.
  2. Morrison's legacy teaches the importance of balancing performance, poetry, personality, and product in one's life to create authentically and without self-consciousness.
  3. Morrison's journey shows the impact of not conforming to societal expectations and the struggle between conscious creation and unconscious artistry.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #156

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 192 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Music
  1. The U.S. Department of Energy is making strides in nuclear energy by partnering with companies to create safer, advanced fuel types. This could strengthen America's energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign uranium.
  2. OpenAI has launched GPT-5, an improved version of its AI model that offers better performance without replacing humans. It's a sign of ongoing progress in making AI tools more reliable and useful for everyday tasks.
  3. A new AI from Google, called Genie 3, can create interactive environments based on text prompts. This technology can change the way we think about gaming and virtual experiences, making them more dynamic and engaging.

Subscriber Writing, February 2024!

Freddie deBoer • 1763 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Promote lesser-known creators and explore a variety of content to find hidden gems.
  2. Consider implementing more efficient processes in your work to save time and reduce errors.
  3. Expand your interests and explore different topics to discover unique perspectives and valuable insights.

Here was a magic

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Celebrating milestones, like a child's birthday, can create special memories and moments of joy. Sharing experiences with others can be fulfilling, such as speaking to a class about something you love.
  2. There are valuable lessons in both historical and modern ideas, like exploring Darwin's diagrams or discussing how technology impacts creativity. These discussions can inspire new thoughts and perspectives.
  3. Art and creativity are personal journeys worth sharing, whether it’s showing how a book cover was designed or reflecting on the value of literature. Engaging with different forms of art can enrich our lives.

Man vs Machine

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Paying close attention to small details can help you understand the bigger picture. When you focus on one thing, you can see connections to the whole world.
  2. Creativity is in everything we do, whether it's making music, writing code, or having conversations. Each act of creation holds lessons and reflections of our lives.
  3. Failures are not just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn and grow. By examining our mistakes closely, we gain insights that can lead us to future success.