The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Dog days

Austin Kleon • 1498 implied HN points • 08 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading shorter books can be enjoyable and worthwhile, even if they don’t blow you away. It's nice to find pieces that balance serious topics with a light touch.
  2. Creative work often comes from balancing respect for the past with the desire to innovate. This tension can lead to interesting new ideas and artworks.
  3. Podcasts and shows can be great for light entertainment; for example, 'The Offer' is a fun mini-series worth checking out.

The Absentees

Cybernetic Forests • 119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Generative AI can inspire artists by showing them glimpses of new possibilities and creative combinations.
  2. Using AI in music creation can raise complex ethical concerns, such as issues of cultural appropriation and the impact on marginalized communities.
  3. Engaging with generative AI tools like Suno can lead to a disorienting yet intriguing creative process, challenging traditional notions of music-making and expression.

THE BROOKLYN BOHEMIA OF '80S AND '90S

The Nelson George Mixtape • 373 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in the '80s and '90s were hubs of African-American and Latin creative talent.
  2. The Brooklyn Boheme era included artists from various fields like music, literature, and film.
  3. Spike Lee's party in Fort Greene Park inspired Nelson George to work on a book about that vibrant and ambitious time.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

ANDRE HARRELL: GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

The Nelson George Mixtape • 373 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Andre Harrell was a influential figure in the music industry, specifically in the founding of Uptown Records and grooming talent.
  2. Harrell had a keen eye for cultural trends and was skilled at identifying emerging talent and styles.
  3. His mentorship extended beyond race and he was known for nurturing and guiding many individuals in various fields.

Science in a World Built for Alchemy

Variations on a Theme • 139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Embrace the power of art and creativity, even if you face initial failures. It can lead to unexpected and touching moments that resonate with others.
  2. Music and art have the ability to evoke deep emotions and connect people across time and space. They have a transformative power that can touch the soul.
  3. In a world where scientific reasoning often prevails, don't forget the infectious nature of positivity - a simple smile can make a significant impact, spreading joy and connection.

Links for January

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 515 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Jimmy Carter once told a funny story about a rabbit that scared him while fishing, and it became a big deal in the news, even though he only shared it privately.
  2. There's interesting talk about how we classify mental disorders nowadays and if labels like 'ADHD' will still be relevant in the future.
  3. Recent studies show that drinking alcohol can lead to a higher risk of cancer, and it's great when reports present this information clearly and let people draw their own conclusions.

A good heist novel, an excellent animated movie for adults and kids, and four new songs I like

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A great heist novel can be really exciting and fun to read. It's full of action and clever plot twists.
  2. There's a new animated movie that's perfect for both kids and adults. It's visually stunning and family-friendly.
  3. Music lovers might enjoy checking out some new songs that have been released recently. They add a fresh vibe to your playlist.

What's got my attention this week #28

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The post highlights interesting reads, watches, and listens for the weekend, such as celebrating singleness and the centennial of Maria Callas.
  2. It mentions coping strategies for dealing with conflicts and explores intriguing topics like celebrity tell-alls and personal growth.
  3. There's a mix of subjects from Jeff Bezos to the concept of 'killing time,' offering a diverse range of content for the audience.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #52

interintellect • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The future of humanism remains a mystery, worth exploring to salvage humane virtues from the chaos of modern history
  2. Diverse perspectives on topics like friendship, violence, cancel culture, and mental health encourage critical thinking and reflection
  3. In the world of AI, art, music, and poetry, innovative approaches and debates spark new insights and appreciation

My Recommendations for 2026

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 22 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A wide-ranging set of cultural recommendations spans movies, books, albums, articles, and podcasts to explore in 2026.
  2. Many picks center on modern themes like loneliness, identity, political change, masculinity, feminism, and the effects of technology and AI.
  3. The selection mixes mainstream hits with overlooked multilingual and niche works and models swapping phone scrolling for more deliberate reading and listening.

Who They Are

The Better Letter • 294 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Humans are not always rational and make decisions that defy traditional economic theory.
  2. We all have biases and tend to protect our deeply held values, making it difficult to accept new information.
  3. There is a rising trend of denialism and irrational beliefs that are not confined to a specific political ideology.

Plug your writing on our Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. You can share your creative work like writing, music, or art with others. It's a chance to connect and show what you do.
  2. Feel free to leave links to your projects in the comments so others can check them out. This is a great way to support each other.
  3. By subscribing to the newsletter, you can stay updated on new posts and help support the creator's work.

Boston Calling

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. At the Boston Calling music festival, the crowd made the speaker realize they had to trust in the people around them and let go of control. It felt good to be part of such a big gathering without any panic.
  2. Hozier used his platform to educate the audience about civil rights and the importance of protests throughout history. He reminded everyone that small acts of kindness can really make a difference in the world.
  3. Zane believes that you can promote love and peace simply by living your passion and doing what you love. You don't need to fight against anything; just showing your joy can inspire others.

Cheeseburgers In Paradise

Body of Work: Belle de Jour • 353 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Jimmy Buffett's music and image resonate with a specific audience, offering a carefree escape.
  2. Living off-grid highlights the challenges of self-sufficiency and the importance of community.
  3. Burning Man and similar events may showcase ideals of self-reliance, but in reality, they can highlight societal disparities and the necessity of infrastructure and support systems.

Hamilton, Hip Hop, and the Culture of Dueling

Glenn’s Substack • 353 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Dueling was a common practice among the gentry in early America, with social pressure making it almost inevitable to accept challenges or issue them.
  2. Attempts to outlaw dueling in the 19th century were largely unsuccessful, with laws not effectively curbing the practice due to cultural norms and individual reputations at stake.
  3. As the culture changed post-Civil War, dueling declined, with the experience of the war making the ritualized violence seem outdated and less acceptable.

Remember when hip hop was fun?

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Hip hop used to be about fun and enjoyment. Many people miss that energy in today's music.
  2. The culture of hip hop has changed over the years, and some fans feel it has lost its playful spirit.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help us appreciate the joy that hip hop once brought to many listeners.

Jeff Sauer: Mirrorwave

Do Not Research • 239 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Auto ads in subway cars can be strangely specific, like an ad featuring floating dogs in zero gravity
  2. Mirrorwaves are rare occurrences in subway ads, reflecting emotions from user metadata, like a misinterpretation of the user's feelings
  3. The protagonist's obsession with decoding subway auto ads leads to anxiety, fear of mirrorwaves, and ultimately, being blocked from using the subway

Deejaying on the hedonic treadmill

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Using DJ tricks like volume and sequencing can help us balance our feelings and experiences on the hedonic treadmill. It's all about finding the right mix in life.
  2. Reading can sometimes be frustrating if a book is too long, but it can still be engaging. It's a journey of wanting to know more while feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Recent shows and music can bring joy and surprise. It's fun to discover new artists or enjoy those earlier seasons of beloved TV shows.

The creative path

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Creatives often have non-traditional career paths that can be confusing to those in standard jobs. Success for a creative person can look very different than for someone in a typical career.
  2. Even those who seem successful in creative fields, like acting or music, often struggle financially. Many still have to work other jobs to support themselves, even if they are getting regular work.
  3. Having a supportive network, like family and friends, can be crucial for creatives. It's important to have people who believe in your dreams and help you navigate the ups and downs.

Vol. 2, Issue 12 - My Pokémon Collection (Part 5)

Johto Times • 119 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author has a passion for Pokémon music and enjoys collecting soundtrack albums from the games. Each album reminds them of fond memories associated with the games.
  2. New Pokémon Trading Card Game sets and distribution events for in-game items are coming soon, keeping the community engaged with fresh content.
  3. Physical soundtracks for recent Pokémon games have been announced, and the author is excited to add those to their collection.

The Time of Big Walking

Wild Information • 216 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Different indigenous peoples have unique ways of measuring time that are closely tied to nature and subsistence.
  2. The Sámi people have a calendar with eight seasons and twelve months that reflect changes in the environment.
  3. A year for Arctic peoples is not just a fixed number of days but a flow of natural events like bird migrations and frozen lakes.

👾 Lofi and games

internetisbeautiful • 334 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Internet Is Beautiful shares interesting websites from the internet
  2. PowerMode uses AI to create presentations quickly
  3. Lofi and Games offers relaxing browser games like Solitaire and 2048

A ticket to the freak show

Austin Kleon • 1458 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading can be a great way to escape tough times. Enjoying books like 'Three Men in a Boat' can really lift your spirits.
  2. Connecting with art and culture through activities like museum tours can be inspiring and help you appreciate history.
  3. Taking care of your creative self is important. Good advice includes protecting your time, reading good books, and spending time alone.

Rough Draft 2024, Part Two: Reflecting on a decade of work

polymathematics • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Embrace uncertainty in life, as unexpected experiences can lead to the best outcomes. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed; it's part of the journey.
  2. Finding the right balance in work and personal projects is important. It's essential to focus on what truly matters and avoid feeling like you have to compromise.
  3. Setting clear goals can help you stay organized and motivated. Aim to create specific projects that bring you joy, and don’t be afraid to reassess your direction along the way.

No thank you!

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Sharing is valuable, whether it's insights, recommendations, or personal experiences. It's a way to connect with others.
  2. Books about writing can really help improve your skills and understanding of the craft. Some classic titles are must-reads for any aspiring writer.
  3. Watching great films or exploring new art can inspire creativity. There's always something to learn or enjoy in different forms of media.

Start the Week #108

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Keep recovery keys, backups and important files stored in several safe places so a forgotten password or a sudden tech issue doesn't derail your work.
  2. Always get consent before sending newsletters or marketing; unsolicited messages annoy people and show poor data-protection practice that can lose subscribers.
  3. Question precise claims and suspicious sales pitches instead of accepting them at face value, and avoid subtle or unnecessary displays of wealth because they tend to put people off.

What's got my attention this week #33

The Shift With Sam Baker • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. DJ Annie Nightingale, Radio 1's pioneer female DJ, passed away at 83, leaving a legacy for others to follow.
  2. Mean Girls growing up, Kate Moss turning 50, and the forgotten feminist Shere Hite are discussed in the newsletter, offering a mix of pop culture and feminist insights.
  3. The newsletter also delves into topics like creativity blocks, female luxury in method acting, and the emotional depths of hotel rooms, providing a varied and thought-provoking read for subscribers.

Fossil records and paper trails

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Museums can go paperless, which makes us think about the importance of both fossil records and how we document our lives.
  2. Trilobites are fascinating creatures, and there's a lot we can learn from their history and the work of scientists like Richard Fortey.
  3. Sometimes, dreaming of a simple life, like living on an island, can inspire us to appreciate art and literature more deeply.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #50

Safety Propaganda • 314 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author shares a heartfelt story about their deep grief and loss of their beloved pet
  2. The newsletter discusses the excitement in the world of bodybuilding and UFC fights, including notable events such as the Arnold Classic and Jon Jones' return
  3. The section 'Cringe Propaganda' explores various controversial topics in the art world and pop culture, critiquing trends and media personalities

The Matchbook | 3.24.23

Signal Fire • 314 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Time Magazine's list of World's Greatest Places 2023 may have some unexpected choices
  2. Learn about the science behind popular home remedies on lifehacker.com
  3. Good climate news: efforts to fix the ozone hole are making progress

Jokermen × Expanding Dan

Expanding Dan • 314 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Music
  1. Jokermen podcast started a JokerDan miniseries on Steely Dan's first 7 LPs
  2. Discussion on Can't Buy a Thrill included memories of the Becker-Fagen partnership and thoughts on each track
  3. Listen to the podcast and support Expanding Dan by becoming a subscriber

Spare rooms

quite useless • 314 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author finds glamour in solitude and imagination while living in a spare, retro space.
  2. The town of Lewes, DE offers historical charm, convenience, and good dining options in a small setting.
  3. The author enjoys simple pleasures like turkey sandwiches and interacting with locals at a beachside restaurant.

A vacation diary

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Deciding to go on a trip can be tough, especially after staying home for a long time, but exploring new places usually helps you grow. It's important to ask yourself if the experience will make you feel bigger or smaller.
  2. Traveling to new cities can be magical, especially when you get lost in the beauty of the surroundings and the stories found in books that match the setting.
  3. When traveling with kids, it's smart to wake up early and find fun outdoor activities to wear them out before starting the day's adventures. It keeps everyone happy and makes the trip more enjoyable.

Essay Club: In Praise of Silence by Vernon Lee

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Music
  1. The author values silence and suggests that it can be more comforting than chatter. Sometimes, less talking can lead to deeper thoughts and peace of mind.
  2. Silence allows for reflection and helps us connect with our inner selves. It gives us space to think and appreciate our surroundings.
  3. Constant conversation can feel overwhelming and distracting. Embracing quiet moments can improve our mental well-being and creativity.

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Criticism can be seen as positive feedback, showing that people care enough to offer their thoughts. It encourages growth and improvement.
  2. The importance of creativity is highlighted through various writing methods and the need for authentic expression in art. Hard work often makes writing look easy.
  3. The text discusses modern trends, like how people engage with social issues and popular culture, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and critique about today's lifestyles.