The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

The Many Muses of Taylor Swift

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music Art & Illustration Literature Philosophy History
  1. Taylor Swift's art is deeply inspired by her relationships, turning her ex-partners into muses for her songs.
  2. Taylor Swift's ability to create a shared reality through her music on the theme of love resonates with a wide audience.
  3. In the world of popular art, artists like Taylor Swift offer a 'plane of illusion' where audiences can transcend individuality and escape fears while enjoying universal themes like love.

Dingus of the week: Nic Pizzolatto

Men Yell at Me • 419 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows Literature Music Entertainment Social Issues
  1. The 'Dingus of the Week' is Nic Pizzolatto for his reactions to the TV show True Detective's latest season, which featured indigenous women and received criticism from him.
  2. Some recent positive highlights include a strippers' bill of rights, a stingray in North Carolina who reproduced without a mate, and Beyonce becoming the first Black woman to top the country charts.
  3. Celebrating personal victories, like having a book published, can be surprisingly down-to-earth, even involving mundane tasks and moments with loved ones.

The Pointlessness of Punk

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Art Philosophy Literature
  1. Punk rock emerged as a rebellion against mainstream culture and conventional ideas, born in a decaying New York City in the late seventies.
  2. The authenticity of punk as a movement is questioned as its rebellious acts become mainstream and profitable, raising the issue of whether its purpose is lost amidst commercial success.
  3. The essence of punk lies in the performance, where the actions and symbolic gestures carry more weight than the individuals themselves, creating a form of rebellion that transcends traditional definitions.
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Study something you love in depth!

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Comics
  1. Focus on what you love and study it deeply. Spending time on something you enjoy can reveal new insights and spark creativity.
  2. When exploring an artist's work, you can go in order or pick and choose pieces that interest you. Both approaches can bring value to your understanding.
  3. Share your learning journey with others. It helps you connect with similar fans and encourages you to keep going, all while enjoying the process.

How I observe Independence Day

The Recovering Academic • 257 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture National Identity Literature History Music Patriotism
  1. Independence Day is a time for reflection on what America has been and could be, not just a celebration for many.
  2. Texts like Frederick Douglass's speech and Handsome Lake's story make it difficult to observe Independence Day without sorrow, balancing any pride with grief.
  3. There are multiple interpretations of Independence Day, ranging from reclaiming American greatness to critiquing the national experiment, with a middle ground found in Barack Obama's speech 'A More Perfect Union.'

The Matchbook | 4.7.23

Signal Fire • 255 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Books Music Letters
  1. There are 7 idioms lost to the English language that could make a comeback.
  2. The book adaptation 'The Power' on Amazon Prime is worth watching for its empowering content.
  3. 9 easy life tips can make a big difference in making life a little easier.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Family Art Media Criticism Music
  1. Oedipus's self-inflicted disability was tragic - what disabilities might his parents have had?
  2. Families can have conflicts over individuality - like in movies where children pursue different paths from their parents.
  3. Communication barriers between parents and children can lead to sad desynchronization, but can be resolved with effort and understanding.

Say yes and never do it

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Creative
  1. Mel Brooks suggests that sometimes it's better to just agree to a boss's idea, even if you don’t plan to actually do it. It can save you from unnecessary conflict.
  2. Reading different perspectives, like a close analysis of poetry or an oral history of music, can refresh your thinking and inspire creativity.
  3. Creating silly or fun projects, like making drawing games with kids, can be a great way to bond and enjoy creativity together.

On [not] getting to Carnegie Hall

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Practice Psychology Sports Music
  1. Americans often celebrate practicing sports and music but view studying as stressful. This shows a difference in how we value different types of hard work.
  2. Practicing skills like singing or dancing can feel heroic and inspiring. But studying for tests can feel more like a chore, which isn't always motivating.
  3. People might find it easier to accept struggle in creative fields than in academics. This affects how students feel about putting in the effort to learn.

🔜 Get ready for the coolest weekend in Bangkok!

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 119 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Events Nightlife Shopping Music Local culture
  1. Get ready for an exciting Chinese New Year celebration in Bangkok, with vibrant cultural performances and activities in Chinatown.
  2. Join the Karaoke Night at Connect Club to sing, make friends, and have a great time with music.
  3. Experience a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration at ICONSIAM filled with activities, rewards, and exclusive experiences with loved ones.

What's got my attention this week #14

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books Age Environment Health Music
  1. Edinburgh festival season is here, featuring an interview with author Maggie O'Farrell at Fringe By The Sea about 'The Marriage Portrait'.
  2. An article discusses how newsletters are now akin to women's magazines in providing engaging content.
  3. There is a trend in adults reading children's books, an interesting lawsuit by women against the Swiss government over climate change, and other intriguing topics shared on The Shift With Sam Baker.

The map is not the territory

Austin Kleon • 1059 implied HN points • 20 May 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Travel Comics
  1. Maps are not the same as reality. They can only represent parts of a complex world we live in.
  2. You don't need to visualize things in your mind to create great art. Many artists, including those with aphantasia, can still draw well without mental images.
  3. The impact of creative works, like books and music, can influence and inspire us. Exploring new recommendations can enrich our lives.

Red Musical Notes

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 79 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching Transformation Love Music Self-development
  1. Thomas and Olga de Hartmann's lives changed dramatically after meeting Gurdjieff, shifting from outer happiness to inner transformation.
  2. Gurdjieff's teachings focused on differentiating between egoistic love and real love for personal development.
  3. During Thomas de Hartmann's illness, the symbolic act of Marfousha gathering and discarding 'evil' red musical notes highlights the essence of Gurdjieff's teachings on vibrations and transformations.

Too good not to share

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Sports Government Art
  1. Helen Dale has a unique ability to explain complex ideas about government and culture in a clear way. She's great for anyone wanting to understand the Westminster system better.
  2. Dale combines her intellect with imagination in her writing, making her novels both insightful and creative. Her work on historical events like the Holodomor showcases her talent.
  3. The essay highlights the emotional and cultural impact of music, particularly through personal memories and experiences, making it relatable and engaging for readers.

"All Day I Dream About Sex"

Many Such Cases • 519 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music Masculinity Desire Emotional Expression
  1. Nu-metal, especially bands like Korn, shows the many sides of masculinity. Their music mixes vulnerability with macho attitudes, allowing men to express complex feelings.
  2. Songs like Korn's 'Daddy' tackle serious issues like childhood trauma. They provide a way for artists to revisit their pain and help listeners process their own emotions.
  3. Critics often misunderstand nu-metal, labeling it as negative or harmful. Instead, it's important to find value in how it discusses and explores masculinity and desire.

The Monday Media Diet with Geoff Rickly

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Literature Perfume Travel Books
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.

Artist as Cultural Shaman, Kendrick Lamar

The Bigger Picture • 738 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Masculinity Responsibility
  1. Kendrick Lamar's latest album delves deep into personal demons, triggering a collective process of healing for fans.
  2. Lamar's introspective work challenges societal norms by addressing masculinity, vulnerability, and responsibility in a raw and honest way.
  3. The album emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, highlighting the clash between personal growth and societal expectations.

Sunday West 48

Wrong Side of History • 227 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Music Literature Science
  1. Video of Canon Club event on Richard Wagner by Paul Lay is now available.
  2. Ed West shares insights on various topics - from culture war politics to historical figures surviving difficult times.
  3. Citizens' assemblies and AI advancements are discussed in relation to societal impact and accountability.

The State of the Culture Is...Not Bad, Actually

The Ruffian • 215 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Art Literature TV
  1. Hollywood is showing signs of a mini-renaissance with a recent surge in quality films and more diverse storytelling, bucking the trend of blockbuster dominance.
  2. While concerns about a decline in mainstream culture persist, there are still pockets of innovation and quality in mediums like books, TV, music, and film, hinting at a complex and multifaceted cultural landscape.
  3. Previous golden ages in commercial art forms, like Hollywood in the 1970s, have occurred during periods of transition and uncertainty, suggesting that creativity flourishes when traditional norms are disrupted.

Trying not to spiral out

Austin Kleon • 1199 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Media Family
  1. Finding beauty in tough situations can help us grow. It's important to look for the silver lining during difficult times like storms.
  2. Reading a variety of books can expand our understanding and inspire creativity. Mixing different genres like essays and novels can keep our minds engaged.
  3. Sharing enjoyable activities with family strengthens bonds. Playing games, baking, and watching shows together can create lasting memories.