The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

👋 Weekly dose of the "5 Coolest Things I've Found in Bangkok!"

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 99 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Music
  1. Stay up-to-date with the trendiest and most unique discoveries in Bangkok through a weekly digest.
  2. Exciting events in Bangkok include a Bruno Mars live performance, EDM Addicts Top 20 DJ & MC Awards Ceremony, and the Red Velvet party with techno and drum & bass fusion.
  3. Immerse yourself in the electronic music scene with events like Sathorn Klubnacht and Inakoma for a captivating experience.

Best Housekeeping Yet!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There are big plans for 2025 at The Hinternet, including new features, a call for submissions with a good pay rate, and looking for new contributors and voice actors.
  2. A new publication called The Oort Cloud Review is set to launch soon, and it’s expected to make a significant impact.
  3. The Hinternet is trying to distance itself from low-investment free subscribers and is focusing on fostering genuine engagement from dedicated readers.

"do i need to subscribe to my friend's substack newsletter"

Both Are True • 167 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Supporting your friend's paid newsletter can feel like a tricky decision. If they've made it clear they expect support, think carefully about your own financial situation first.
  2. If you're not rich, there are still ways to help your friend. You can share their work, give them positive feedback, or simply tell them you're unable to pay right now.
  3. It's important to remember that artists and writers often need encouragement. Your praise can really help them feel valued, even if you can't support them financially.

Look away from the pit

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's important to avoid doomscrolling and focus on positive aspects of life instead. Looking away from the negativity can help you maintain a better mindset.
  2. Starting a mailing list can be a great way to connect with others and share your thoughts. It's a simple but effective way to keep in touch and build a community.
  3. Showing your kids who you are is valuable. Sharing your experiences and passions with them helps strengthen your bond and teaches them about your life.

Seismic Swift

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Fans at Taylor Swift's concerts created a lot of excitement, enough to be measured like small earthquakes. The energy from the cheers and stomping was similar to a magnitude 2.3 quake.
  2. Seattle has had a history of measuring events that cause seismic activity, like sports games and even the demolition of the Kingdome. Big crowds can shake the ground just like natural earthquakes.
  3. Understanding the geology of Seattle is important, as it helps people connect with their environment. Events like concerts can spark interest in learning more about the earth beneath our feet.
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The rise of AI nihilism

Hot Takes • 294 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Debate between man vs machine and the future of creative work
  2. Efficiency and automation in creative fields may impact the essence of art
  3. Striking a balance between technology and preserving the craft behind art is essential

Update, Links, and the Future: March 2023

Anarchonomicon • 294 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author has experienced significant growth in their online presence and newsletter subscribers, with plans to make it a full-time job.
  2. There are upcoming articles focusing on historical cycles and geopolitics, with the need to reframe and divide content.
  3. The author discusses topics like the decline of literature due to academia, challenges faced in writing, and the dominance of certain tabletop RPGs in different markets.

Memory Trains

lettersonbeing • 294 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author reminisces about childhood memories associated with the sounds of trains
  2. Solitude is embraced and valued by the author as a warm blanket of safety
  3. The sounds of passing trains were a comforting part of the author's childhood environment

What's got my attention this week #26

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Tracy Chapman recently became the first black artist to win a CMA Award for Fast Car.
  2. Various thought-provoking topics were touched upon, like compost's hidden treasures and the challenges writers face in making a living.
  3. The post highlights a range of interesting articles, from a profile of Lauren Sánchez to Robbie Williams advocating for taking 'manopause' seriously.

Issue 07 – A Holiday Wrap Up

Unbox Inbox • 198 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The post discusses the art of gift wrapping, showcasing unique and creative wrapping paper designs suitable for all occasions.
  2. The author shares the best books they read in the year, highlighting diverse genres and providing personal insights and recommendations.
  3. The post includes a festive section with various holiday-related inspirations, from Austrian holiday cards to peppermint bark chocolate bars, contributing to the holiday spirit.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

My COVID diaries

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
  2. During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 325 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading can be a way to challenge your thinking, especially about complex topics like divorce. It's interesting to explore new perspectives on familiar issues.
  2. Winter can feel long and tiresome for many, making people eager for spring. Sharing feelings about the season can connect us with others experiencing the same.
  3. Consuming various types of content can enhance our understanding of the world. It's a great way to discover diverse ideas and spark conversations.

Joni Mitchell Made Me Bleed

The Chase • 137 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Emotions can trigger unexpected physical responses like a nosebleed.
  2. Grief can manifest physically in surprising ways.
  3. Allow yourself to feel and express emotions, even in messy ways.

An easygoing hippie noir series; a fantastic, dark serial-killer movie; and an album of retro-pop bangers

Read Max • 500 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There's a new easygoing hippie noir series to check out. It's in the style of cool stories like 'Inherent Vice.'
  2. A dark, thrilling serial-killer movie set in Hong Kong is being praised as one of the best of the decade. If you like thrillers, this one is a must-see.
  3. A fresh album featuring '90s-style retro-pop songs has been released. It’s perfect for anyone looking for fun and catchy music.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 56

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. AI is making it really hard for new college grads to find jobs, even those with fancy degrees.
  2. People in Syria are now using metal detectors to search for gold after being free from the harsh Assad regime.
  3. Many startups fail, and there's a lot of confusion in the new media about how to get noticed.

Three Thinking

David’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Radio programming is changing to fit listener habits and tastes. Shows are moving between channels to stay fresh and relevant.
  2. Key presenters are being used for multiple shows, making it easier for listeners to connect with familiar voices. This aims to create a comforting and consistent listening experience.
  3. The BBC wants to shift towards an audience-controlled model. This means people will choose what they want to hear without worrying about which station it's on.

Memorial Day: Of Time and Tommy

Bastiat's Window • 275 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
  2. Personal acts of kindness and generosity can have a lasting impact on others, even if it may seem small at the time.
  3. Music and art can be powerful ways to memorialize and honor those who have served and sacrificed in wars.

Let me eat and not be eaten

Austin Kleon • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Bicycles can inspire creativity and bring joy to life. Riding a bike is not just exercise; it can be a fun way to explore new ideas.
  2. Reading comics can be both entertaining and educational. They offer a unique way to learn about complex topics.
  3. Graduation is a big milestone, and it comes with new opportunities. It's important to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.

Everything is a Remix

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Originality is hard to define because almost all creative work is influenced by what came before it. Many famous inventions and art pieces are built on prior ideas.
  2. People often prefer familiar themes and concepts, leading to industries that recycle ideas, like movie sequels and music remixes. This use of the remix can provide comfort and profit.
  3. Creativity is about participating in a long tradition of ideas rather than only seeking to be original. New works often honor and build on the past, showing how art is a conversation through time.

The Work of Writing About Taylor Swift

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 137 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. In a world of cultural commentary, perspectives on public figures like Taylor Swift can vary widely.
  2. Public figures like Swift are often appropriated as symbols for different causes, regardless of their personal beliefs.
  3. Swift's broad appeal allows for numerous and often conflicting interpretations, leading to a commodification of opinions in pop culture.

Why is Chapel Hill Interesting?

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Chapel Hill is a university town with charming landmarks and traditions.
  2. Residents enjoy a thriving music scene, independent bookstores, and a fitness culture.
  3. The town embodies progressive ideals with unique features like free public transit and community-focused initiatives.

All that's old is new again

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Older ideas and trends often come back into fashion. It's common to see things that are considered 'outdated' become popular again.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big part in why we embrace things from the past. People enjoy the comfort and memories associated with older styles.
  3. Recycling old concepts can lead to creativity. By mixing the old with the new, fresh ideas can emerge that resonate with different audiences.

The Compton Cowboys – A Modern Renaissance

Journal of Free Black Thought • 21 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Compton Cowboys reclaim and revive the long history of Black horsemanship to challenge stereotypes about who belongs in the saddle.
  2. They use horses and hands-on youth programs to mentor kids, teach discipline and horse care, and offer a positive alternative to gang life and trauma.
  3. They mix cowboy tradition with hip-hop, fashion, and activism while fighting for land, resources, and greater Black representation in rodeos and equestrian spaces to grow a wider movement.

The Many Muses of Taylor Swift

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Pointlessness of Punk

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Study something you love in depth!

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

Ghosts in the Cloud

Message from the Underworld • 255 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. SPOT was a legendary producer for SST label and a key figure in American counterculture.
  2. SPOT was a writer, photographer, and musician before becoming a producer, connecting people and scenes.
  3. The author plans to put together a tribute zine for SPOT to honor his legacy and impact.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

Freud and the Beatles

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

The Winnipeg Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1508 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Winnipeg is a city that requires curiosity and appreciation for what it is.
  2. Winnipeg has architectural gems, cultural venues, and exceptional cuisine.
  3. Winnipeg's cheap cost of living attracts artists and musicians, making it a unique and vibrant city.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 451 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A great commencement speech by Bill Watterson can really touch your heart. It’s about understanding life and making choices, and you might feel emotional listening to it.
  2. Engaging with creative content, like an Instagram reel, can spark joy and inspiration in your day. It’s fun to see what others are sharing online.
  3. Feeling emotional and reflective is totally normal, especially during certain times. A simple piece of content can really resonate with your feelings.

Say yes and never do it

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 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.