The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #51

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Film Music Media Literature Art
  1. Adam Lehrer resumes his Safety Propaganda platform after a break, discussing his novel, music projects, and bodybuilding regimen.
  2. Adam reviews Ari Aster's film 'Beau is Afraid' as a work of art of near unparalleled genius, exploring its themes and reactions.
  3. Major media shakeups include the firing of Tucker Carlson and the bankruptcy of VICE media, reflecting on their impact and transformations.

Happy Chinese New Years!

Moly’s Substack • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Festivals Entertainment Comedy Music Dance
  1. The Spring Festival Gala is an annual tradition in China, with varying quality each year, but the 2024 edition impressed many viewers, featuring diverse performances.
  2. The Gala showcased a range of traditional Chinese arts and performances, such as Chinese drums, dragon ribbon dances, embroidery displays, martial arts, and folk songs from different regions.
  3. Some comedy skits in the Gala received mixed reactions, with some being appreciated for their humor and others criticized for reinforcing stereotypes or being unoriginal.

She’s a preschooler and a rap star

The Charlotte Ledger • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Education Events Media
  1. 5-year-old viral rapping sensation Savannah 'VanVan' McConneaughey went from freestyling on the playground to performing on big stages with her original songs.
  2. Savannah's parents nurtured her talent from a young age, posting her singing videos on social media, leading to viral success on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  3. Savannah's music journey includes brand deals, magazine features, performances at prestigious venues, and upcoming plans for an album, all while maintaining her love for performing and connecting with her audience.

Call me Starbucks.

All Visible Objects • 118 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Coffee Branding Music
  1. Starbucks Coffee famously took its name from the character Starbuck in Moby-Dick, but the reason behind the choice remains somewhat mysterious and unexplained.
  2. The connection between Starbucks and Moby-Dick seems to stem more from a chain of coincidences and word associations rather than a deep literary appreciation or deliberate homage to the book.
  3. The original inspiration for the name Starbucks may have come indirectly from Ed Leimbacher, who named a film company Pequod after the ship in Moby-Dick, showing how literary influences can shape unexpected outcomes.
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Only the questions

Austin Kleon • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Television Writing
  1. There's a cool online tool that shows you only the questions in a piece of writing. It's a fun way to focus on what really matters in the text.
  2. You can make music right in your browser using a tool called Roland50 Studio. It's a great way to have fun and be creative without needing special software.
  3. A new TV show called 'Somebody Somewhere' mixes comedy and heartwarming moments. It’s set in a unique location and deals with topics like grief in a relatable way.

Forté #18

SJF • 117 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Literature Creativity Inspiration Writing
  1. The author finds inspiration in reading Tolstoy's War & Peace and using a Hobonichi Techo notebook for daily journalling.
  2. Subscribed to The Idler magazine for a slow, good life perspective and enjoyed reading An Idler's Manual by Tom Hodgkinson.
  3. Explored the Voyager Golden Record images and learned about the robot 'There's Waldo' that finds Waldo in different countries.

Stolen plants always grow

Austin Kleon • 919 implied HN points • 22 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Gardening Philosophy
  1. Plants taken from their original spot can still grow and thrive. This shows that sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something positive.
  2. Many myths exist around publishing and what it takes to succeed. It's important to separate fact from fiction in the industry.
  3. Life after fame can be challenging for pop stars. Some find that the attention they craved comes with heavy burdens and unexpected changes.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 138 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Technology Literature
  1. The song '1995' by Molly Nilsson, initially thought to be about nostalgia, turned out to be an ode to Windows 95, showcasing how technology can evoke nostalgic feelings.
  2. The release of Windows 95 marked a significant shift in computing accessibility, making home computing more user-friendly and marking a pivotal moment in the technological revolution.
  3. The 1990s era of techno-optimism, characterized by the rise of consumer technology like Windows 95 and the early internet, reflected an atmosphere of overall optimism and excitement for the possibilities of the digital future.

Everything is broken.

Boiler Room • 176 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music Journalism Emotions
  1. The post highlights that everything is broken and discusses a plan to address it
  2. The author acknowledges starting on a negative note but promises things will improve
  3. The post mentions frustration with the state of local music journalism and gives a nod to Mark Rebillet

Why Am I Talking?

Austin Kleon • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Lifestyle Education
  1. Consider asking yourself, 'Why Am I Talking?' to focus on the purpose of your conversations. This can help make your words more meaningful.
  2. Riding a bike can bring joy and a sense of adventure. It's a great way to explore and stay active.
  3. Sharing stories can connect us to objects and memories. Writing about items we own or have lost can create deeper reflections.

The Third Year's A Charm

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 96 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Music Faith Nature Politics Personal Growth
  1. The writer reflects on how quickly three years can pass, noting it's been a busy time filled with many words and thoughts shared on various topics.
  2. There’s a strong message about embracing life’s complexities, including tackling serious issues like politics while also celebrating simple joys, like pets and nature.
  3. The importance of supporting independent writing is emphasized, showing appreciation for subscribers and encouraging new ones to join in.

A Generative Year: 2023

Cybernetic Forests • 119 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Tech Policy Music Documentary Exhibition
  1. Subscribers to the newsletter tripled this year, showing growth and increased interest in the content.
  2. The author created and taught a course on AI Images, which was referenced by other educational institutions, showcasing influence in the field.
  3. The Algorithmic Resistance Research Group presented at the DEFCON 31 AI Village, demonstrating involvement in cutting-edge AI art and research.

Phone booths

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Music Art & Illustration Humor
  1. Phone booths in the UK were used for advertising sexual services with flyers, with interesting transformations over time, highlighting cultural shifts.
  2. Superheroes like Superman and British vigilante fantasies have unique associations with phone booths, showcasing creative interpretations of iconic imagery.
  3. The song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" captures themes of confusion, existential observation, and beauty, resonating with the complexities of life.

"Baby It's Cold Outside" is Good, So Bite Me and Happy Holidays

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Traditions Gender Roles Entertainment
  1. 'Baby It's Cold Outside' is a complex song that some people think should be canceled because of its gender dynamics. It's okay to recognize that while still enjoying it as a piece of entertainment from a different time.
  2. The song reflects a different era, capturing the charm of its time. It’s catchy and has become a classic holiday tune, even though it doesn’t align with modern views on consent.
  3. Enjoying an old song doesn’t mean you approve of outdated behaviors. We can appreciate art for its qualities while being critical of its messages.

Would I do it tomorrow?

Austin Kleon • 859 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Events Media
  1. Independent Bookstore Day is a great occasion to support local bookstores. It's also a chance to enjoy special events and new releases.
  2. A good question to ask before accepting invitations is, 'Would I do it tomorrow?' It helps you decide if the opportunity is worth your time.
  3. Exploring creative work and art discussions, like the new film about Brian Eno, can inspire and deepen your understanding of art and its impact.

What if Taylor Swift Never Moved to Nashville?

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music Career City life Opportunity Trends
  1. Taylor Swift's decision to move to Nashville at a young age had a significant impact on her career.
  2. The concept of moving to big cities for career opportunities has become less popular recently, with more people opting for remote work and online platforms for launching products.
  3. Industries that were once centralized in big cities are now becoming more dispersed, with cities like Austin, Miami, and Seattle attracting entrepreneurs.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Technology History Art & Illustration Fashion & Beauty
  1. The 1990s techno-optimism was a period when many assumed that history was moving towards an intensified democratic capitalist future.
  2. Vaporwave music and aesthetics reflect a sense of nostalgia for a future that never arrived due to disillusionment with consumerism, pollution, and unmet technological promises.
  3. Vaporwave's emergence from the internet allowed it to create its own visual style, untouched by traditional music scenes, portraying a retro-futuristic world obsolesced by modern technology.

All on our own

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Identity Media Society
  1. There was a time when people felt more connected and shared a common culture. It felt like things were simpler and more hopeful back then.
  2. People today often feel isolated and disconnected, being seen more as online personas rather than real individuals.
  3. For those feeling alone now, there's a recognition that it's okay to walk that path and share in that experience.

Season's Greeting

Two Pages Double Spaced • 17 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Literature Politics Music
  1. Voting and following election results can feel like a big event, similar to watching a sports game with friends.
  2. The arrival of fall brings cozy activities, like enjoying pumpkin treats and lighting candles, which can help create a sense of warmth and community.
  3. The holidays can be a time for reflection and imagination, reminding us that each season requires our participation and effort to truly enjoy it.

Last Week in AI #256: A truly open LLM, Deepfake scams $34 million, FCC cracks down on AI robocalls, how AI is used in music, and more!

Last Week in AI • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Deepfake Music
  1. AI2 released an open LLM called OLMo to assist researchers in training large language models.
  2. A Hong Kong firm lost $34 million in a scam involving a deepfake video call with the company's CFO.
  3. The FCC is taking steps to ban AI-generated robocalls to protect against fake messages like one mimicking President Joe Biden.

A state of flow

Austin Kleon • 1119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media History
  1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known for the concept of 'flow', which describes a state of being fully immersed in an activity. It’s important to recognize moments when we feel completely engaged and focused.
  2. Joy Williams is a talented short story writer whose work can be enjoyed through various podcasts. Listening to authors read their stories can provide a deeper appreciation for their writing.
  3. David Epstein’s book 'Range' discusses the benefits of being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. It’s a good reminder that having a diverse range of skills and interests can be very valuable.

Protests, Makeup, and a Whole Lotta Grateful Dead in Tour '74's Penultimate Stop

Flagging Down the Double E's • 78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music History
  1. Tour '74 made a significant stop in Oakland, California, 50 years ago, with high anticipation and popularity in the music scene.
  2. The event featured local bands like Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and more, showcasing the vibrant music culture of the San Francisco area.
  3. A paid subscription is required to access the full post archives on Flagging Down the Double E's, with a 7-day free trial available.

Dingus of the week: Oops! All good things

Men Yell at Me • 270 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books Music Sports Events Drinks
  1. The newsletter edition focused on sharing only good news and positive things amidst a lot of concerning current events.
  2. Beyonce's entry into the country music world is seen as a significant cultural moment with potential to shake up the genre's dynamics.
  3. The idea of reimagining happiness and community around friendship rather than just romantic relationships resonated with many people.

No yelling!

Austin Kleon • 879 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art History Media
  1. Reading and re-reading thoughtful works can deepen your understanding, like Rebecca Solnit's writings about Virginia Woolf.
  2. Exploring archives and profiles of creative figures, such as the woman behind 'Goodnight Moon,' can be really inspiring.
  3. Finding new music and podcasts can enhance your listening experience, like discovering Cate Le Bon's albums or Annie Murphy Paul's ideas on thinking.

Timescale Is Everything

Counting Atoms • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Social media Music Policy
  1. Culture has always been viral in nature, with songs and trends spreading through word of mouth and influence.
  2. The time scale of how quickly viral trends grow and fade has been accelerated by internet technology, causing disorientation for many.
  3. There is a disconnect between the pace of forming opinions on social media and the actual process of implementing political changes, leading to frustrations and unrealistic expectations.