The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Can a Jew Still Love Kanye?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 908 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Eli Lake reviews Kanye West's album, acknowledging Kanye's controversial behavior but praising his musical talent.
  2. Kat Rosenfield discusses the idea of using books as props for image and the divide between actual readers and those who pose with books.
  3. Evan Gardner explores Beyoncé's foray into country music, highlighting her diverse musical influences and questioning the genre boundaries in music.

🔜 Get ready for the coolest weekend in Bangkok!

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 119 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Music
  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.

#148: Too much music

Maybe Baby • 1552 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Using music to create a mood is common in modern culture, from public spaces to social media.
  2. The use of headphones and music may lead to isolating ourselves from shared sounds and communal experiences.
  3. Considering the value of naturally occurring sounds and silence in our lives is important, even amidst our fascination with music.

What's got my attention this week #14

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture 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.
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The map is not the territory

Austin Kleon • 1059 implied HN points • 20 May 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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
  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.

The Matchbook | 3.3.23

Signal Fire • 235 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The Oscars Best Cinematography Winners showcase the beauty of movies.
  2. Ten nuggets of wisdom from philosophers can help you live life better.
  3. Making friends in middle age is crucial for mental and physical health.

We’re In An Era Of Sexy Sapphic Singing

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 235 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Lesbianism in early 2000s music culture was often defined by eroticism and shock value.
  2. Contemporary sapphic performances in music are reclaiming lesbian representation with self-expression and empowerment.
  3. Modern sapphic artists are embracing sensuality and pleasure in their music, focusing on self-defined desire and joy.

Trustfall

Black Music and Black Muses • 235 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Amiri Baraka whistled John Coltrane's music when he learned of his death.
  2. Baraka was in solitary confinement during a rebellion in 1967.
  3. Baraka felt alone after the loss of Coltrane.

Ómós Digest #112: The Irish Connection in Iceland

Ómós Digest • 235 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Westman Islands in Iceland have deep historical connections with Ireland, influencing culture and gene pool.
  2. Iceland's hospitality and tourism marketing are top-notch, making it a popular destination.
  3. The rugged landscapes of Heimaey, Iceland reflect a harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and community resilience.

"All Day I Dream About Sex"

Many Such Cases • 519 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Artist as Cultural Shaman, Kendrick Lamar

The Bigger Picture • 738 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  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.

The Leonard Cohen Shoe Shine Edition

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Leonard Cohen was known for his love of fine tailoring, often wearing stylish suits. His attention to personal appearance showed he cared about looking good.
  2. While searching for his dress shoes, many images emerged of Cohen sitting on hotel room floors polishing his own shoes. This highlights his down-to-earth nature.
  3. The contrast between his polished look on stage and his simple shoe-shining ritual reflects a unique blend of elegance and humility in his character.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #4

The Bottom Feeder • 339 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Not many gamers know about online game controversies. Most people play games without getting involved in drama on social media.
  2. UFO50 is great for learning game design by showing how to make fun games without unnecessary complexity. It invites players to think about what really matters in game design.
  3. AI could really improve experiences at parks like Disney, but people might misuse it for funny or mean content, making it a tricky situation.

Hidden Open Thread 354.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only, so not everyone can access it.
  2. There are discussions happening in the comments section, with a decent amount of interaction.
  3. You can subscribe or sign in to view the content, which suggests it's a community-focused platform.

Coming soon

Connecting Dots • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There is an upcoming content piece called 'Connecting Dots' that will be available soon.
  2. You can subscribe to the content for updates and more information.
  3. It seems to involve sharing ideas or perspectives in an engaging way.

Artificial Means Human-made

Reboot • 25 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. AI is a human-made continuation of past technologies, not an alien force, and debates about what’s "human" versus "machine" repeat whenever new tools reshape culture.
  2. AI can evoke spiritual and communal responses by producing emergent, collective effects, and designing shared, voice-centered experiences counters the narrative of isolated, personalized automation.
  3. We need new social and legal protocols—like public-domain datasets, consent mechanisms, data trusts, and decentralized sharing—to ensure fair use, shared ownership, and cooperative discovery in the age of AI.

Self-expression

Austin Kleon • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Art is about self-expression, and sharing your work can help you connect with others.
  2. Finding inspiration can come from unexpected places, like visiting a library or exploring your town.
  3. Music and movies can lift your spirits and provide great entertainment for family time.

Trying not to spiral out

Austin Kleon • 1199 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

#36: Boundless Range ↔️

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Having a wide range of interests and experiences can lead to a more vibrant life.
  2. Being open to discomfort and appreciating finer details can expand your range.
  3. Cultivating range requires effort and can lead to greater satisfaction and personal growth.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #51

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Postmodernism Is Good, Actually

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1226 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The novel 'J R' explores the corrupting influence of money on our pursuit of creating things of beauty.
  2. The current cultural trend of identity-mongering tied to neoliberal capitalism reflects themes seen in 'J R' from fifty years ago.
  3. Art should maintain autonomy and challenge norms, as seen through examples from the avant-garde and critical analysis of current artistic trends.

Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
  2. Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
  3. The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

Jennifer Lopez: Now That's What I Call Me!

Teniade Topics • 117 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Jennifer Lopez is releasing a new visual album called 'Now That's What I Call Me!'
  2. She is known for her intense commitment and refusal to be detached, creating an extravagant, messy, yet pure star persona.
  3. The new experience is primarily for Jennifer Lopez fans who appreciate her unique charisma and dedication.

The Death of Scenius

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Urban creativity has declined because artists are less connected and no longer gather in cities like they used to. This lack of connection limits inspiration and collaboration.
  2. The concept of 'scenius' shows that creativity thrives when talented people are in close proximity to each other. Working together can spark new ideas and movements.
  3. Rising living costs and the internet's influence have made it harder for artists to meet and collaborate, leading to fewer innovative cultural movements today.

The Romantic Era Never Ended

Bet On It • 296 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Romantic Era of music isn't over; it lives on in modern soundtracks. Many new compositions carry the spirit of famous Romantic composers.
  2. While some may think of soundtracks as simple background music, many actually hold high artistic value, comparable to classical masterpieces.
  3. It's important to appreciate and celebrate modern composers who continue the legacy of the Romantic tradition, rather than just mourn for the past.

Happy Chinese New Years!

Moly’s Substack • 98 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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
  1. 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 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.

This Year's Best Bits: The Tipping Point?

What's Important? • 19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. 2025 felt like a tipping point where mystical or “woo” ideas and new models of consciousness moved from fringe curiosity into mainstream acceptance.
  2. Popular podcasts, books, and articles this year mixed scientific research with personal accounts of nonordinary experiences, highlighting renewed interest in healing and expanded models of mind.
  3. Mainstream entertainment—TV, film, and music—increasingly explored themes like collective consciousness and disclosure, signaling these ideas are spreading into broader culture and institutions.

Bet on Love, final tickets

Above The Fold • 98 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Final tickets for 'Bet on Love' show are almost sold out, so grab yours quickly!
  2. The show involves 6 suitors competing to win Aella's heart in a mix of musical theatre, game show, and dating show.
  3. Musicians Tim Blais and Bashu are part of the show providing musical art and storytelling.