The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Untethering

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Politics Literature Social justice Music
  1. Politics and culture often clash, but they don’t always have to be mixed together. Good art can exist outside of politics.
  2. In the past, people pushed for art to always reflect certain political views, which limited creative freedom. Not all artists want to be activists, and that’s okay.
  3. Although we might see political ideas in art, the intense focus on social justice from the 2010s is fading. Art is likely to be viewed differently moving forward.

A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music Pop culture Identity Feminism Art
  1. Madonna has had a huge impact on pop culture, especially for gay men, because of her bold and confident persona. Many admired her for challenging social norms and embracing her sexuality.
  2. Her life experiences, including childhood trauma and complex relationships, have influenced her music and public image. This has led to discussions about her mental health and the struggles that shaped her identity.
  3. As Madonna ages, there is a sense of loss as she moves away from her iconic status. Observers feel she has transformed from a trailblazing artist into someone who seems trapped by her past and struggles with self-identity.
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On Glow, A Pre-Christmas Earwarm

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Virtual reality Performing Arts Fashion Art
  1. In 2060, the concept of media consumption may evolve to include immersive VR performances of music albums called earwarms.
  2. Earwarms like 'On Glow' integrate live audiences into the experience through AR/VR sessions, setting a new trend in media delivery.
  3. Artists like Ribad collaborate with engineers like MeMo to create interactive and visually immersive performances that blend nostalgia with modernity.

Styrofoam Luxury: How Lean Moved from the Streets to the Studio 🥤

Tripsitter • 19 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Substance Use Music Influence
  1. Drinking lean, a mixture of codeine cough syrup, promethazine, and soda, has transformed from a sign of poverty to a status symbol in rap culture.
  2. Lean, although a popular choice among rappers, comes with risks like addiction, dangerous side effects, and even potential fatalities.
  3. The influence of lean on rap music is evident, with popular songs and production styles thought to have been impacted by this drug culture.

On Chess, AI, Creativity

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Entertainment
  1. The introduction of AI in chess has changed how players analyze games, making it less fun. Players no longer engage in lively discussions after games but rely on computers to point out mistakes.
  2. While AI can improve game performance, it can also lead to cheating issues and undermine the spirit of play. The traditional enjoyment of chess is getting overshadowed by a focus on 'playing better'.
  3. In creative fields like music and writing, AI-generated works may be technically good but lack the human touch. The true value of art comes from personal expression, not just technical excellence.

Favourite Films of 1975

Sounds Good! • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Music Horror Comedy Horror
  1. The post lists favorite films of 1975, highlighting impactful movies like 'Dog Day Afternoon,' 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and 'Jaws.'
  2. The author shares personal experiences with the films, like being blown away by the lack of music in 'Dog Day Afternoon' and being scared by 'Jaws' as a child.
  3. The post also includes notable mentions like 'Shampoo,' 'Tommy,' 'The Passenger,' 'Love and Death,' and 'Shivers,' showcasing a diverse film selection for the year.

alright alright alright

Stream of Consciousness • 59 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Music
  1. The author reflects on the initial fears and doubts they had about starting a newsletter and how they overcame them by embracing new writing opportunities.
  2. The author discusses the importance of physical training and how it can lead to a sense of capability and confidence.
  3. The author shares their love for words and the power of concise vocabulary to convey rich meanings.

John Farnham Has Stolen My Childhood

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music Politics History Society Activism
  1. The author reflects on how Greta Thunberg's message about her stolen childhood is misguided, believing it's actually the common people who have had their childhood taken by societal norms.
  2. The narrative describes the nostalgic appeal of 80s music and how 'You're the Voice' symbolizes a shared childhood for many, creating a sense of unity during a turbulent time of the Cold War.
  3. The author expresses disappointment in John Farnham allowing his song to be used in a political campaign, feeling that it has tainted the song's legacy and stolen a piece of their childhood.

And I know that love will take us away from here

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Faith
  1. Love has the power to change our situation and take us to new places. It can help us escape tough times.
  2. Supporting each other through love is important for personal growth and happiness. Together, we can face challenges better.
  3. Communicating openly about feelings can strengthen relationships. Sharing thoughts and emotions creates deeper connections.

Arts & Letters #3

Wooly's Post Repository • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Society Literature Music Media
  1. The author highlights the existence of a social class above liberal/leftist/woke ideologies.
  2. There is a discussion on the complexities and repellant aspects of the Professional-Managerial Class (PMC).
  3. The gap between status and role within the liberal/left/woke PMC is explored, showcasing a contrast in power and personal life.

Gladys Bentley

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music History LGBTQ+ Society Entertainment
  1. Gladys Bentley was a significant figure for openly living as a black, lesbian artist in a time when this was rare.
  2. She challenged societal norms through her performances, songs with transgressive lyrics, and open expression of her identity.
  3. Bentley's impact extended beyond her music as she increased public awareness about sexual variations and spoke for marginalized communities.

Why Learning the Piano is Hard

Daniel Golliher • 78 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🚌 Education Music Language Reading
  1. Learning to play the piano is difficult because it involves multiple sub-skills that many people overlook.
  2. Composite skills, like playing the piano or learning languages, are made up of several components that must be understood and developed.
  3. Recognizing composite skills and breaking them down into manageable parts can help improve one's learning and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The Dirty Blues

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Literature Fiction Sexuality
  1. Blues singers used slang and double entendre in their music, often pushing the boundaries of decency.
  2. The blues offered a raw and honest perspective on life, focusing on the present rather than the afterlife.
  3. The dirty blues genre included explicit lyrics and was sometimes intertwined with hokum, a mix of trickery and nonsense.

THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEl Season 5 | RENFIELD | SICK OF MYSELF

Visual Media Overlord • 78 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Movies Music
  1. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL Season 5 wraps up the show with a satisfying finale and focuses on character growth and relationships.
  2. RENFIELD is a fun modern monster tale with impressive performances but with some flaws, still worth a watch for entertainment.
  3. SICK OF MYSELF is a dark comedy masterpiece exploring society's obsession with fame and attention, a must-watch for fans of black comedy.

Heroes of Slang: Billy Rowe

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History Language Music Slang Race
  1. Billy Rowe was an African-American columnist in the mid-1900s known for his showbiz focus and advocacy against racism.
  2. Rowe coined numerous slang terms in his columns, some of which predated similar terms by his peers.
  3. Rowe's slang terms reflected the world of big bands, clubs, and societal issues of his time, showcasing his unique contribution to language.

AIR | BEEF | SHOWING UP

Visual Media Overlord • 78 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Film TV Series Music
  1. AIR is a sports drama film about Nike's partnership with Michael Jordan and offers a satirical take on corporate culture.
  2. BEEF is a Netflix series with strong performances from Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, delving into complex themes with a fresh perspective.
  3. SHOWING UP is a touching film about an artist finding inspiration in everyday chaos, highlighting the artistic journey and self-discovery.

One in a Trillion

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Literature Music Health & Wellness
  1. The importance of focusing on nature and solitude to find balance amidst the overwhelming people-centric world.
  2. Questioning traditional spiritual and societal constructs, like the role of influential figures such as the Dalai Lama, and advocating for a more personal and family-centric approach to compassion and wisdom.
  3. Reflecting on the challenges of modern life, materialism, and the need to prioritize mindful living and genuine connections while navigating societal expectations.

AI will liberate us from art

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture AI Art Technology Music Content
  1. AI is already heavily involved in shaping cultural products, leading to concerns about the loss of human creativity
  2. The prevalence of algorithms in various aspects of culture and entertainment points to a long-standing trend towards automation
  3. The evolution of culture into a commodity and the influence of algorithms have significantly impacted the creative landscape, challenging traditional notions of human creativity

2022 Annual (Meta)Review

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection Growth Therapy Music Creativity
  1. Reflecting on and reviewing the past year is important for personal growth and self-awareness.
  2. Consistency in journaling, planning, and reflecting can be a valuable tool for personal development and understanding oneself.
  3. Engaging in activities that promote collaboration, creativity, learning, and spirituality can lead to meaningful personal growth and fulfillment.

Planned Obsolescence

Dada Drummer Almanach • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Labor Technology Music Space
  1. Planned obsolescence in technology can lead to unintended consequences like a decline in quality and essential maintenance being neglected.
  2. Digital advancements like AI in music and movies can eliminate important human interactions and connections.
  3. Labor is crucial for maintaining shared spaces like movie theaters and music venues, and eliminating human jobs can ultimately eliminate the social experience these spaces provide.

Raw and Fake Raw

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art Aesthetics Performance Literature Music
  1. Raw performances can feel more genuine and moving compared to overly crafted ones. It's often the unpolished and spontaneous moments that resonate most with people.
  2. Our culture often celebrates 'raw' experiences, linking them to authenticity and a connection to real emotions or events. This can include everything from music to acting.
  3. However, there's a risk of 'fake raw' where performers pretend to be unrefined or down-to-earth while actually being quite polished. This can feel disingenuous and can turn audiences off.

Vol. 1, Issue 21 - Interview with Lawrence Schwedler

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Interviews Music Art Pop culture
  1. Lawrence Schwedler was the Audio Director for Pokémon Puzzle League, where he worked on translating popular Pokémon music into MIDI format for the Nintendo 64. It was a creative challenge to make it sound great with limited technology.
  2. For reworking Pokémon Puzzle League with modern technology, Lawrence would focus on using real instruments and adaptive music design, which would enhance the gaming experience with richer sound and variety.
  3. He shared that working within limitations can spark creativity, a valuable lesson he learned during his time at Nintendo Software Technology. This approach has contributed to many successful games despite technical constraints.

Chinese children remaking the European Grand Tour

The Global Jigsaw • 99 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Cultural Exchange Education Shopping Food Music
  1. Chinese children are remaking the traditional European Grand Tour according to their own consumer culture.
  2. Parents pay high fees to send their kids on whirlwind tours of Europe for education and experiences.
  3. Chinese children on these tours visit popular European destinations like France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy for shopping, cultural experiences, and skill development.

A Ham Sandwich Walks Into A Bar

Sounds Good! • 39 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Humor Music Art & Illustration
  1. The post discusses the humor and insensitivity of joking about the deaths of famous singers Karen Carpenter and Mama Cass with references to ham sandwiches.
  2. It highlights the idea that reducing someone's legacy to a joke can be disrespectful and hurtful.
  3. The post reflects on how jokes involving ham sandwiches are often used as shortcuts to avoid more meaningful or thoughtful discussions.

One Hundred and Twenty-four Speakers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 158 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Technology
  1. Listening to sound in a Sonic Sphere with 124 speakers can be boring and lack immersion.
  2. The manifesto of Sonic Sphere aims to create an immersive experience through technology and architecture.
  3. Despite the technological advancements, like the Sonic Sphere, the experience may not offer significantly new audio experiences compared to everyday surroundings.