The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

All Skate

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 229 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Fashion Music History Conversation
  1. The author reminisces about skating rinks in the early '80s and the pressure to look cool in front of others.
  2. The post invites readers to share their thoughts on various topics, from politics to pop culture, in the comments section.
  3. Paid subscribers have the opportunity to engage in discussions and express themselves on a range of subjects.

Read code when you're somber

CodeFaster • 72 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Programming Music
  1. Reading code while feeling somber can match personal experience and enhance focus.
  2. Having a specific playlist of somber, melodic music for coding tasks can be effective.
  3. Consider supporting reader-supported publications by becoming a subscriber.

To Hear a Mockingbird

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Music Art & Illustration Nature
  1. Mockingbirds have been historically admired for their exceptional singing abilities and have been common in American literature and culture.
  2. The practice of capturing mockingbirds and keeping them in cages was prevalent in the past, especially in the South, highlighting a complex relationship between humans and these birds.
  3. The symbolism of mockingbirds as innocent and pure creatures, as well as their protected status, led to their conservation and expansion into new habitats, promoting the importance of wildlife preservation.
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Me and Mrs Jones

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Music Cultural analysis
  1. The song 'Me and Mrs Jones' is considered a classic because of its strong lyrics and emotional depth. People are still drawn to it many years later.
  2. Flash fiction, or very short stories, works well because it leaves room for listeners to imagine what happens between the characters. It asks them to read between the lines.
  3. The song hints at a complicated love story, suggesting the characters might have a deeper history. This ambiguity makes it interesting and relatable.

Are we in a newsletter bubble?

Cosmos • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🕹 Technology News Creators AI Monetization Music
  1. Many creators are starting newsletters to have a direct line of communication with their audiences and fans, especially with the risks of relying solely on social media platforms for business.
  2. YouTube is introducing a 'Members Only' feature for Shorts, allowing creators to monetize by offering exclusive content to paying fans.
  3. Platforms like X are becoming more open to NSFW content, creating opportunities for adult content creators to thrive in these communities.

Five Links to Read (March 2024)

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reading Music Podcasts People
  1. The post is about sharing five interesting links for March 2024, covering topics like buying a pro sports team, the business of check cashing, and how time influences career choices.
  2. The post includes bonus content like podcasts on SaaS sales strategies and investing for a higher purpose, as well as articles discussing potential threats like rogue billionaires making nuclear weapons.
  3. Additional recommendations in the post include books to read, notable tweets, and a graph highlighting that spending on security does not always equate to high security levels.

🎉 Welcoming September with the Hottest Updates

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 59 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Events Art Music Fashion Food
  1. September in Bangkok promises exciting events and unforgettable memories. It's a month filled with vibrant experiences and open arms to welcome all.
  2. Upcoming events in Bangkok include a techno music experience, an art exhibition, and a prestigious concert by Zubin Mehta. There's a variety of cultural and entertainment options to enjoy.
  3. Don't miss out on dining experiences like Sunday brunch at Cantina Bangkok, and keep an eye out for new store openings and celebrity appearances. Bangkok's dynamic scene offers something for everyone.

Friction Creates the Energy

Cybernetic Forests • 59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Technology Art Music Literature
  1. Friction is essential in shaping technology deployment and impacts, reminding us that social processes influence design choices and technological outcomes.
  2. The 'Story & Code' program explored AI-augmented tools and workflows, providing insights useful for artists, curators, educators, and audiences interested in AI art and ethics.
  3. The song 'Discommunication' touches on the theme of friction creating energy, relevant to discussions on labor shaping AI deployment and the societal impact of innovation.

The Impossible Task of Understanding Aaron Carter (Part 5)

Off-Topic • 174 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Music Social Issues Celebrity Documentary
  1. Aaron Carter's life was marked by struggles with addiction, mental health, and constant turmoil.
  2. The circumstances leading to Aaron Carter's death were surrounded by uncertainty and conflicting narratives involving his inner circle and housekeeper.
  3. The aftermath of Aaron Carter's passing saw a mix of mourning, conspiracy theories, and blame shifting, highlighting the complex struggles of addiction and mental health in society.

The endless pillorying of Madonna

The Shift With Sam Baker • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music Women's Rights
  1. The post discusses the relentless criticism Madonna faces, particularly related to aging as a woman in the music industry.
  2. It highlights the achievements of other female artists at the Grammy Awards, like Beyoncé and Viola Davis, that were overshadowed by the focus on Madonna's appearance.
  3. The author implies a societal double standard in the way aging female celebrities are treated compared to their male counterparts in the entertainment industry.

Genre Grapevine’s Smorgasbord of 2023 Leftovers

Genre Grapevine • 39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art & Illustration Sci-fi Music History
  1. The article covers news and items from 2023 that were left out of previous columns, providing a quirky collection of interesting tidbits.
  2. There are various topics discussed, ranging from the success of STEM romance novels to the impact of YouTube on book discovery.
  3. Some highlights include insights on literary hope theory, a debunked art piece, and the role of science in countering moral panics.

The Three Segments of American Culture

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 71 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural analysis Media Literature Music Online Platforms Counterculture
  1. The Macroculture includes mainstream media, major record labels, and Hollywood, shows wealth but also vulnerability in the 21st century.
  2. The Microculture, like TikTok and YouTube, represents bottom-up content creation and massive growth in online platforms, but also lacks stability and can be a hustle culture.
  3. The Mesoculture is the missing middle ground between the Macroculture and Microculture, emphasizing physical communion, demand for alternative infrastructure, and a resurgence in literary and artistic events.

Catching a wave

Austin Kleon • 339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Music Art Creativity Literature
  1. The creative process can be like catching a wave, where timing and intuition are key to success. Just like surfers need to know when to catch a wave, creators have to find the right moment to begin their work.
  2. Watching documentaries about creative people can inspire new ways of thinking about artistry. For example, comparing The Beatles' creative process to surfing helped spark new ideas.
  3. Understanding creativity might come from different experiences, like surfing. It helps to remember that creativity requires patience and knowing how to ride the waves of inspiration.

NYC Street Performance #2 and Surprising Stats Pt. 2

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Performing Arts Mental health Social Issues Urban life
  1. In 2021, 9% of teens tried to commit suicide, highlighting a serious mental health crisis among young people.
  2. Jake Sussman started a company to connect people with therapists after seeing the difficulties his students faced in getting mental health care.
  3. Performing music can create a deep emotional connection, both for the performer and the audience, making the experience feel effortless and joyful.

Can you dance to this?

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Dance Music Literature Art Education
  1. Dancing can enhance the experience of listening to music or audiobooks. Doing both activities together can make each one more enjoyable and engaging.
  2. Responding to difficult content through dance can help process emotions. This allows for a physical reaction while remaining attentive to the material being listened to.
  3. Incorporating music and rhythm into learning can improve memory and comprehension. Using dance or songs can make educational experiences more memorable and fun.

Fighting with smiles

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Dance Peace Self-Improvement
  1. Using a positive internal dialogue can help shift your mindset. Instead of saying 'I should,' try saying 'I could' to see more options.
  2. Dancing and expressing yourself can be a powerful way to show love and defiance against negativity. Embrace the feeling and let it flow.
  3. Staying calm and showing love in chaotic situations can create a peaceful atmosphere. It's harder to bring peace than to fight, but it's much more rewarding.

The Philosophy of Murder Ballads

Going Awol • 10 HN points • 12 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Philosophy Ethics Psychology History
  1. Murder ballads create emotional and cognitive dissonance in listeners by pairing violent lyrics with upbeat music, prompting listeners to primarily focus on the music over the lyrics.
  2. Listeners can resolve the tension caused by murder ballads by either ignoring the lyrics and focusing on the music, vice versa, or by finding a way to make sense of the emotional clash between the two.
  3. Enjoying murder ballads in a detached manner - appreciating the music and storytelling without endorsing the violent acts portrayed - can be a way to engage with the genre ethically.

Some Good Things for Thanksgiving

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Food & Drink History Music Humor Faith & Spirituality
  1. Avoid discussing controversial topics like future, religion, and government during Thanksgiving to keep interactions positive.
  2. Watch comforting videos with family, like historical recipes, ASMR, and instructional clips to enjoy the holiday spirit.
  3. Find joy and gratitude in the beauty of the world and the moments shared with friends and family during Thanksgiving.

The Comet King From Unsong Is Kanye West

Skunk Ledger • 143 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Religion Philosophy Journalism
  1. The concept of the Comet King from Unsong being compared to Kanye West is explored, drawing parallels between their stories and personas.
  2. Kanye West's album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is analyzed in relation to the Comet King's journey in Unsong, showing similarities in themes and character arcs.
  3. Symbolism and deeper meanings are uncovered in the comparison, revealing kabbalistic connections and the merging of good and evil through the characters of Unsong and Kanye West.

Labelmania

Skunk Ledger • 71 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Creativity Identity Community
  1. The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon is noticing something everywhere once you learn about it
  2. Labels can unite people and multiple selves in creative work under one umbrella
  3. Labels offer a unique way for distributing work, curating, and building trust in creative communities

Cruising Speed

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 20 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Personal Stories Youth
  1. Derek was a talented drummer who had a carefree, rebellious spirit in high school, which made him stand out. He found his passion in music early but struggled with maturity and relationships as he grew older.
  2. Despite facing challenges like drug use and a short-lived band career, Derek still managed to find some success in music. He had a loyal girlfriend and performed in various bands, showing that he had a devoted following.
  3. Tragically, Derek's life ended unexpectedly in an accident, which shocked many. His friends and family recognized his talent, but there was also a narrative about his struggles and choices that shaped how people remembered him.

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

Digest // Storefronts of Bangkok • 19 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Events Activities Cuisine Music Venues
  1. Weekly curation of the top 5 coolest things in Bangkok covering events, venues, and more - a must-read for discovering what makes Bangkok special
  2. Exciting events like concerts, music festivals, and unique food tours offer immersive experiences to explore Bangkok's vibrant culture and entertainment scene
  3. Opportunities to enjoy unique experiences, such as Michelin-starred dining on a food bus, electronic music festivals, and celebrating local bar milestones

Are you helping?

Austin Kleon • 239 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Writing Comics
  1. Artists should focus on helping others in their work, even if it's not always cheerful. It's about the impact you make.
  2. Reading novels in relaxing settings, like the bathtub, can enhance your reading experience and enjoyment.
  3. Listening deeply to music can help you connect more with the artist. It’s a great way to appreciate something you love even more.

The Pleasure of Pattern

Software Design: Tidy First? • 45 HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Patterns Music Programming Psychology
  1. Finding patterns in tasks like programming, music, and poker can be intensely satisfying and enjoyable.
  2. Music is full of patterns that can be discovered and enjoyed, especially through improvisation and communication.
  3. Seeing patterns in different activities like programming, music, and poker can lead to moments of satisfaction, indicating a brain wired to crave order and appreciate pattern recognition.

What Matt Levine and Taylor Swift Have in Common

Dunnstack • 39 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music Finance Writing News Celebrity
  1. Taylor Swift and Matt Levine are both superstars in their respective fields, known for their prolific work and influence.
  2. Analogies play a significant role in storytelling and leadership, illuminating ideas and engaging the audience.
  3. Matt Levine's insightful and witty writing on finance and business is likened to Taylor Swift's impact on music, showcasing different forms of creativity.