The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

SITREP (CONT.) 'WEEN/PORTLAND/FUNDRAISER/FRESH CONTENT

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 599 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Traditions Community
  1. The fundraiser is almost complete, with just $200 needed to reach the goal. Donations can be made through Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.
  2. The writer will be traveling to Portland on Halloween, so they won't be in Chicago to meet people. There will be a cemetery walk to honor the fallen on October 26.
  3. A friend is moving to Chicago and will collaborate on content, making the project more dynamic and exciting.

The way you wanted to feel

Austin Kleon • 5295 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Parenting Philosophy
  1. Riding a bike can make you feel like a kid again, giving you a sense of joy you wanted when you were younger. It's important to give yourself those little joys in life.
  2. Think about what you loved doing as a child because it can help you discover your passions today. Reflecting on those moments can guide your hobbies and career choices.
  3. Creative work often connects with childhood memories. Embracing what made you happy as a kid can inspire you to be more creative and fulfilled now.

Links For December 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 13627 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Religion Philosophy Literature
  1. Steven Seagal has led a colorful life after Hollywood, converting to Buddhism, supporting Russia, and marrying multiple women. He's even been called the reincarnation of a famous saint.
  2. An outrageous fine of $20 trillion was imposed on Google by Russia for blocking certain YouTube channels. This amount is far more than the total worth of the world's economy!
  3. There's a belief that taller candidates tend to win U.S. elections. While some studies suggest a slight trend, it's not enough to say it's a reliable rule.

Composing 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Animation Television Jazz Christmas
  1. The music of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' by Vince Guaraldi became a key part of what makes the special so beloved. Many people love this Christmas classic mainly because of its wonderful soundtrack.
  2. Guaraldi wasn't widely known when he composed the score, and he thought it was just another gig. Yet, this music changed his career and became defining for the 'Peanuts' series.
  3. The show faced tight deadlines and a small budget, which made the team worried it would flop. Surprisingly, it became a big success and has remained a holiday favorite for years.

The carousel keeps turning

Austin Kleon • 5495 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Community
  1. The newsletter celebrates reaching 200,000 subscribers with a special offer of 20% off paid subscriptions. This helps support the free newsletter for everyone.
  2. There is a blend of personal reflections, like enjoying a vintage stamp carousel, and sharing creative projects and recommendations, such as books and music.
  3. Useful advice on research techniques includes maintaining a routine, taking notes, and exploring diverse perspectives to enrich creativity and learning.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Stop Making Sense

The Ruffian • 534 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Film
  1. Art doesn’t always need to make sense. Sometimes, it's okay to enjoy things that feel profound even if we can't explain them.
  2. We often prefer mysteries over puzzles. While puzzles have clear answers, mysteries make us think deeply and keep us engaged.
  3. Current culture pushes for clear and simple art because of instant gratification. However, artists like David Lynch and Bob Dylan show us the beauty in ambiguity and complexity.

How To Love Classical Music

The Ruffian • 878 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Education Tradition Performance
  1. Classical music has a rich history and can be a powerful emotional experience, especially when experienced live. Seeing many musicians come together to perform can make the music feel even more alive and impactful.
  2. Investing time and effort into understanding classical music can greatly enhance your appreciation of it. Unlike pop music, classical music may require more focus and patience to enjoy fully.
  3. You don't need to grow up with classical music to appreciate it, but having some exposure helps. Many people discover and love it later in life, and there are many resources available to help you get started.

UX Roundup: Explainer Videos | AI Overload | AI Music | Over-Recuiting | Home Robots | GPT 4.5

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 7 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI UX Design Robotics SEO Music
  1. AI technology is rapidly advancing, making it hard for anyone to keep up with all the new tools and updates. It's important to focus on the bigger trends rather than getting lost in minor details.
  2. There is a significant improvement in AI-generated music, showing that the quality of compositions and performances has greatly enhanced over a short period. This makes it easier for creators to make engaging music.
  3. When conducting user research, it's wise to recruit more participants than needed to account for no-shows and other issues. This ensures that you still gather valuable insights even if not everyone shows up.

When you get confused

Austin Kleon • 6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Creativity
  1. It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
  2. Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
  3. When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.

Classical Music Got Invented with a Hard Kick from a Peasant's Foot

The Honest Broker • 5917 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art History Philosophy Dance
  1. Classical music is more about human movement than math. It has roots in how people dance and move, not just numbers.
  2. The history of music shows a struggle between hands and feet. Highbrow music often focuses on hand movements, while lowbrow music is driven by dancing.
  3. Understanding music requires recognizing its connection to our bodies. Rhythm in all genres is tied to how we physically react and move to the music.

A process to process

Austin Kleon • 4955 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Events Reflection
  1. Many people enjoy reflecting on memories, like going through old photos. It's a nice way to process feelings and experiences.
  2. There are always new books being released by different authors. Checking them out can introduce you to fresh ideas and stories.
  3. Gardening teaches us patience. Just like plants take time to grow, our creative projects need time to develop too.

The Profile: Larry Page’s money man & Hollywood’s favorite gangster

The Profile • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Acting Literature Music
  1. Al Pacino is a master actor known for playing memorable villains. His performance in roles like Michael Corleone is often seen as a benchmark for acting excellence.
  2. Pacino believes that to truly act, one must absorb the character deeply, allowing their personality to emerge rather than merely pretending to be someone else.
  3. Creating great art means connecting emotionally with the audience. If you tap into real feelings, your work can resonate much more and leave a lasting impact.

One of 2024's Best Films Was Made in Pakistan

Animation Obsessive • 9956 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art Music Storytelling
  1. The Glassworker is a unique animated film from Pakistan that explores themes of art and war. It highlights the importance of creativity even in difficult times.
  2. The creators of The Glassworker spent ten years making the film, overcoming challenges to set up their animation studio in Karachi. They aimed to prove that high-quality animation could be produced in Pakistan.
  3. The film combines local culture with a universal fantasy feel, using the story of glassblowing to reflect the journey of its creators. It's set against the backdrop of their experiences growing up during conflict.

Ampersanding

Austin Kleon • 4995 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Philosophy
  1. The ampersand symbol comes from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. It shows how language can evolve over time.
  2. It's important to revisit your old notes because they can remind you of ideas and thoughts you may have forgotten.
  3. Finding the right music for writing is key; it should be upbeat but not too distracting so you can focus on your thoughts.

Oh, father

Disaffected Newsletter • 2018 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Identity Family Trauma
  1. The speaker's childhood was marked by trauma, particularly from their mother's inconsistent love and the presence of an abusive stepfather. They often felt unsafe and questioned their worth.
  2. Music and artists like Madonna became a refuge for the speaker, helping them process their feelings and experiences. Songs like 'Oh Father' resonated deeply with their struggles and emotions.
  3. The speaker reflects on the complexity of their feelings towards their parents, understanding that both love and pain can exist in relationships, leading to confusion about forgiveness and redemption.

A big pile of imperfect things

Austin Kleon • 5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education
  1. Reading big books can be enjoyable, especially when you take your time with them. Some people like to read them in parts over several weeks.
  2. It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
  3. Finding joy in what you like can lead to happiness. It's about discovering new things to appreciate and even learning to like things you didn't before.

How to like everything more

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 8860 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Food Philosophy
  1. Enjoyment is a skill that can be improved by focusing on the details and layers in experiences, whether it's music, food, or art. Try to look for different aspects that you might usually overlook.
  2. Being curious and open to new sensations can transform how you experience intense music, food, or art. Instead of resisting strong stimuli, embrace their intensity and see them as opportunities for enjoyment.
  3. Creating a connection with the creator of a work can enhance your enjoyment. Think about the effort and emotion they put into their creation, which can make you appreciate it even more.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Design
  1. Success is about doing what you love and getting to keep doing it, day after day. It's not about reaching a final goal, but enjoying the process.
  2. Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
  3. Artists like Steve Albini believe that goals can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on enjoying the process can lead to true success.

Look what you made us do

read • 13994 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrities Opinion
  1. Taylor Swift's influence permeates global culture, politics, and media
  2. Writers on Substack provide original, insightful, and sometimes humorous analyses on Taylor Swift's impact
  3. Taylor Swift's actions, endorsements, and mere existence provoke strong reactions and shape narratives in various spheres

Funny Ha Ha (2002) by Andrew Bujalski

Tao Lin • 879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music Philosophy
  1. The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
  2. Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
  3. The ending is unique and surprising, leaving viewers with a sense of closure that feels earned and satisfying, even without traditional resolution.

The Rise of the New Romanticism

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 72 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Film Music Society
  1. Movies and music are changing, with superhero films and major pop stars like Taylor Swift losing their dominant cultural grip. People are starting to seek new forms of art and storytelling that resonate more deeply with their lives.
  2. There's a growing frustration with technology, especially AI, as people question its real benefits and whether it genuinely improves our lives. Many are yearning for more human connection and less tech dependence.
  3. A new cultural movement, reminiscent of Romanticism, is emerging. People are valuing authenticity and reality over the superficial aspects of digital life, seeking to create meaningful experiences and engagements in the physical world.

Some kinds of monsters

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics
  1. Taking breaks from technology can be refreshing and help us focus on enjoyable activities like listening to music or reading. Simple changes can lead to significant positive effects in our daily lives.
  2. Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
  3. Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

What's the Most Profitable Movie of the Year? (No, I Won't Watch It.)

The Honest Broker • 12168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Literature Entertainment Art
  1. Horror movies are really making money right now. Films like 'Terrifier 3' and 'Smile 2' are bringing in huge profits compared to what they cost to make.
  2. Bob Dylan is now writing quirky tweets directly from his account, sharing his unique thoughts without his team’s help. It offers fans a personal look at his views beyond music.
  3. People are increasingly worried about AI. Many believe it's reducing trust in media and making us lazier, and most want more rules on how AI is used.

Like a snail on a cactus

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Travel Podcasts
  1. Understanding perfectionism can help you recognize it in yourself and find solutions to overcome it.
  2. Reading different kinds of books can expose you to various styles, which might inspire you to explore more related works.
  3. Creative work often comes from what seems like wasted time or materials, highlighting that there’s value in every experience.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 238 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Fashion Philosophy
  1. There are top reads each week that can keep you informed and entertained. It's a great way to discover new content that interests you.
  2. You can subscribe to get a free trial and access more in-depth posts. This is a good option if you want to explore more topics.
  3. The featured artwork, like 'Houses by the Sea', adds a visual appeal to the reading experience. Art can enhance our understanding of different subjects.

Animating in Present Tense

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Visual art Film Music Cultural Commentary
  1. Sasha Svirsky is a self-taught animator who values improvisation over traditional rules. He creates unique animations by following his feelings, resulting in lively and often chaotic films.
  2. His work touches on important themes like oppression and the impact of war, often reflecting real-world events. Svirsky's art resonates deeply with viewers and highlights pressing issues.
  3. In animation news, the European co-production system continues to produce noteworthy films, such as 'Kensuke’s Kingdom,' which is a nostalgic adventure tale with a memorable score that emphasizes emotional storytelling.

Basic pleasantries

Austin Kleon • 7613 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Film Literature
  1. A total solar eclipse will happen soon, and many events are planned. It's great to watch these events in everyday settings, like your backyard.
  2. Being playful as you grow older can make life more enjoyable. Staying curious and lighthearted is a good approach to aging.
  3. Politeness can go a long way; simple gestures like saying 'Hello' or 'Thank you' can really brighten someone's day. Treating others with respect is important.

Just do your dance already

Experimental History • 3868 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music History Literature Dance
  1. It's common to get stuck trying to give detailed responses to questions. This can lead to wasting too much time on one email.
  2. Finding balance in communication is important to stay productive. Spending all day on one task can keep you from accomplishing other things.
  3. Prioritizing efficiency in response can help manage time better. Instead of focusing on a perfect answer, aim for getting back to others more quickly.

Figure it out

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media
  1. Reading is valuable! Check out books that focus on writing good sentences; they can help improve your own writing.
  2. Exploring how artists work can inspire creativity. Look into features and documentaries about artists at different stages of their careers.
  3. Listening to music and podcasts about music can open your mind to new genres and artists. It’s a great way to relax and discover something new.

Oh, hail no!

Austin Kleon • 5615 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Comics Media Music
  1. Standard Ebooks offers free and well-designed versions of classic books that are in the public domain. You can read great works without paying a dime.
  2. Working with your hands, like drawing or crafting, is really good for your brain. It's a nice way to relax and be creative.
  3. There’s a great community around Lynda Barry’s Comics Room that supports artists. It's a place where creativity and collaboration can really thrive.

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Music Entertainment Art Technology
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

Diamonds and dictionaries

Austin Kleon • 5095 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Media
  1. Life is short, so choosing to live playfully can enhance your experience. A new documentary about Hans Zimmer shows how creativity and playfulness can lead to interesting discoveries.
  2. The Criterion Channel now offers a continuous stream of films, so you can watch without deciding what to choose. It's a great way to enjoy movies while working or relaxing.
  3. Women artists often create their work in small moments throughout the day. This highlights the importance of finding time for creativity in our busy lives.

Cruising for Classical Music in LA

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Education Creative Expression
  1. Dana Gioia's passion for modern classical music started in his teenage years when he sought out composers like Stravinsky and Copland instead of popular music.
  2. Today, technology has made it much easier to access a wide variety of music, unlike the past when finding new pieces required significant effort and was often limited.
  3. Diving into music discussions and experiences with friends helped shape individual tastes, and exploring art personally is more meaningful than relying on others' opinions.

Elon Musk the dadfluencer + The female creator safety tax

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2508 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Parenting Safety Music
  1. Elon Musk is trying to change how people see him by showing himself as a caring dad. He brings his son to public events to create a more relatable image.
  2. Female creators face higher safety costs than male creators, often needing to spend a lot of money to protect themselves from threats like doxxing and stalking.
  3. Spotify's influence on music has changed how artists create and how listeners enjoy music. The platform's algorithms have reshaped music production and industry dynamics.

A love Supreme

Patti Smith • 18121 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. John Coltrane's music was a powerful force of love and creativity.
  2. For many, Coltrane symbolized spiritual seeking and artistic freedom in the 1960s.
  3. The impact of John Coltrane's music on individuals and their relationships is profound and lasting.

When you hear it

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Media Nature
  1. Experiences like a solar eclipse can be felt with your whole body, not just seen. Sounds from nature during such events can be unique and delightful.
  2. Creating a mixtape or playlist can be a fun way to share music inspired by special events like an eclipse.
  3. Rejecting ideas can hurt your creativity. It's important to explore your own thoughts and not just follow what others want.