The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Monday Media Diet with Geoff Rickly

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.

The Star-Spangled Banner Is About Doomscrolling

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Star-Spangled Banner has historical roots intertwined with doomscrolling, highlighting the anxiety and relief of watching events unfold.
  2. The anthem's origin story reflects a mixture of stress, resilience, and unexpected triumph during wartime.
  3. As society evolves, the anthem's relevance may diminish, raising questions about its message and the values it represents.

Virginia Notes

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Experience the unique American breakfast culture at Bob and Edith's Diner
  2. Discover the classic American suburban scenery of the 1990s
  3. Appreciate the diverse and vibrant birdsong in America
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Podcast Interview about COVID Mania

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Music
  1. The podcast interview discussed COVID Mania, different viewpoints, and finding common ground in the Ron Paul Revolution of 2007.
  2. The host did a great job conducting the interview, and both the guest and the host were surprised to find shared perspectives on certain topics.
  3. Transformative moments in the interview included a discussion on Blowback during the Ron Paul Revolution and a reflection on how it led the guest to embrace Libertarianism and playing the cello.

Abide With Me

Black Music and Black Muses • 98 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author explores the concept of the Black Backstage in their upcoming series and exhibition.
  2. The author reflects on growing up in the music industry, surrounded by influential figures like Willie Hutch and Charlie Murphy.
  3. The author contemplates their need to create original music and the impact it has had on their life.

Happy Anniversaries

Sounds Good! • 98 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author reflects on a year without Facebook and the impact on his writing and personal growth.
  2. Being away from social media has helped the author reconnect with what truly matters to him.
  3. The anniversary of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of The Moon' album triggers nostalgic memories for the author.

Exploit or explore?

Austin Kleon • 619 implied HN points • 12 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's important to balance what you already know with discovering new things. Finding the right time to use your skills and explore new ideas is key to growth.
  2. The idea of harmony in tension shows that opposites can coexist and lead to new insights. Embracing conflicting ideas can help us understand life better.
  3. Taking time to appreciate art and creativity is a valuable exercise. It's a good reminder to look at our surroundings and declare things as art in our lives.

Notes On Thankfulness

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 160 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Being grateful for the simple things in life, like family and pets, can really brighten our days. It's important to take a moment to appreciate those who walk beside us, both literally and metaphorically.
  2. Finding joy in nature and small moments can help us feel connected and hopeful. Whether it's watching birds or spending time by the water, these experiences can lift our spirits.
  3. Humor and friendship are valuable, especially during tough times. Even in darkness, sharing laughter and support with friends can make a big difference.

They can’t all be winners

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 26 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Street art is a cool way to find art in everyday life and it can really brighten up a city. It's all around us if we just take the time to look.
  2. Typewriters are becoming popular again, especially during the pandemic. People find joy in using these old machines for writing.
  3. There are many creative projects and interesting artists to explore, like documentaries and podcasts. They can inspire us and offer new ways to appreciate art and storytelling.

Saturday Commentary and Review #148

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.

From Error, Virtue

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Making mistakes can lead to unexpected and beautiful designs, just like fixing an error in a project can give it a unique charm.
  2. Life is full of mistakes, but some of them help us grow and become better, similar to how the best music often includes 'wrong' notes used creatively.
  3. Many great discoveries in science come from unexpected errors, reminding us that being open to failure can lead to amazing insights and new ideas.

Rough Draft 2024, Part One: reflecting on 2023

polymathematics • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reflecting on the past year helps you understand what energizes you and what drains you. This can guide your choices for the new year.
  2. You can't fail a rough draft; it's about observing and improving rather than achieving specific goals. This mindset allows for creative flexibility.
  3. Focusing on one project at a time might lead to greater success. Experimenting with this approach could help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

My Top films/songs/books of 2023

Shakos Metaheuristics • 58 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The list showcases top films, songs, and books experienced in 2023, regardless of release year.
  2. The films discussed delve into themes of fatherhood, space travel, and historical events.
  3. The music selections range from sci-fi themes to pop hits, each carrying personal meanings and reflections.

Inside the mask

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Photographs of people wearing masks can be fascinating and revealing. They capture complex emotions and stories behind the masks.
  2. In storytelling, 'The Heroine's Journey' focuses on connecting with others and finding strength through cooperation. This approach is different from the traditional hero's journey and emphasizes community.
  3. Music is often seen as the highest form of art. Schopenhauer believed it expresses deep truths that other art forms can't, making it unique and powerful.

It's Only Pumpkin Pie That's Burning

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The average person today has more limbs than ever before, due to advancements in medical care and prosthetics.
  2. Historical parallels can show progress, even when history seems to repeat itself. Improvement can be seen in the present.
  3. It's important to celebrate both past progress and potential for future improvements, balancing gratitude with a focus on areas for growth.

Beethoven vs. Baby Shark

Fake Noûs • 377 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Baby Shark has brought more total enjoyment and viewership compared to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
  2. The quality of aesthetic pleasure produced by art can be a factor in determining its value.
  3. The purpose and definition of art play a significant role in determining its artistic value.

A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Dog Day Afternoon: The Christmas Edition

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. This piece is a special holiday message focusing on themes relevant to Christmas. It reflects on emotions and connections, reminding us of the festive spirit.
  2. The author encourages readers to consider subscribing for more content. This shows the importance of supporting creators and their work.
  3. There are interactive elements, like sharing and commenting, emphasizing community engagement. Readers are invited to connect and share their thoughts.

On Glow, A Pre-Christmas Earwarm

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

Weekly Wednesday Wisdom #3

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music
  1. Focus on reading books that inspire you to catch up and learn more.
  2. Simplify your life with straightforward messages, like in the book _Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It_.
  3. Explore new teachings and ideas, such as the Buddhist teaching of the Ten Fetters, to broaden your understanding.

alright alright alright

Stream of Consciousness • 59 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 33

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Film soundtracks hold deep meaning for many people and are often tied to personal memories and feelings.
  2. Exploring the daily lives of Roman Emperors can reveal interesting insights about their roles and responsibilities.
  3. Popular media, like film clips, can provoke thought and reflection on various topics.

Saturday Commentary and Review #153

Fisted by Foucault • 313 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Democracy promotion efforts by the US have faced setbacks in various countries like Yugoslavia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, leading to negative outcomes.
  2. Asia's strategic significance in the US-China competition is leading to a focus on democracy promotion in the region as a competitive advantage for the US.
  3. The evolution of music criticism, the effects of ideological capture on platforms like Pitchfork, and the changing landscape of American accents show the complexity of cultural influences over time.

Beautiful Things

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Beauty is a positive value that signals achievement and civilization across people, art, and built environments.
  2. Much of beauty is the result of effort and craft—grooming, fashion, music, and workmanship require real work, and trying is a virtue.
  3. Ugliness often comes from aggression, decay, or bad politics, and outer appearance commonly reflects inner character.

John Farnham Has Stolen My Childhood

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 79 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.