The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Coolest Folks I Discovered in 2022

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Art Music Education Podcasts Technology
  1. The author discovered many insightful people in 2022, recommending their work for others to explore. Their writing styles and topics range widely, making them interesting to a variety of readers.
  2. Each recommended person brings something unique, from discussions on technology to parenting and culture. This variety makes it easy to find a topic that resonates with different interests.
  3. Connecting with these individuals can lead to deeper understanding and new ideas. Following their work could inspire readers to think differently or explore new areas of knowledge.

Spotify Closes API, PlayAI $21M, SEC EDGAR Next

The API Changelog • 1 implied HN point • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology API AI Music Fintech Data
  1. Spotify is limiting access to its API for third-party developers. This change is meant to protect user data but has upset many developers who feel left in the dark.
  2. PlayAI has raised $21 million to improve its AI voice technology. This funding will help them create better speech tools for businesses.
  3. The SEC is updating its EDGAR system for better security and account management. These changes will make filing and managing documents easier for companies.

The Goldilocks theory of creativity

Austin Kleon • 119 implied HN points • 07 May 21
🎭️ Culture Creativity Writing Art Architecture Music
  1. The Goldilocks theory of creativity suggests that we find the right balance between too much and too little stress in life when being creative. It's about finding that perfect spot that inspires us to create without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Making something, even if it's not perfect, is often better than striving for an ideal. Starting with a rough draft or just creating anything can help get your creative juices flowing.
  3. When life gets tough or too easy, it can affect our ability to work creatively. Sometimes, a little challenge can make creating more enjoyable and rewarding.

Reading, Watching 02.05.24

Unpopular Front • 24 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Opinion
  1. Taylor Swift's political stance surprises many as she appears to be more liberal rather than culturally conservative.
  2. Swift's response to idolization of her whiteness is straightforward: 'There's literally nothing worse than white supremacy.'
  3. Kanye West, once seen as Swift's rival, is highlighted for his Nazi sympathies, showing a bizarre twist in perceptions.
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Toward Sympoietic Mycomusicology

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 22
🔬 Science Music Technology Ecology Philosophy
  1. Mushrooms play a significant role in transforming materials to support life, showcasing a symbiotic relationship with the environment.
  2. The coordination and information exchange within mushroom bodies and networks can be likened to circuit boards, showing potential for capturing digital information.
  3. Exploring the connection between mushrooms and synthesizers delves into the concept of sympoiesis, highlighting the collaborative production and distribution of control and information.

Read like an artist

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 14 May 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Creativity Music
  1. A new book club called 'Read Like An Artist' is being started to explore books that inspire creativity. It's a fun way to discover new ideas and thoughts on living a creative life.
  2. Reading can be approached in many ways, like reading more than one book at a time or enjoying old books. These different methods can make the reading experience richer and more enjoyable.
  3. Books, like people, need care and attention to thrive. Giving them fresh air and sunshine is a nice way to think about how to engage with literature.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Personal
  1. Reflecting on the past year can help you appreciate the good moments. Making a list of 100 things that made your year can be a fun and rewarding exercise.
  2. Sharing recommendations like great books or music can inspire others. It’s a nice way to connect and spread positivity.
  3. A new year is a fresh start for many people. Setting resolutions or challenges can motivate you to achieve new goals.

Selling Out for The Nineties: A Halcyon Era of Self-Conscious Complacency

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Cultural criticism Literature Film Music
  1. The 1990s were characterized by a post-modern ambivalence, where being into niche cultural products was cool as long as it was done with subtlety, and there was a sense of ennui due to media maturity during a time of relative peace and prosperity.
  2. Chuck Klosterman's analysis of the '90s raises questions about how artists and intellectuals navigate a world where Truth and Beauty have been challenged, and his perspective bridges the gap between our memories and reality of the past.
  3. Klosterman's essays in 'The Nineties' are recommended for culturally aware readers, particularly Gen-Xers and Millennials, as they are engaging, clever, and humorous, despite some shortcomings in analysis breadth and political commentary.

Salvation is only a half step away

Sunday Letters • 19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music Innovation Creativity Art Philosophy
  1. Playing music can teach you that mistakes might not be as bad as you think. Often, no one really notices your mistakes while jamming.
  2. In music and ideas, being too cautious can stifle your creativity. It's better to keep moving forward with your ideas than to freeze up waiting for a perfect one.
  3. Even if you make a 'bad' choice, like playing the wrong note, you can often turn it into something interesting by just moving to the next step. There's always a way to make it work.

Pandemic prayers

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 27 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Media Design
  1. Creativity can come from personal expressions like blackout poetry. It’s a fun way to process thoughts and emotions, especially during tough times.
  2. Reading books that connect well can enhance understanding. Mixing different topics can spark new ideas and insights.
  3. Listening to interesting conversations or podcasts can offer valuable perspectives. They can deepen knowledge and inspire new ways of thinking.

Newsletter #3: MusicLM

Decoding Coding • 19 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Music Generative Data Creatives
  1. MusicLM is a new tool by Google that generates music from text descriptions. It builds on previous models for sound and keeps improving the quality of the audio it creates.
  2. The technology behind MusicLM uses a combination of audio and text representations to produce music that matches the style described in the input. This allows for detailed and longer audio clips.
  3. While MusicLM could help make music production faster and more creative, there are concerns about biases in training data and potential plagiarism risks, leading to no plans for public release.

My favorite reads from the plague year

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 79 implied HN points • 31 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture Internet Social media Memes Music Drama
  1. The post recommends various interesting reads from the plague year, spanning topics like TikTok, Instagram, internet drama, and unique internet trends.
  2. It expresses gratitude to readers for their support and highlights the essence of the newsletter in curating engaging internet content.
  3. The post also touches on crazy internet phenomena like wolf-kink erotica, right-wing conspiracies, and provides insights into the evolving internet culture and how people utilize the internet now.

Big mood

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Personal
  1. It's normal to feel mixed emotions, like love and loathing, especially during tough times.
  2. Reading music books can be a comforting way to reset your mood when you're feeling low.
  3. Putting your work out into the world takes bravery, and it's important to understand the risks involved.

Ancient Rome, Heavy Metal, and The Academy

Cosy Moments • 13 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Academia Gender Entertainment
  1. The author reflects on how being a heavy metal guitar player shaped his dedication to mastering music, comparing guitar players to mythical figures like Hercules.
  2. An overview of the book 'Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music' is shared, highlighting the intersection of classics and heavy metal as a topic of discussion in academia.
  3. Critiques are made on the analysis included in the book, questioning the focus on gender, political analysis, music lyrics, and the relevance of studying classics through the lens of modern music culture.

A fine strategy

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 17 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Comedy Media
  1. Making imperfect or 'ugly' art is totally okay and can help when you're stuck. It can free you up to create more without pressure.
  2. Browsing books and other collections in person sparks creativity and learning. It's a great way to find inspiration that you might miss online.
  3. With the current supply chain issues, it's a smart idea to order books early, especially if you want them signed or personalized for gifts.

Learn to play the fool

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Lifelong learning Art Music Literature Creativity
  1. Being a lifelong learner means being okay with looking foolish sometimes. It's part of the learning process.
  2. Exploring outside the usual online algorithms can lead to fresh ideas. Don't limit yourself to what's popular.
  3. Sharing your work can have a big impact on your life. It helps connect you with others and opens up new opportunities.

I’ve got an idea

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Personal Growth
  1. Thinking about stuttering as a shared experience can change how we approach it, focusing on silence and its importance as a space for new things to emerge.
  2. Books like _The Poetics of Space_ and _Range_ offer valuable insights that can help us understand our world better.
  3. Honoring the legacies of creators, like Cicely Tyson, reminds us of their wisdom and the importance of being true to ourselves.

Something To Respond To

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Creativity Humanities
  1. Giving yourself something to respond to helps spark creativity. Instead of starting from scratch, use prompts or existing ideas to inspire your work.
  2. Using tools like word processors or audio software can be intimidating at first. It's okay to rely on these tools for structure rather than feeling you must create everything out of nothing.
  3. Engaging in activities like workshops can provide valuable insights and techniques for creativity. Learning from others can open up new ways of thinking about your own work.

A snow day in Texas

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Books Art Music Gaming Film
  1. Winter is a great time for enjoying books, games, and movies. Stay cozy and indulge in your favorite indoor activities.
  2. It's important to be patient with your creative projects. Sometimes letting them sit can help you find the right direction.
  3. Art should be accessible to everyone. Look for affordable pieces and support artists who are making art more reachable.

Practice, practice, practice

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Education Creativity
  1. Practicing regularly helps you improve, but the goal should be to just get better at what you do, even if it means starting from a place of not being very good.
  2. Reading can be hard sometimes, and it’s okay to take your time with enjoyable books that make you think.
  3. Don't let others tell you what you shouldn't read or do; follow your own interests and find joy in exploring.

Find Your Own Lessons

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Fashion
  1. Looking for interesting things can lead to discovering valuable lessons. Keeping an open mind helps in finding lessons in unexpected places.
  2. Sometimes, we dismiss things too quickly without giving them a chance. Taking a moment to pay attention can change our understanding.
  3. Engaging with different topics, even if we think we know them, can provide new insights. It's worth exploring to enrich our knowledge.

MEGA65 mousepads, posters, and new ways to support the Digest

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Music Fiction Humor Education
  1. New MEGA65 45GS02 Quick Reference mousepads and posters are available on Zazzle with a discount code ZCYBERDEAL23
  2. Support the MEGA65 Digest and other MEGA65 work through Ko-fi with payment options like PayPal and Stripe
  3. The author lists accomplishments from the past year and plans for the future in supporting the MEGA65 project

Don’t get me wrong

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Podcasts Music Writing
  1. Everyone has their pet peeves when it comes to language. It's normal to have a phrase that annoys you, like 'Don't get me wrong.'
  2. Reading can be fun and diverse! You can enjoy multiple books from different genres at the same time.
  3. Creative inspiration can come from anywhere, like movies, music, or even conversations about what kids can teach us.

The summer book

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Books Art Music Parenting Media
  1. Reading is fun and you can enjoy multiple books at the same time. It's okay to skim through and see what interests you!
  2. Brian Eno has started his own radio station, which is a cool way to discover new music. It has a lot of unreleased tracks to explore.
  3. Creating art and doing projects with your kids can be a great bonding experience. It can also spark creativity in both you and your children.

When the mind’s eye is blind

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Podcasts Comedy Parenting
  1. Some people can't create pictures in their minds. This means their imagination works differently, which can be surprising.
  2. Taking better notes can help improve writing skills. Using methods like smart notes is a good way to organize thoughts.
  3. Creative activities, like making collages or watching fun movies, can be a great way to relax and enjoy time with friends. It's all about finding what makes you happy.

Weakened by the weekend

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Comics Art Philosophy
  1. Taking breaks from social media can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed or weakened after the weekend. It's important to unplug regularly.
  2. Paper dictionaries are unique and enjoyable tools that can make reading and learning new words feel magical.
  3. Composer Lou Harrison's motto of 'Cherish, Conserve, Consider, Create' is a great guideline for living a thoughtful and creative life.

Of portals and pansies

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 16 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Art Writing
  1. Reading and writing can feel like opening a new door to different worlds. It's an exciting way to explore new ideas.
  2. Music and movies can inspire and connect us, making us feel emotions deeply. It’s great to discover new films or songs that resonate with us.
  3. Spring brings new life and beauty around us, like flowers blooming. It's a nice reminder to appreciate nature and its changes.

A quilt made of days

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Music Media
  1. Quilting can represent the passage of time, where each piece reflects a different day or experience.
  2. Copying influences is important for creativity, but eventually you need to find your own unique voice.
  3. Good conversation can feel difficult, so it's helpful to explore new ways to connect with others beyond basic questions.