The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

One Hundred and Twenty-four Speakers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 158 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  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.

The best of The Rectangle in 2023

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author reflects on their favorite pieces from The Rectangle in 2023
  2. The focus is more on lesser-known pieces rather than the most popular ones
  3. Topics covered include YouTube time-stamping, digital memory, and a deep dive into Elon Musk

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, November

By Reason Alone • 46 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A lot of interesting media is highlighted, like books, podcasts, and films. There's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
  2. The author encourages youth, especially those aged 16 to 19, to join programs focused on rational thinking and education. It’s a great chance for learning and growing.
  3. Several recent scientific papers and discussions are mentioned, showing ongoing debates and research that can spark curiosity. Staying informed can lead to deeper understanding of complex topics.

sunday evening musings

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Music
  1. AI presents a complex future - it may liberate or enslave humanity, enabling creativity or trapping us in repetitive cycles.
  2. Binary thinking about AI may limit us - we should consider broader possibilities beyond our current understanding.
  3. The future with AI will be an unpredictable and exciting journey - filled with promise, danger, aspiration, and frustration, much like a thrilling road trip.
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Rolling Stone etc

The Carousel • 14 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A writer from Rolling Stone made a fair article about the LA scene, featuring some local artists. It shows that even mainstream media can highlight diverse voices.
  2. There are new videos that celebrate America, including creative projects and AI experiments. These videos add a modern twist to traditional celebrations.
  3. There are links to articles and media discussing reasons to appreciate America, especially around the Fourth of July. It encourages people to reflect on national pride.

The Impossible Task of Understanding Aaron Carter (Part 5)

Off-Topic • 174 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

CUcommunity vs. the Intruder From Harvard

Default Wisdom • 29 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Rehan's early years were shaped by the vibrant and experimental nature of the early Internet. It was a time full of new challenges and opportunities.
  2. Growing up in a mostly white community as a person of color brought unique experiences and perspectives for Rehan. These experiences influenced his understanding of identity and belonging.
  3. The story highlights the tension between local communities and outside influences, particularly from prestigious institutions like Harvard. This represents the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity.

Poetry is an Art of Sound

Dada Drummer Almanach • 115 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
📚 Literature Music
  1. Poetry is an art of sound and speech, an art performed by the reader.
  2. Keith Waldrop emphasized the importance of combining different elements in poetry, like verse and prose, to create a new language.
  3. Music was a significant influence for Keith Waldrop, who admired composers like Monteverdi, Mozart, and Indian Carnatic music.

A Bit of a Hypocrisy

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author highlights a feeling of hypocrisy in society, where people say one thing but do another. It's important to recognize and address these contradictions in our actions.
  2. Encouraging readers to support their work financially reflects the challenge many creators face in gaining sustainable support. It’s a reminder of how much we value content that resonates with us.
  3. The focus on a specific theme, like saving loved ones, illustrates the deeper emotional connections we have and the moral dilemmas we often grapple with in life. These situations can reveal our true values.

Sinners Review

The Carousel • 16 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The movie 'Sinners' is bashed for being a total mess and not making sense. It mixes too many ideas poorly, leading to an unclear story and characters.
  2. There's a strong criticism of the film's approach to racism, suggesting it presents white people as bad without a solid storyline. This creates confusion rather than a meaningful message.
  3. The review expresses frustration that big-budget films like this can be made without proper quality control, making audiences wonder why they even go to see it in the first place.

A selfie trend of pandemic proportions

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Some people are taking 'vaxxies' - photos of themselves before or after getting vaccinated, which can be both informative and potentially boastful on social media.
  2. Vaccination photo shoots aim to educate and encourage vaccination, but they can sometimes come off as self-centered, particularly on social media platforms.
  3. There are concerns that 'vaxxies' might inadvertently discourage people who haven't received the vaccine, leading to further division and disparities in access.

Decoding Bytedance’s strategy to tap India’s music app market

Turnaround • 296 implied HN points • 20 Jan 20
🕹 Technology Music
  1. The music streaming industry in India faces challenges like messed up unit economics due to high operating costs, prompting companies like Spotify to create their own content to improve margins.
  2. Companies like Resso are introducing unique features like 'Vibes' to differentiate their music apps and engage users in social activities, adding layers of value generation and potentially solving the issue of new user growth.
  3. To tap into the Indian music app market successfully, companies like Bytedance are relying on user-generated content, social sharing, and potential breakthrough features to monetize through advertising in price-sensitive markets.

Ex Lion Tamer

Kneeling Bus • 166 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Music
  1. Spotify is incorporating AI and TikTok features to improve user experience.
  2. AI and TikTok are revolutionizing the traditional concept of internet search.
  3. The integration of AI and human elements is crucial for creating engaging content.

Poll Worker or Poll Dancer

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Bill Gates faced a lot of anger from voters, but he stayed strong during tough times. His decision not to run for reelection shows how much the past elections affected him.
  2. A former poll worker shared her story of stepping up to help after Hurricane Sandy. She felt that young people are needed to improve the voting system in New York.
  3. Little Richard's influence on rock and roll was huge, even if he didn't get much credit. Many famous musicians looked up to him and acknowledged how he shaped their music.

A Valentine Gush

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The author reflects on their relationship with their partner and the love that has grown over time.
  2. The post includes personal elements like songs and a love letter from the past, showcasing the depth of their connection.
  3. There's a theme of enduring love and appreciation for their partner, demonstrated through art and memories shared in the post.

The Comet King From Unsong Is Kanye West

Skunk Ledger • 143 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

On Seeking Sufis, Soundscapes, and The Self (Ch. 17)

Ink-uilab • 19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music
  1. Begin the journey of seeking by immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual experience of qawwali performances.
  2. Appreciate the deep-rooted traditions and generational ties of qawwali performers, honoring their dedication to the art form.
  3. Understand the profound impact of Sufism on qawwali, where music transcends the auditory to become a spiritual and communal experience.

Learnings 16 - 23 October

Emmanuel’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
💼 Business Music
  1. Creating a new business idea around a community creation app by testing market fit with a Facebook group in Paris.
  2. Learning to read music sheets and play music from them, starting with the song 'For Elise.'
  3. Being accepted to speak at the Inner Source Summit to share experiences from creating an educational program at Leroy Merlin France.

Brook Trouting Through Armageddon

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 141 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Finding solace and beauty in nature can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming negativity of the news cycle.
  2. Spending quality time with loved ones, like children, in nature can bring joy and a sense of completeness.
  3. Fishing and connecting with nature can offer a reprieve from the challenges of writing as a profession.

Mushrooms, Recursion and You

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The post explores the interaction between mushrooms, synthesizers, and human design in creating music.
  2. Recursion, the act of repeating levels of systems, is highlighted as complex but essential for intentional decision-making.
  3. The music created reflects layers of feedback and exchange from the mushroom, synthesizer, cables, designer, and listener, emphasizing collaboration and interconnectedness.

Va por Sorolla ~ To Sorolla

Mirlo Studio • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The post discusses a concert tribute to Joaquín Sorolla with music and a new composition.
  2. There is a mention of collaboration with artist Grace Hye for a digital collection.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Mirlo Studio for more content and a free trial.

CUATRO ESTACIONES · proyecto de Arte y Música

Mirlo Studio • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The project 'CUATRO ESTACIONES' is a collaboration between Manuel Gimferrer and Grace Hye focusing on themes of seasons and composers.
  2. Grace Hye's artistry is rooted in the physical world with a personal style, using black and inks to convey poetry and beauty.
  3. The project launch involves preparing for the release during the summer and seeking support from their communities.

The New Cue #275 April 3: Feist

The New Cue • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. The post discusses the new Cue #275 featuring Feist on April 3, 2023
  2. It mentions the upcoming Maundy Thursday and its significance
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to The New Cue for full access to the post archives

ohayo..

SJF • 19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The publication will be a way for the author to follow their curiosity and share ideas.
  2. The author, Simon James French, is a sound artist composing music.
  3. The content of the publication will include ideas, quotes, music, and more that inspire the author.

Tako: TikTok's Chatty AI Sidekick!

aidaily • 19 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Music
  1. TikTok is testing an AI chatbot called Tako for fun banter while watching videos.
  2. AI is entering the field of therapy, providing a digital listening ear and possible solutions.
  3. Grimes is exploring AI-generated music, hinting at a futuristic collaboration between human and machine.

Nature's Bounty

Ear Worm • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Václav Hálek's compositions are unique and explore the artist's natural condition.
  2. Hálek combined his love for foraging with his ear for new music, composing pieces based on mushrooms, flowers, trees, and people.
  3. Hálek's artistic method gave voice to the natural world, reflecting his deep connection with nature.

Little Treats #9

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Enjoy the everlasting era of little treats like watermelon with feta and mint for a refreshing sensation.
  2. Invest in quality beauty products like Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 for excellent results.
  3. Explore flower essences and probiotics for potential mood improvement and overall well-being.

Sadly, Freddie DeBoer is really, really wrong

Perfecting Equilibrium • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author strongly disagrees with Freddie DeBoer's view on the 90s being the best time to be alive, arguing that the 80s were better due to various reasons.
  2. The Y2K panic of the 90s was a significant event fueled by concerns over outdated computer systems and potential catastrophic consequences.
  3. The author provides a personal perspective stating the challenges of the 70s, the betterment seen in the 80s, and highlighting the historical events of each decade.

The Sound of Encroaching Footsteps, by X.T.X. (Part 2)

Chinese Meme • 19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The song 'The Sound of Encroaching Footsteps' by X.T.X. explores different reactions people have to situations, like fear, happiness, singing aloud, or hiding.
  2. The song emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting that everyone reacts differently to life's ups and downs.
  3. The lyrics of the song highlight the theme of hidden emotions, showing the significance of expressing inner feelings rather than concealing them.

Eurovision Song Contest: A 9-Point Explainer

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Eurovision Song Contest is a tradition that has been going on for 67 years.
  2. Eurovision is an extravagant spectacle with unique and grand performances.
  3. Eurovision is a song contest with a mix of normal and extravagant entries, influenced by politics, unity, and complicated scoring systems.

Things I appreciate

Nonlinear • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Having things to look forward to can boost happiness on different time scales.
  2. Music can have a powerful impact on mood and energy levels.
  3. Finding a special, less crowded place can make routine activities more enjoyable.