The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Big mood

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs

Internal exile • 12 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The film 'A Complete Unknown' surprisingly succeeds in portraying Bob Dylan's rise to fame in a fresh way. It focuses less on his life story and more on the idea of talent and genius.
  2. Instead of trying to explain Dylan's personality, the movie treats him as a unique force of nature. It shows what it's like to witness true talent instead of just a biography.
  3. The film assumes that viewers already understand Bob Dylan's significance and legacy. This makes it feel odd to make a movie about someone who is still alive and actively creating.

Me and Mrs Jones

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Music
  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.

A fine strategy

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 17 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

What does a seed look like?

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 10 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Seeds are important and can inspire creative work, like making zines about them.
  2. Fame can be tough for people, and it's common to feel lonely during uncertain times.
  3. Great stories can be found in books, TV shows, and movies that connect us and make us think.
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Validation is for parking

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Lee Perry was an amazing music producer, and his album 'Heart of the Congos' is highly recommended.
  2. If you want to get good answers online, try posting a wrong answer instead of asking a question.
  3. Taking solo walks helps you notice more things around you, even if it feels a bit lonely.

Learn to play the fool

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

On Quitting Spotify

Reboot • 38 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author explores quitting Spotify in favor of CDs & radio for a more intentional listening experience.
  2. The obsession with frictionless algorithms on streaming platforms may limit the diversity and depth of music discovery.
  3. Diversifying music consumption with CDs, radio, and live performances can offer unique, fulfilling listening experiences.

A snow day in Texas

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

"Baby It's Cold Outside" is Good, So Bite Me and Happy Holidays

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. 'Baby It's Cold Outside' is a complex song that some people think should be canceled because of its gender dynamics. It's okay to recognize that while still enjoying it as a piece of entertainment from a different time.
  2. The song reflects a different era, capturing the charm of its time. It’s catchy and has become a classic holiday tune, even though it doesn’t align with modern views on consent.
  3. Enjoying an old song doesn’t mean you approve of outdated behaviors. We can appreciate art for its qualities while being critical of its messages.

Practice, practice, practice

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

'Hey bitches, it's Dakota'

Brands Mean a Lot • 52 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Consuming various forms of content is essential for having stuff to write about
  2. The beauty industry can trap people into never feeling good about their own presentation
  3. Cultivating a personal brand through unique fashion choices can be challenging but important

Find Your Own Lessons

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

A New Romanticism

Marginally Compelling • 52 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Kindness can overpower cynicism in the face of nihilism and irony.
  2. Brandon Sanderson's approach to writing is based on empathy and finding wonder in people.
  3. There is a call for a return to 'New Romanticism' focusing on kindness, uniqueness, and human potential.

Don’t get me wrong

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

The Untethering

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 13 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Politics and culture often clash, but they don’t always have to be mixed together. Good art can exist outside of politics.
  2. In the past, people pushed for art to always reflect certain political views, which limited creative freedom. Not all artists want to be activists, and that’s okay.
  3. Although we might see political ideas in art, the intense focus on social justice from the 2010s is fading. Art is likely to be viewed differently moving forward.

Emilia Pérez Is Not a Progressive Message Movie

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is unique and not exactly what you would expect for an Oscar movie. It's got a strange plot, focusing on a drug lord who changes her identity and tries to redeem her past.
  2. The main character shows that change isn't just about surgery or a new identity. Even after transforming, she still struggles with her old problems and selfish behaviors.
  3. This movie challenges the idea that all characters representing marginalized groups should be perfect heroes. It presents a flawed character who doesn't fit neatly into progressive narratives, which makes it stand out.

Links for Friday, March 1

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 25 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Music
  1. WikiLeaks' release of Vault 7 revealed significant CIA hacking tools and spy operations, resulting in global implications.
  2. The possibility of faster-than-light travel, explored by physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, challenges conventional beliefs.
  3. Notable musical treat: Honey Cone's 'Want Ads' showcases clever, bold lyrics that made it a success in the industry.

Weakened by the weekend

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

A quilt made of days

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

You have to be obsessed

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Being passionate or obsessed about something can drive you to achieve great things. It's important to let that passion show in your work and hobbies.
  2. Books, music, and movies can all inspire you and provide comfort or entertainment. Exploring different genres can open up new perspectives.
  3. Sharing recommendations and experiences with others can create connections and help build a supportive community. It's great to share what you love!

Reading, Watching 02.05.24

Unpopular Front • 24 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

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 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.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, January

By Reason Alone • 25 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Music
  1. Reading links posts can provide insights into what influences someone at a specific time.
  2. Compiling lists of books, blogs, podcasts, and music can help you reflect on your media consumption and discover new recommendations.
  3. Exploring a variety of media like books, blogs, podcasts, and music can give you a diverse range of perspectives and entertainment.

What was Drake?

Never Met a Science • 22 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Drake's approach to music, devoid of street cred, emphasized personal confession over braggadocio, making his music relatable through authenticity.
  2. Poptimism influenced the creation of pop-rap, with Drake embodying the move towards more universally palatable music, detached from local rap scenes.
  3. Taylor Swift, in contrast to Drake, creates subjective histories through her music, allowing fans to relate to themselves and construct their own identities.

The stream I go a-fishing in

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Time is a valuable resource, much like a stream we go fishing in. We should make the most of it.
  2. Reading can open up new worlds. There are many interesting books out there waiting to be explored.
  3. Creativity is important, and discussing it can help us learn more about ourselves and our interests.

The Year In Review

Cosy Moments • 9 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author is thankful for their readers and encourages feedback on what topics they want to see more of in the future.
  2. Next year, the author plans to write about classic writers like Alexander Pope and William Shakespeare, as well as philosophy and religion.
  3. There will be a special Q&A post to celebrate a milestone for the 'Cosy Moments' series, inviting readers to send in their questions.

No Direction Home

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. China is thinking about selling TikTok in the US to Elon Musk, which could be bad for free speech and user privacy.
  2. Having a group of people control TikTok, rather than just one person like Musk, would be a better idea for users.
  3. Artistic geniuses mix different styles and cultures in a way that brings something new, like how Picasso combined African art with European influences.

Every day is Groundhog Day

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Every day can feel repetitive, like the movie Groundhog Day. It’s okay to find new ways to celebrate the same day, like suggesting fun alternatives.
  2. February is a unique month because it’s exactly four weeks long. It can make people think differently about how they plan and view time.
  3. What seems boring to us now can actually be interesting later. So, don’t hesitate to document your everyday life because it may tell a great story in the future.

Something that will outlast them

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Disgust can actually help us survive and grow. It can push us to develop new habits, like keeping a diary.
  2. Beautifully designed books can inspire us to write. A simple act of writing just one line a day can be meaningful.
  3. Reading deeply and taking ideas from others is encouraged. This helps us connect with more creativity in our work.