The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

It's 1986 and here's what we're doing

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Childhood Music Lifestyle Society
  1. The story is about two kids in 1986 having fun on their BMX bikes and enjoying their freedom. They go on little adventures like buying candy and riding around their neighborhood.
  2. They have a paper route and deliver newspapers, encountering different neighbors along the way. This includes a nice lady who gives them a kitten, showing the importance of community.
  3. They love music and often hang out at a record store. They enjoy playing records at home and watching movies together, making the most of their childhood.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

A great "magical school" novel, a wonderfully '90s new thriller, and four tracks I've been enjoying

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction Fantasy Music
  1. There's a fantastic fantasy book set in a magical school that fans of the genre will love.
  2. A thrilling new movie reminiscent of '90s action classics like _Nick of Time_ and _Die Hard_ is worth checking out.
  3. Four great music tracks are highlighted that are currently enjoyed, perfect for music lovers to explore.

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Television Writing
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.
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Sometimes it sounds like this

Austin Kleon • 5275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Writing Media
  1. Françoise Gilot's memoir about her life with Picasso is a great read. It shares interesting stories and gives insights into her artistic journey.
  2. Writing books can be really helpful for all kinds of writers. Many people shared their favorites, showing there's a wide range of useful resources out there.
  3. Listening to curated music mixes can spark creativity. Exploring different artists and themed playlists can be a delightful way to enjoy music and find inspiration.

Tuesday Thread: Where are you buying/finding art?

Culture Study • 1461 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Traditions Fashion Literature Music
  1. Art can create a calming atmosphere in your home. Choosing pieces that resonate with you makes your space feel more personal.
  2. Finding art can often come from recommendations by friends or other artists. Connecting with the community is a great way to discover new favorites.
  3. Exploring different artists and their work can be an enjoyable experience. Websites and social media are great places to find stunning art that speaks to you.

Is the artist crying?

Austin Kleon • 5775 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comedy Food
  1. Citrus plants do not grow true from seeds, which means planting an orange seed could result in a grapefruit tree instead. This shows how surprising and diverse nature can be.
  2. Some slugs and snails can sleep for a very long time, which is a reminder that patience and slowing down can be important, especially during tough times like winter.
  3. Finding inspiration in conversations and interviews, like those with artists or comedians, can help renew our creative energies and give us new perspectives on our own work.

It’s Groundhog Day... again.

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Events
  1. February is a great time to start fresh with resolutions since it's short and has an extra day this year. There’s a special 29-day challenge you can try to improve daily habits.
  2. Groundhog Day marks a change in seasons, showing that spring is on its way. It's a good reminder that every day is a chance to begin anew.
  3. Flaco the Owl's story is fun to follow, reminding us of the joy in nature and the excitement of unexpected events in our everyday lives.

The year, run down

Austin Kleon • 6354 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Comics Media
  1. Reading has a big impact on joy and learning. Books like 'Don Quixote' and 'Dune' brought a lot of happiness this year.
  2. There are many enjoyable ways to spend time with family, like movie nights with kids and discovering new shows after they go to bed.
  3. Music and video games can also be a source of fun and excitement. Creating playlists and playing games like 'Zelda' added to the year's enjoyment.

South by southwest

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Travel Food
  1. Exploring nature is refreshing. Hiking in places like Joshua Tree and driving along Malibu can make for an exciting day trip.
  2. Austin is gearing up for SXSW, a big event where people enjoy music, film, and culture. If you're in town, try to eat some great tacos and BBQ.
  3. There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Austin, from visiting unique libraries to enjoying local radio stations and watching films.

The Death of Scenius

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Theater Literature Urban Studies
  1. Urban creativity has declined because artists are less connected and no longer gather in cities like they used to. This lack of connection limits inspiration and collaboration.
  2. The concept of 'scenius' shows that creativity thrives when talented people are in close proximity to each other. Working together can spark new ideas and movements.
  3. Rising living costs and the internet's influence have made it harder for artists to meet and collaborate, leading to fewer innovative cultural movements today.

Out of Words

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6909 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Language Politics Education Literature Music
  1. Twitter serves as an important archive of history, essential for transparency and fighting against autocracy.
  2. Learning new languages can be a way to escape from the negative aspects of social media and can provide a new perspective on the world.
  3. Poetry and language have the power to convey deep political sentiments and reveal the true heart of a nation.

Jennifer Please

Hung Up • 5129 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Celebrity
  1. Jennifer Lopez presents a unique visual album called 'This is Me...Now' with a mix of different movie inspirations.
  2. The trailer hints at a narrative of love, heartbreak, and inner healing through fantastical storytelling and celebrity cameos.
  3. The film will be available on Amazon starting February 16, showcasing a new artistic side of Jennifer Lopez.

A good heist novel, an excellent animated movie for adults and kids, and four new songs I like

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Entertainment
  1. A great heist novel can be really exciting and fun to read. It's full of action and clever plot twists.
  2. There's a new animated movie that's perfect for both kids and adults. It's visually stunning and family-friendly.
  3. Music lovers might enjoy checking out some new songs that have been released recently. They add a fresh vibe to your playlist.

What I've been reading to understand the election, a pure-escapist stupid slapstick comedy, and four new tracks I like

Read Max • 974 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Comedy Music Politics
  1. Reading is important for understanding current events, like the election. Articles and columns can provide valuable insights.
  2. Sometimes, it's good to escape and have fun. Watching a silly comedy can be a great way to lighten your mood.
  3. Discovering new music can bring joy. Listening to fresh tracks can be a fun experience and help you find new favorites.

Exact revenge

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books Film Music Art Literature
  1. January can feel slow and heavy for many. If you're struggling to start the year, consider waiting until February to tackle your resolutions.
  2. Year-end lists are fun and help discover new books and movies. Checking out these lists can inspire new reads and viewings for the new year.
  3. Creative works can offer deep insights. Books and essays that explore big ideas, like life's meaning or creativity, can be really rewarding to dive into.

The Romantic Era Never Ended

Bet On It • 296 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Philosophy
  1. The Romantic Era of music isn't over; it lives on in modern soundtracks. Many new compositions carry the spirit of famous Romantic composers.
  2. While some may think of soundtracks as simple background music, many actually hold high artistic value, comparable to classical masterpieces.
  3. It's important to appreciate and celebrate modern composers who continue the legacy of the Romantic tradition, rather than just mourn for the past.

Kendrick Lamar Won't Be Paid For The Super Bowl Halftime Show (but will still walk away with millions)

Huddle Up • 50 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Events Entertainment Marketing Business Music
  1. The Super Bowl is a huge event that attracts millions of viewers, creating unique marketing chances for brands and artists.
  2. Performing at the Super Bowl is valuable for artists, providing massive exposure that can lead to increased music sales and ticket sales for tours.
  3. Kendrick Lamar may not get paid much for his halftime performance, but he stands to gain significantly in terms of music streams, social media followers, and tour ticket sales.

An archival detective story and other links; a great, stupid action espionage TV show; and more!

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Film Music Television
  1. There are interesting links including a detective story and articles on sports gambling and hustle culture. They cover both fun and serious topics.
  2. A recommended spy show is described as 'great' and 'stupid', suggesting it's entertaining and light-hearted.
  3. An album of Armenian-influenced electronic music is highlighted, indicating a diverse taste in music.

More of what I'm reading about the election, a masterpiece "erotic thriller," and four songs I'm digging

Read Max • 816 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Art Media
  1. There's a collection of interesting reading material about the election that can help understand what's going on.
  2. A unique 'erotic thriller' book is recommended, noted for its dreamy qualities and great music rather than typical thriller elements.
  3. Four cool songs are also highlighted, showing a mix of various forms of entertainment to enjoy.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #4

The Bottom Feeder • 339 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Music Art Social media
  1. Not many gamers know about online game controversies. Most people play games without getting involved in drama on social media.
  2. UFO50 is great for learning game design by showing how to make fun games without unnecessary complexity. It invites players to think about what really matters in game design.
  3. AI could really improve experiences at parks like Disney, but people might misuse it for funny or mean content, making it a tricky situation.

Escape velocity

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Comedy History
  1. Many people leave their hometowns but often return, struggling to find their own path away from familiar comforts.
  2. The word 'enshittification' was chosen as the word of the year for 2023, highlighting a trend in our society.
  3. Cool events are coming up in Austin, especially related to the solar eclipse, with art exhibitions worth checking out.

Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Travel Music Society
  1. Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
  2. Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
  3. The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 620 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Theater Media
  1. Watching art critiques can change how we think about creative work. It challenges our views and might make us rethink what art really is.
  2. Trying new things each week helps keep our minds fresh and engaged. It's a good way to discover more about what we like and care about.
  3. Going to see a show, like 'Wicked', can be a fun way to experience storytelling. Live performances bring a unique energy that can be really enjoyable.

What Does A Healthy Culture Look Like?

Castalia • 1498 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Society
  1. A healthy culture should be open and decentralized. This means it shouldn't be controlled by a few powerful people, allowing many voices to be heard.
  2. Quality work is important, but everyone should have the chance to share their art. A good culture encourages creativity and supports new ideas.
  3. Art and money are different things. While artists need support to create, financial success doesn’t always mean the art is good. The focus should be on creativity rather than just profits.

Weekly Top Picks #94

The Algorithmic Bridge • 201 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Ethics Music
  1. OpenAI's new model is not just a chatbot; it's designed to help users think and set goals differently.
  2. AI progress is happening fast, but many people aren't aware of it, making it hard to get ready for big changes ahead.
  3. There are worries about AI tools and trust issues, so it's essential to think carefully about how we use and talk about AI.

Ripe on Time

Seven Senses • 1718 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Education
  1. It's okay to bloom at your own pace, just like flowers. Some people find their talents early, but many discover them later in life too.
  2. Having a nurturing environment helps talents emerge, but sometimes life events push us to explore our creativity when we least expect it.
  3. It's never too late to follow your dreams or discover new passions. Many successful people achieved their greatest milestones later in life, showing that persistence is key.

The nervous system

Austin Kleon • 5195 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Parenting
  1. Starting a 31-day challenge now can help you get ahead instead of waiting for the new year. Making commitments regularly can lead to personal growth.
  2. Children are companions in life, not just projects. It's important to share experiences and life with them rather than just focusing on goals.
  3. It's frustrating to wait for new episodes of your favorite shows. Waiting can feel especially hard when you're looking forward to something exciting.

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Music Television Family Art Holidays
  1. Reading is about choosing to read one book over many others. It's okay to not read every book out there.
  2. Music can be a great escape when feeling tired of other interests. Sometimes, music books can reignite that passion for reading.
  3. TV shows can be a fun distraction. It's nice to find joy in watching something simple and entertaining, especially during the holidays.

Like a ghost went through me

Austin Kleon • 6774 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education
  1. John Green learned he has aphantasia, which means he can't create mental images. This shows how different our brains can be.
  2. Wes Anderson recreated Roald Dahl's writing shed, highlighting the importance of creative spaces for writers. It's neat to see how environments can inspire artistic work.
  3. Joseph Grigley's art exhibit features notes he collected during conversations. It reminds us of the challenges of communication, especially for those with hearing loss.

NO!vember

Austin Kleon • 5955 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Music Comics
  1. Saying 'no' can help you focus on what really matters. If you're unsure about going out, ask yourself if you'd want to do it tomorrow.
  2. Spending time alone can help you discover your true self. It's important to sit quietly and reflect on who you really want to be.
  3. Reading is essential for artists. Great works can inspire you, so make time to read often and explore different stories.

25 Articles

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 2755 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Nature Music Art Places
  1. The newsletter provides a wide range of topics, from politics and history to art, music, and nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of politics with everyday life.
  2. The author values accessibility to their work, keeping the newsletter free and open to all readers, with appreciation for paid subscribers who support the writing.
  3. The post lists all articles from the newsletter categorized by topic, offering readers the opportunity to explore a variety of content based on their interests.