The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Entertainment Media Society
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

New! The Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Fashion Social Issues Food
  1. There's a feeling that popular music has changed for the worse, becoming more aggressive and lacking melody. It used to connect more positively with listeners.
  2. Many people feel nostalgic for past times when quality and competence seemed better in society, from everyday goods to music and interactions.
  3. Some want to preserve their childhood memories as they are, without looking them up online or experiencing them again. They fear losing the magic of those memories.
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The great silent majority of American basicness

Garbage Day • 3341 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Social media Pop culture Music Internet culture
  1. The rise of the Stanley Quencher cup as a popular item is a result of savvy marketing and internet buzz
  2. Short-form videos like TikTok are influencing the way content is created and shared online
  3. The concept of monoculture in media is evolving, with Spotify playlists reflecting carefully constructed branding rather than true diversity

Moving Beyond the Bumble Brag

Seven Senses • 699 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Self-promotion Art Music Identity Personal Growth Creativity
  1. It's important to share your achievements and talents. Hiding them can stop others from benefiting from your skills.
  2. Self-promotion should be seen as a way of showing respect for yourself and your work. It’s not about being boastful.
  3. Being too modest doesn't help anyone. Everyone deserves to shine and be recognized for their hard work.

How I passed the time in 2024

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Media Outdoor Essays
  1. Reading can be deeply enjoyable and offers a chance to dive into complex thoughts and stories. It brings unique insights and can inspire new ways of thinking.
  2. Music from unique artists like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman can create memorable experiences with its catchy lyrics and emotional depth. There's a sense of connection through their creative expressions.
  3. Meeting new people, even online, can lead to meaningful friendships. These connections enhance our lives and help us feel less alone.

Kurt Cobain's Spiral Notebooks

Noted • 5051 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Biography
  1. Kurt Cobain left behind spiral notebooks with personal thoughts and writings.
  2. Jillian Hess's newsletter, Noted, was featured on Substack Reads and gained new subscribers.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to Noted with a 7-day free trial.

Publish your enthusiasm

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Creativity
  1. Sharing your excitement can be really powerful. When you show your enthusiasm, it inspires others too.
  2. Reading a good book can transport you to another world. Dive into your favorite stories for a little escape and joy.
  3. Engaging in creative activities like drawing or painting is rewarding. They combine thinking and pleasure, making it enjoyable and satisfying.

Late autumn is lit!

Austin Kleon • 3636 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Food Music Film
  1. Late autumn is a wonderful time for bike rides and enjoying the changing leaves. It's a nice reminder to take advantage of the season's beauty.
  2. Shopping for the holidays can be stressful, but planning ahead and seeking out specific gift guides can make it easier. Consider gifts that reflect the recipient's interests, like books or food-related items.
  3. Year-end lists can be a great resource for discovering new movies and music. Checking out critics' favorites can help you find something cool to enjoy during the holiday season.

Reclaiming Sinéad O' Connor

Letters from Suzanne • 4972 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. The post discusses reclaiming Sinéad O' Connor.
  2. There is mention of Sinéad O' Connor's powerful voice and impactful songs like "Troy" and "Mandinka".
  3. To access the full post, a 7-day free trial subscription is offered.

Retrograde rocket

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Personal Growth Nature
  1. Owls are fascinating creatures, and it's nice to enjoy their presence, especially during the season. There's a book that shares beautiful stories about an orphaned owl that might be worth checking out.
  2. Getting better at drawing can be a fun challenge, and there are helpful books for beginners. It's great to engage with art and connect with others who share the same interest.
  3. It's important to carve out time for your creative hobbies, especially during busy holidays. Taking a moment to reflect on your art practice can really help keep your passion alive.

Mr. Autumn Man, activated

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Travel Comics
  1. Traveling to places can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to catch up with friends and explore local shops and events. It's great to discover new books and enjoy the surroundings.
  2. Listening to music while driving can really enhance the experience. Whether it's a rainy night drive or a flight, the right tunes make everything feel more exciting.
  3. It's nice to find joy in simple things, like favorite teas, walks, and creative projects. Sharing and learning about good experiences can make everyday life better.

The Wisdom of Brown M&M's and Leaky Fire Hydrants

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Society Entertainment Art
  1. Van Halen's use of brown M&M's as a test exposed the importance of thorough event staff attention to safety details.
  2. Testing systems, like airport security, with red teams reveals vulnerabilities and promotes resilience.
  3. The concept of leaky fire hydrants highlights the need for addressing individual problems within systems to spark wider reform.

A path with a view

Austin Kleon • 3836 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Food Music Lifestyle
  1. Taking a trip to Disneyland can be fun, especially with cool rides and tasty snacks. It's a great place to enjoy beautiful landscaping, which might inspire visits to other gardens.
  2. Riding a bike, especially around interesting paths like the LA River Bike Path, can lead to spontaneous adventures and fun picnics at the beach. Enjoying nature while biking can be a refreshing experience.
  3. There are many new music releases that can be exciting to explore. Discovering unique albums can bring new joy, especially from artists that resonate well with your taste.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 101 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Fashion Humor
  1. Trust is hard to find, especially in difficult times. It's important to seek and maintain trust in our relationships.
  2. Navigating through tough situations can be challenging, but understanding and support from others can help.
  3. Maintaining a positive attitude is key, even when faced with negativity or adversity.

Among The Swifties

Daily Dreher • 2338 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Ideology Emotion Literature
  1. The 'holy war' between Donald Trump and Taylor Swift may not be as senseless as it appears.
  2. The collective power of fanatical fandoms, like Swifties, in the age of the internet, is a force to reckon with.
  3. Enchantment by political figures or pop stars can give a feeling of completeness, blurring the lines between rationality and transcendence.

Fun, play, and discovery

Austin Kleon • 4456 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Entertainment
  1. Writing should be fun and a way to explore your thoughts. It's all about discovering what you want to say.
  2. Creativity is about the process, not perfection. Filling a notebook is more important than looking good.
  3. Being open and honest in your work helps you grow, whether in writing, music, or acting. Just get started and keep creating!

Melted

Austin Kleon • 4935 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Publications History
  1. Pete Drake was a talented pedal steel guitarist who played on many famous records. He even invented a device that made a guitar sound like it was talking.
  2. Notetaking is important for remembering ideas and learning from books. Creating a system to revisit your notes can help you keep track of insights.
  3. Play and creativity are vital for a fulfilling life. Engaging in playful activities can boost your imagination and overall well-being.

My heart almost stood still

Letters of Note • 2220 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Biography Music
  1. Helen Keller expressed gratitude to the New York Symphony Orchestra for the joy of 'hearing' Beethoven's Ninth Symphony through touch
  2. Keller described feeling vibrations and rhythms from different instruments, recognizing voices, and being enraptured by the music
  3. The letter showcases Keller's deep appreciation for music and the beauty and majesty she perceived through touch

Make an appointment with yourself

Austin Kleon • 4376 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Comics Photography
  1. Making time for yourself is important, and you should commit to it like an important appointment. It's easy to forget self-care in our busy lives, but it can greatly improve your happiness.
  2. Creativity is essential to many artists, and being away from their art can hurt their well-being. Finding ways to create regularly can help maintain a good quality of life.
  3. Explore new books, music, and films to inspire creativity and reflection. Engaging with different forms of art can spark new ideas and perspectives.

Focus!

Austin Kleon • 4316 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Comedy Parenting Interviews
  1. Music memoirs can be a great way to relax and unwind, especially if you've read something heavy. They're often fun and refreshing.
  2. It's really important to focus on the learner in the education process, as they're the ones truly driving their learning journey.
  3. Getting creative and organizing your space can help spark new ideas and inspiration, like the concept of 'knolling'.

Be a good date

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Philosophy
  1. Being a good date means being someone others want to spend time with, including your readers. It's important to engage and connect with them.
  2. Reading can be a rewarding experience, no matter the book. Discovering new insights from familiar writers, like Vonnegut, can be very fulfilling.
  3. Sharing interests or experiences, like music or art, can create a sense of nostalgia and connection with others. It's great to revisit things that made you happy in the past.

The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

Austin Kleon • 4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Comics Music Television Art
  1. Minding your own business can be a refreshing approach to life. It allows you to focus on your own thoughts and interests instead of getting caught up in others' lives.
  2. Reading good translations can greatly enhance the experience of classic literature. Edith Grossman's work on 'Don Quixote' is a perfect example of how translation can bring a book to life.
  3. Nostalgia is powerful, whether through music or movies. Listening to favorite albums or watching beloved films can bring back fond memories and feelings.

Plus Ça Change, Plus C'est the Same Shit

Dada Drummer Almanach • 274 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music History Politics Art Literature
  1. History often repeats itself, especially during tough times like culture wars. Understanding the past can help us navigate current challenges.
  2. In the 1950s, young musicians faced threats from a culture war but found ways to support each other and thrive despite the pressures around them.
  3. It's important to focus on surviving and adapting during difficult periods rather than arguing about what's better. There are always paths to move forward.

It’s trying to tell you something

Austin Kleon • 4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Film
  1. Writer's block can mean something important and may guide your creative process. It's worth paying attention to what your mind is telling you when you feel stuck.
  2. Understanding the impact of literature and quotes in our lives can help us grow. Reflecting on classic works can lead to deeper insights about ourselves and our experiences.
  3. Art is about pushing culture forward. Engaging with different artistic expressions can inspire personal and collective growth.

Gaslighting: The Psychology of Shaping Another’s Reality or How Mass Perception is Manufactured

Through A Glass Darkly • 2397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Media Manipulation Music History
  1. Gaslighting is a real and effective means to shape perception of reality.
  2. Mass gaslighting on a global scale is causing widespread disinformation and questioning of sanity.
  3. Questioning the prescribed reality and taking back control is the key to escaping mental prisons and regaining power.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Poetry Media
  1. Poetry can really help us through tough times, and Louise Glück's work is a great place to start if you're looking for comfort in words.
  2. When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
  3. Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

An easygoing hippie noir series; a fantastic, dark serial-killer movie; and an album of retro-pop bangers

Read Max • 500 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Books Movies Music Literature Art
  1. There's a new easygoing hippie noir series to check out. It's in the style of cool stories like 'Inherent Vice.'
  2. A dark, thrilling serial-killer movie set in Hong Kong is being praised as one of the best of the decade. If you like thrillers, this one is a must-see.
  3. A fresh album featuring '90s-style retro-pop songs has been released. It’s perfect for anyone looking for fun and catchy music.

The Rise of the Theater Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 310 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Film Music Pop culture Media
  1. The success of the movie 'Wicked' shows that theater kids are becoming really popular in pop culture. Their high energy and performances are winning everyone's attention.
  2. With a huge budget and lots of marketing, 'Wicked' is shaping into a big cultural event, drawing people into the world of musical theater.
  3. The film's success at the box office proves that theater adaptations can be very profitable, marking a win for theater kids everywhere.

I don’t want to be the best

Austin Kleon • 4915 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Comics
  1. Laziness can sometimes lead to more discipline. It's interesting how they can connect in unexpected ways.
  2. Reading apps like Libby and Hoopla have made it easier to discover new books, but it's concerning when access gets restricted for younger audiences.
  3. Midlife crises can be transformative opportunities, so rather than seeing them as negative, we should embrace the change and potential they bring.