The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

We secretly love misinformation – and Spotify Wrapped proves it

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. People prefer exciting, made-up narratives over dull facts, as shown by how a gimmicky "listening age" outshined real listening data.
  2. The attention economy rewards confidence and spectacle, so charismatic wrongdoers and entertainers spread farther than careful experts.
  3. That dynamic has real costs: misinformation breeds polarization, empowers unqualified figures, and makes clicks more valuable than truth.

One of 2024's Best Films Was Made in Pakistan

Animation Obsessive • 9956 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Glassworker is a unique animated film from Pakistan that explores themes of art and war. It highlights the importance of creativity even in difficult times.
  2. The creators of The Glassworker spent ten years making the film, overcoming challenges to set up their animation studio in Karachi. They aimed to prove that high-quality animation could be produced in Pakistan.
  3. The film combines local culture with a universal fantasy feel, using the story of glassblowing to reflect the journey of its creators. It's set against the backdrop of their experiences growing up during conflict.

Like a ghost went through me

Austin Kleon • 6774 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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.
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The Monday Media Diet with Chris Dalla Riva

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Chris enjoys reading print newspapers and magazines like The New York Times and The New Yorker, focusing on in-depth articles rather than just breaking news. He likes getting different perspectives on topics outside major news focuses.
  2. He values newsletters for their unique content, recommending ones that cover youth trends, numerical news, and online culture. This shows he appreciates fresh ideas and insights in addition to mainstream media.
  3. Exploring lesser-known places can be rewarding. Chris highlights Solothurn, Switzerland, as a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a refreshing change from popular tourist spots.

25 Articles

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 2755 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Hinternet’s Best of 2025!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Hinternet had a standout year, growing into a more established, collaborative publication with expanding projects and staff.
  2. They released a wide “Best of 2025” roundup across genres—fiction, music writing, essays, translations, poetry, film, and experimental work—showing the variety and ambition of their output.
  3. They’re running a strong year-end push to convert readers to paid subscribers, offering a 75% off sale and pitching the editor’s book as a holiday gift before more content goes behind a paywall.

How to like everything more

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 8860 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Enjoyment is a skill that can be improved by focusing on the details and layers in experiences, whether it's music, food, or art. Try to look for different aspects that you might usually overlook.
  2. Being curious and open to new sensations can transform how you experience intense music, food, or art. Instead of resisting strong stimuli, embrace their intensity and see them as opportunities for enjoyment.
  3. Creating a connection with the creator of a work can enhance your enjoyment. Think about the effort and emotion they put into their creation, which can make you appreciate it even more.

Condescension Won’t Save Us From The Generative AI Tsunami

Singal-Minded • 259 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Music
  1. Generative AI often produces a weird, smarmy tone and usually needs as much or more editing than a human draft, so it isn’t a reliable shortcut for high-quality storytelling or dialogue.
  2. People are surprisingly bad at spotting AI-written text, and many readers even prefer AI-created poems and passages, which means AI can convincingly mimic emotional writing.
  3. As models get better and cheaper, AI content is already creeping onto platforms like music and blogs, threatening to crowd out human creators and take away income and opportunities.

David Mamet: Back When We Gave a Fuck

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2508 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Profanity can be powerful and meaningful, used originally to add emphasis rather than just to shock. It was a way to express yourself vividly, not merely to curse.
  2. David Mamet found inspiration in the raw language of everyday people, particularly those living in tough environments. Their unique speech motivated him to create his plays.
  3. The use of strong language has changed over time, becoming less about direct challenges and more about legal threats. This shift has made everyday language feel less impactful.

Note on Friedman Contest

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2311 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
😂 Humor Music
  1. There is a contest related to Thomas Friedman where you can submit your own lyrics for a song called 'Mean Mr. Mustache'.
  2. The winner will receive an autographed Rollie Fingers jersey as a prize.
  3. To enter the contest, send your submissions via email or Twitter as specified.

Make bad art & read terrible books

Austin Kleon • 5995 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's okay to make bad art; everyone should try creating without worrying about being perfect.
  2. Reading bad books can also be beneficial; it helps you discover what you don't like and why.
  3. Joining a community of creative people can support your growth, even if you feel unsure about your own work.

New! The Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 90

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Watching football on television isn’t just more convenient—it’s often the only way to see the whole game and understand what’s happening on the field.
  2. Restaurants can use loss-leading deals like very cheap oysters to bring customers in, who then spend on drinks and other higher-margin items.
  3. Recent iOS updates are increasingly frustrating for users, highlighting how phone software changes can damage the everyday user experience.

The great silent majority of American basicness

Garbage Day • 3341 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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.

Why Did I Start The Ruffian and Has Paul McCartney Read My Book?

The Ruffian • 356 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A newsletter grown from social platforms can become a sustainable, full-time project if you stick with it, move to a monetizable platform, and keep improving the product.
  2. Effective writing often isn’t the result of a rigid system: regular deadlines, saving half-ideas, and committing to a messy first draft help you find what you actually think.
  3. Singular cultural phenomena like the John‑and‑Paul partnership were tied to a specific historical moment, so today’s fragmented, niche-driven media landscape makes an equivalent global creative dominance unlikely.

Classical Music Got Invented with a Hard Kick from a Peasant's Foot

The Honest Broker • 5917 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Classical music is more about human movement than math. It has roots in how people dance and move, not just numbers.
  2. The history of music shows a struggle between hands and feet. Highbrow music often focuses on hand movements, while lowbrow music is driven by dancing.
  3. Understanding music requires recognizing its connection to our bodies. Rhythm in all genres is tied to how we physically react and move to the music.

Why Taylor Swift terrifies Republicans

georgelakoff • 2712 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Music
  1. Taylor Swift challenges traditional social hierarchy by being a powerful young woman.
  2. Swift opposes racism and supports LGBTQ rights, which goes against Republican beliefs.
  3. Republicans fear Swift's influence and political leaning, as she encourages voter registration and Democratic support.

Kurt Cobain's Spiral Notebooks

Noted • 5051 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  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.

Marry a Woman Smarter Than You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2021 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's great to be with someone smarter than you. It can keep you inspired and help you grow.
  2. Taylor Swift's recent podcast felt surprisingly relatable, making people curious about her life and personality.
  3. Even if you're not a fan, sometimes you can find joy in unexpected places and enjoy new experiences.

Publish your enthusiasm

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

The Broken Day

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 587 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The author feels disconnected from contemporary culture and has a nostalgic attachment to memories and objects from their past. They spend a lot of time reflecting on their personal experiences and the things they've collected over the years.
  2. Despite being housebound for a long time, the author creatively envisions life outside by 'nightwalking' in their imagination, exploring places they remember.
  3. There is a sense of infinite exploration in the author's journey through memories and objects, leading them to think about uncovering deeper meanings from their past.

Mr. Autumn Man, activated

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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
  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 Music
  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.

Cruising for Classical Music in LA

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Dana Gioia's passion for modern classical music started in his teenage years when he sought out composers like Stravinsky and Copland instead of popular music.
  2. Today, technology has made it much easier to access a wide variety of music, unlike the past when finding new pieces required significant effort and was often limited.
  3. Diving into music discussions and experiences with friends helped shape individual tastes, and exploring art personally is more meaningful than relying on others' opinions.

WEATHER SANDWICH

Entering The Lung • 2397 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Music
  1. The author woke up to cloudy weather and described the scene in detail.
  2. The recording process for a new album is progressing well with 14 bed tracks.
  3. The author appreciates the unique weather experiences in the cold climate.

Animating in Present Tense

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Sasha Svirsky is a self-taught animator who values improvisation over traditional rules. He creates unique animations by following his feelings, resulting in lively and often chaotic films.
  2. His work touches on important themes like oppression and the impact of war, often reflecting real-world events. Svirsky's art resonates deeply with viewers and highlights pressing issues.
  3. In animation news, the European co-production system continues to produce noteworthy films, such as 'Kensuke’s Kingdom,' which is a nostalgic adventure tale with a memorable score that emphasizes emotional storytelling.

An Argument That Never Ends!

Webworm with David Farrier • 2240 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The post is about a new content piece by Tony Stamp called "Totally Normal" on Feb 7, 2024.
  2. There is a giveaway of limited edition signed posters, but only for American readers.
  3. Readers can get 7-day free access to full post archives by subscribing to Webworm with David Farrier.

Some Suggestions

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1774 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Be careful about where you get your news. Mainstream media often has its own agenda, so look for different viewpoints to get a better understanding.
  2. Focus on what truly matters to you, not what society says you should want. Find your own path and define success for yourself.
  3. Take care of your mental health by facing your feelings and healing your issues. This helps not just you, but also those around you.