The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Among The Swifties

Daily Dreher • 2338 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 2456 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The February book club selection is _Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.
  2. There will be a void in music criticism as Pitchfork moves under GQ.
  3. Buying a house can be a wild ride, with unexpected challenges and surprises.

Fun, play, and discovery

Austin Kleon • 4456 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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
  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 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
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Make an appointment with yourself

Austin Kleon • 4376 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

Austin Kleon • 4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Weekend Press: Meeting My Birth Family

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Discovering a birth family can be emotionally complicated and messy; reunions don’t always end in clear joy or heartbreak, even when records become accessible.
  2. The newsletter mixes sharp cultural commentary and personal advice, from roasting big movies and profiling public figures to debating whether someone is too young to marry.
  3. It also offers practical weekend ideas and warm tributes, with book and music picks, recipes, hosting tips, and memorial pieces.

It’s trying to tell you something

Austin Kleon • 4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

I don’t want to be the best

Austin Kleon • 4915 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1886 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The Audacious Bookclub is reading 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar and will have a conversation with the author on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay's newsletter features personal professional news, including upcoming events and a new 'Work Friend' column.
  3. The newsletter includes a roundup of reading material ranging from obituaries to Grammy highlights, new shows, and recent journalism news.

Waiting to be thrilled

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's interesting to define yourself by what you won't do. This can help clarify your values and beliefs.
  2. While technology can be helpful, it's okay to be cautious about it. Asking questions and being skeptical can lead to better understanding.
  3. Taking time to enjoy great books can be fun, and sometimes you just need a little trick to get started.

Hearing What You See

Animation Obsessive • 2421 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Mickey Mousing is when music matches the exact movements in animation. This technique started in early cartoons and was popularized by Mickey Mouse.
  2. Some famous artists and directors criticized Mickey Mousing as being too mechanical and limiting. They believed it took away from the original creativity of the film.
  3. Despite the criticism, syncing music closely with animation can still be powerful and effective when done well. Some animations have shown that this technique can enhance the experience.

Piccadilly Radio started broadcasting 50 years ago. It’s a portal back to Manchester’s grimy, glorious past

The Mill • 2083 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Piccadilly Radio brought new levels of localism and energy to Manchester through its programming.
  2. The Electric Circus in Collyhurst was a significant cultural hub featuring punk bands like The Jam and Buzzcocks.
  3. The story paints a vivid picture of Manchester's past, including the industrial landscape, cultural figures, and punk scene.

Open Mic: Tell Us About Anything You Want

The Honest Broker • 4853 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's an open mic day where everyone can share their thoughts on any topic. Feel free to express yourself!
  2. The host encourages friendly conversation and a sense of community. Let's keep things positive!
  3. Consider supporting the host by subscribing to their work. Paid subscriptions really help out.

Open Mic Day: Tells Us About Your Favorite Movies, Music, Books, Etc. of 2024

The Honest Broker • 5818 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Share your favorite movies, music, books, and more from 2024. Everyone loves to hear new recommendations!
  2. It's important to have fun and take a break from serious topics sometimes. Sharing our creative finds can lift our spirits.
  3. When sharing, try not to promote your own projects this time. This is about celebrating what others have created.

Spotify’s Plans For AI Generated Music, Podcasts, and Recommendations, According To Its Co-President, CTO, and CPO Gustav Söderström

Big Technology • 5879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Music
  1. Spotify is embracing AI to enhance creativity in music and podcasts. They see these tools as ways to help artists express themselves better rather than replacing them.
  2. The company is focusing on improving how users find new music and podcasts. They want users to feel like they have control over their recommendations and can provide feedback.
  3. Spotify aims to create a more personal experience by using AI. They envision a platform where users can interact like friends with the app, making the recommendations feel tailored and engaging.

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

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Not knowing is the first step

Austin Kleon • 4016 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Sometimes not knowing what you're doing can be a part of the creative process. Even famous artists admit they often don't have everything figured out.
  2. Books can be powerful tools for dealing with loss. There are new releases that focus on saying goodbye and exploring difficult emotions.
  3. Documentaries can be really enjoyable when they're well-made. The recent Wham! documentary shows how good editing can make a story more engaging.

Curator of Secrets

Vague Blue • 579 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. On June 13, a live Substack reading will feature secrets shared anonymously by various readers, creating an intriguing event to look forward to.
  2. Critics have discussed the intricate relationship between tennis, desire, and sexuality portrayed in the film 'Challengers', emphasizing the thematic depth beyond surface eroticism.
  3. The book 'Community Garden for Lonely Girls' by Christine Shan Shan Hou is described as a surreal, sensual collection worth exploring for its unique and engaging content.

The Monday Media Diet with Joel Condemi

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Reading both physical books and magazines is very enjoyable and calming, especially on weekends as a way to unwind. It's good to pick interesting articles first rather than feeling obligated to read everything.
  2. Travel plays a big role in inspiration, with personal experiences and unique destinations enriching storytelling and creativity. Visiting special places like jazz bars can be very impactful.
  3. Social media can provide fresh ideas and inspiration, especially by following creatives in areas you love like photography and menswear. Sharing your own experiences online can connect you with like-minded people.

The meaning of discipline

Austin Kleon • 2437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Discipline is about making a commitment over time. It's important to stick with something consistently, even when it's tough.
  2. Musicians must balance three types of discipline: hands, head, and heart. Being good at one area isn't enough; all three need to work together.
  3. To be disciplined, you need to show up and get the work done. Sometimes, that just means sitting down and starting the task at hand.

Just do your dance already

Experimental History • 3868 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. It's common to get stuck trying to give detailed responses to questions. This can lead to wasting too much time on one email.
  2. Finding balance in communication is important to stay productive. Spending all day on one task can keep you from accomplishing other things.
  3. Prioritizing efficiency in response can help manage time better. Instead of focusing on a perfect answer, aim for getting back to others more quickly.

Ave Maria

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Music
  1. Music can deeply affect our emotions and memories, often making us cry or feel overwhelmed, especially during special times like Christmas.
  2. Personal experiences, such as family traditions and moments of wonder, can leave a lasting impact and means of connection to our past.
  3. There's a desire for beauty and meaning in traditions, even if one doesn't fully believe in them, showing that these feelings are universal.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1726 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

There are two mes

Austin Kleon • 3636 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. There are two sides to everyone: the public persona and the real self. Recognizing this helps us understand people better.
  2. Life is a learning journey where experiences shape how we live. This idea emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open to growth.
  3. Children's creativity is pure and inspiring. To create great work, we can learn from their open-mindedness and natural expression.

Baseball Players in the Wrong Profession

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Some baseball players have names that sound like they should be doing something else in life. It's fun to think about what other professions they could have had instead.
  2. For example, one player could be a mystery novelist while another might be playing music in a mariachi band. These alternative stories highlight their unique names.
  3. Imagining these players in different careers shows the charm of their names and adds a creative twist to how we see them beyond baseball.

The Truth About Bob Dylan’s Falling Out with Pete Seeger

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4229 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Bob Dylan's conflict with Pete Seeger was more about differing political views than Dylan going electric. Seeger and others were concerned about Dylan's lack of interest in their leftist politics.
  2. Dylan's career has played tricks on fans and critics alike, creating misunderstandings about his true beliefs and intentions. His complex lyrics and infrequent interviews lead to lots of interpretations, some far from the truth.
  3. The film 'A Complete Unknown' attempts to provide a straightforward take on Dylan's early career, but it misses the bigger picture of his unique relationship with the political scene around him. Dylan chose his own path, moving away from the expectations of his folk singer peers.

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.