The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1886 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music TV shows Fashion Journalism
  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.

11 Best Things of 2024

SatPost by Trung Phan • 164 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Books Podcasts Music Memes
  1. The film industry is relying too much on sequels and spin-offs, leading to a lack of creativity. New stories like 'The Wild Robot' bring freshness and are needed more than ever.
  2. Nuclear threats are still a serious concern, and many people are complacent about it. A book about a potential nuclear war highlights the urgent need for communication between world leaders to prevent disaster.
  3. Taking time to create special memories with loved ones is important. A personal trip to Paris with family shows how meaningful experiences should not be postponed.

Waiting to be thrilled

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Media Music Film
  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.
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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 Radio Music History Events
  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.

Best of The Ruffian 2024

The Ruffian • 159 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Politics
  1. The Ruffian gained more subscribers this year, growing from 20,000 to 33,000. This shows that more people are interested in the content.
  2. There were 74 posts and 3 podcast episodes published, with several popular topics, including lists and questions about happiness and culture.
  3. The podcast is set to continue into 2025, featuring conversations with notable guests, and exclusive content for paid subscribers will also be available.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 451 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Social media Media
  1. A great commencement speech by Bill Watterson can really touch your heart. It’s about understanding life and making choices, and you might feel emotional listening to it.
  2. Engaging with creative content, like an Instagram reel, can spark joy and inspiration in your day. It’s fun to see what others are sharing online.
  3. Feeling emotional and reflective is totally normal, especially during certain times. A simple piece of content can really resonate with your feelings.

Not knowing is the first step

Austin Kleon • 4016 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Film
  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 Reading Music Film Art Literature
  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 meaning of discipline

Austin Kleon • 2437 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Self-development Art Music Writing
  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.

Ave Maria

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Music Tradition Emotions
  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 Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  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 Art Music Literature Design Film
  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.

A bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch & listen to this weekend

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts TV shows Music Literature
  1. The post shares a bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch, and listen to, providing a variety of recommendations for entertainment and information consumption.
  2. It features insights on effort, productivity, and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of giving it your all but also learning to tolerate unknowns and knowing when to give up on certain endeavors.
  3. Recommendations include books read, shows watched, and podcasts listened to, offering a diverse range of content suggestions for different tastes and interests.

The joy of interviews

Austin Kleon • 2158 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Interviews Music Art Media Performance
  1. Listening to artist interviews is enjoyable and can be enriching. You might find interesting insights and stories that inspire you.
  2. Repetition in interviews can reveal important truths. When artists repeat certain ideas, it shows what matters most to them.
  3. Collecting and studying interviews can be like a mini class. You can learn valuable lessons from what artists say and how they express themselves.

Birthday Cheer

Glenn’s Substack • 1375 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Celebration Music Photography
  1. The post celebrates Bill Barton's 80th birthday and his performance at a Scottish whiskey bar.
  2. The event was filled with friends, family, and acquaintances who sang along with the music.
  3. The photos shared in the post were captured using an iPhone and showcase impressive quality.

Happy Birthday, Machine Shop

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 2614 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Music Creativity Community Visual Arts
  1. The author reflects on the one year anniversary of their newsletter/blogsite, celebrating the community and support they have received.
  2. Throughout the year, the author engaged with their audience through various creative endeavors like podcasting, sharing demos, writing a book, and giving insights into their musical process.
  3. The author expresses excitement for the future of their platform, emphasizing a shift away from mainstream social media to focus on creating a meaningful body of work on The Machine Shop.

Dog Day Afternoon: The Christmas Edition

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Humor Music Holidays
  1. This piece is a special holiday message focusing on themes relevant to Christmas. It reflects on emotions and connections, reminding us of the festive spirit.
  2. The author encourages readers to consider subscribing for more content. This shows the importance of supporting creators and their work.
  3. There are interactive elements, like sharing and commenting, emphasizing community engagement. Readers are invited to connect and share their thoughts.

I MISS YOU, DALLAS

Entering The Lung • 2535 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎶 Music Music
  1. The author is grieving the loss of a friend named Dallas Good.
  2. They have a deep connection with Dallas and the band The Sadies, having written many songs together.
  3. The author shared the saddest song ever written with Dallas and The Sadies in a post, encouraging readers to subscribe for more content.

Studio as a verb

Austin Kleon • 3217 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Film Music Literature Design
  1. The word 'studio' comes from a verb, which reminds us that being creative is an active process. It means that we should always engage in making, experimenting, and creating.
  2. To generate great ideas, start by getting rid of your lesser ones first. Sometimes copying others can lead you to unique insights and inspiration.
  3. You can connect with people in special ways, like through shared interests. For example, cartooning helped a son bond with his elderly father, showing how creativity can strengthen relationships.

Party Animals

Mister Slang • 2378 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Music History
  1. The 'party record' genre, featuring raunchy adult content, was popular in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
  2. Prominent entertainers in this genre included African American and Jewish comedians, who pushed boundaries with their humor.
  3. These comediennes were highly successful and played at top venues, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for risqué humor.

More for me!

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Podcasts Nostalgia
  1. Embracing the phrase 'More for me!' can help you focus on what you enjoy, even if others don’t share your tastes. It’s a great way to remind yourself to keep doing what makes you happy.
  2. Nostalgia can bring up deep feelings when revisiting childhood memories. Reflecting on these moments can help us appreciate our past and connect with loved ones.
  3. Listening to music, like Miles Davis's 'Milestones,' can set the mood for your experiences. Finding the right soundtrack can transform ordinary moments into something special.

Messages from the compost heap

Austin Kleon • 3197 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Food Community
  1. Reading classics like Don Quixote can be surprisingly funny and relatable, showing that older books are often much more lively than we think.
  2. Riding a bicycle can bring joy and a fresh perspective to life, making the city feel like a new place to explore.
  3. Boredom is important for everyone, not just kids. It can help spark creativity and give us time to think.

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Poetry
  1. Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
  2. Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
  3. Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

What's got my attention this week #40

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Podcasts Literature Music
  1. The newsletter shares links, recommendations, and stories to enjoy over the weekend.
  2. One highlighted book discusses the challenges faced by women trying to advance in their careers, offering a relatable and eye-opening narrative.
  3. The podcast episode features a remarkable woman, Karyn McCluskey, who made significant impact in reducing gang violence in Glasgow and shares candid insights on various topics.

Small requirements

Austin Kleon • 3577 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Media
  1. It's important to let go of perfection and just share your work, like Joan Baez says about drawing. Sometimes, you just have to put it out there.
  2. Telling your story is crucial for holding onto your memories and who you are. If you don't share it, you might lose it.
  3. Creative work can be like gardening: you take your time, grow slowly, and eventually leap into your projects with confidence.

Dear Subscribers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Media Writing
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

Entering into the spirit

Austin Kleon • 1998 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Creativity
  1. To really enjoy something, it's important to let go and surrender to it. When we enter into the spirit of an activity, we can connect deeply and get more out of it.
  2. Creative blocks often come from trying too hard to control the process. Instead of forcing things, letting go and being open can help overcome these blocks.
  3. Finding joy in creative work is about embracing the experience. When we engage fully, we unlock a world of inspiration that can be missed when we stay distant.

Paid content: The space station on Earth

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Fashion Faith
  1. The concept of a space station on Earth suggests a unique space for exploration and innovation. It's like having a mini-universe right here at home.
  2. Paid content often provides deeper insights that you might not find elsewhere. This could encourage people to subscribe for more exclusive information.
  3. Engaging with paid content might help support creators and allow them to continue sharing valuable ideas.

Hatchlings into fledglings

Austin Kleon • 3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Travel Design Media
  1. A writer creates the story, and the reader brings it to life in their imagination. They both play important roles in enjoying a book.
  2. Celebrating the life of cartoonist Al Jaffee, who entertained many with his creativity, shows the impact of humor and art across generations.
  3. Listening to audiobooks and travel stories can inspire new experiences and adventures, like dreaming of visiting far-off places with family.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, December

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Philosophy
  1. There's an event called Patch in Dublin for young entrepreneurs to start new projects. It's a good chance for 16 to 21-year-olds in Europe to get involved.
  2. A world champion Scrabble player recently won championships in French and Spanish without knowing the languages. This shows just how unique and skilled he is.
  3. You can now compare multiple chatbot responses at once to see which is best. This helps understand how different AI models work.