The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

February Blues

The Contender • 1454 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. February can be a tough month for many people
  2. Self-improvement may sound good, but can be challenging in reality
  3. Taking time for personal reset and relaxation is important, especially during demanding times

This Taylor Swift Thing Is a Real Cry For Help

Discourse Blog • 1533 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Conservatives are focusing on trivial issues like Taylor Swift's personal life instead of more significant societal problems.
  2. Taylor Swift's influence and success have made her a significant cultural force.
  3. The fixation on Taylor Swift by some conservatives reflects a lack of substantive issues to engage with.

Talking about taste

The Common Reader • 1134 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Good taste can be a tricky subject, and it's debated if anyone can really develop it or if it's just a way for some people to feel superior.
  2. The conversation touched on how some classics in literature didn't do well when they were first released.
  3. There was also a discussion about how even AI might develop its own sense of taste in the future.

54 Observations about Mexico

Kvetch • 168 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Mexico is deeply hierarchical and classed, so family ties, ethnic networks, and social rank strongly shape who gets opportunity and wealth.
  2. State capacity is uneven and many public goods are privatized or outsourced, which creates gated wealth, corruption, cartel influence, and wildly variable service quality.
  3. Despite dysfunction there is vibrant culture and real entrepreneurial space — great music, food, and tourism opportunities coexist with low social trust and everyday chaos.
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Links for January

By Reason Alone • 84 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. A wide-ranging roundup recommends books, music, films, podcasts, and events, and points readers toward youth programs and speaking opportunities. It’s a mix of cultural picks and practical links for careers and learning.
  2. Public debate and policy often rest on sloppy language or bad reasoning — for example, ‘speculation’ in housing debates conflates opposite practices, and counting regulation-driven hiring as a net benefit confuses costs with benefits. Clearer terms and economic thinking are needed when discussing land, rents, and public investment.
  3. On AI and machine learning the emphasis is on technical clarity and history: be careful about what people mean by ‘reinforcement learning’, learn by implementing ideas, and pay attention to recent research on issues like capability forgetting and early AI milestones.

11 Best Things of 2025

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Deep, long-form storytelling — from multi-hour documentaries to investigative podcasts and narrative books — still cuts through and gives people context and payoff that short-form streaming often doesn’t.
  2. Scarcity and presence drive cultural and commercial value: phone-free live shows and limited-schedule events (like major sports) command attention, higher prices, and more memorable experiences.
  3. The online attention economy is split between AI-generated "slop" and nostalgia-driven viral moments, yet original films, breakout songs, and solid investigative work can still break through and shape culture.

The Sterile World of Infinite Choice

Culture Study • 14799 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. In the past, limited options led to more spontaneous and less curated experiences
  2. Technology has led to a constant need to curate and control our surroundings and entertainment
  3. Having an abundance of choices can lead to a sense of overwhelm and dissatisfaction

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 Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

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.

How To Choose Your Nemesis

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Personal, repeated, and evenly matched rivalries raise motivation and often boost performance and creativity.
  2. Rivalry can also be destructive: it can encourage unethical behavior, waste resources, and make lower‑skilled or status‑anxious people perform worse.
  3. The healthiest rivalries are non‑zero‑sum “nemeses” where each competitor has strengths the other admires and learns from, and confidence lets the contest push both to improve.

Playlist Thread #1: Workout/Pump-Up Songs

Culture Study • 1256 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Workout songs can really boost your energy and motivation. Listening to upbeat music can make exercising more enjoyable.
  2. Creating a playlist for workouts can help you stay focused and push through tough moments. It’s great to have favorite songs ready for those challenging times.
  3. Sharing your go-to pump-up songs with others can build a sense of community. It's fun to swap song recommendations and discover new tracks together.

Studio as a verb

Austin Kleon • 3217 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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 Music
  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.

Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3348 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Many famous Christmas songs, like 'Let It Snow!' and 'The Christmas Song', are not about religious themes but focus on winter, romance, and festive activities.
  2. These beloved songs were often written by Jewish Americans, blending their cultural influences into the music that celebrates Christmas in America.
  3. Even if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas, the music can still be enjoyed as a part of the holiday spirit and tradition.

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Meditations On Bono Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Joe Biden

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3166 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, raising questions about the authenticity of such awards in a society perceived as fake.
  2. Despite his humanitarian claims, Bono has strong ties to powerful figures and institutions, leading to criticism of his commercialized activism.
  3. The current state of art and creativity is often corrupted, serving the interests of the elite instead of promoting genuine change for the betterment of society.

What's got my attention this week #40

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture 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 Music
  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.

Suzy Weiss: Ozzy Osbourne Was America’s Dad

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Ozzy Osbourne was known for being a unique type of dad on his reality show, 'The Osbournes.' His family life was chaotic but entertaining, showcasing a very different picture of American family life.
  2. Despite his wild image, Ozzy had a relatable parenting style filled with funny and awkward moments, making him feel like a father figure to viewers.
  3. The show highlighted how families can have fun in their own crazy ways, breaking traditional norms while still bonding over their challenges.

Entering into the spirit

Austin Kleon • 1998 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

Hatchlings into fledglings

Austin Kleon • 3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  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.

who are you (hoo hoo)???

Both Are True • 118 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Say hi and connect — everyone is invited to introduce themselves and join the community in the comments.
  2. Be real and spontaneous — embrace questions, oddness, and unpolished ideas instead of polished brand messaging.
  3. Celebrate change and play — treat the new year and the shifting online neighborhood with humor, curiosity, and togetherness.

How to find your people

Austin Kleon • 4536 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Writing a blog post or making a video can help you connect with like-minded people. It’s a way to find your community.
  2. Keeping a diary or journal can be a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It's nice to have a collection of other people's diaries to read too.
  3. Books can be more fun if we think of them as toys. Instead of just reading them, we can enjoy them in a playful way.

Links for December

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. AI is a major focus, covering its history, the recent scaling era, and interpretability research like toy models of superposition, alongside practical debates about preserving old model weights and deployment economics.
  2. There is a strong emphasis on Irish culture, history, and civic work, from essays on Protestant magic to infrastructure reform and active local reading and maths initiatives.
  3. The post is a wide-ranging media roundup with clear recommendations across books, films, music, and podcasts, highlighting specific discoveries and thoughtful reactions to each.

Best of The Ruffian 2025

The Ruffian • 165 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Most-read pieces mixed practical life advice (on ageing, happiness, and reading) with cultural criticism and technology commentary (music, AI, and online movements).
  2. Readers are invited to engage actively by sharing posts, suggesting topics for the year ahead, and asking questions in an AMA.
  3. Content came in varied formats—essays, lists, reviews and podcasts—showing a wide range of topics and styles that resonated with the audience.

How to Like Things More

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2861 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. You can learn to enjoy things more by practicing. Like any skill, enjoying experiences takes effort and attention.
  2. Focus on the details that make something special. Instead of just noticing the obvious, try to find the layers beneath the surface.
  3. Sometimes, it's about shifting your perspective. Looking at different aspects of what you like can deepen your appreciation and make the experience more rewarding.

Elon Musk the dadfluencer + The female creator safety tax

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2508 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Elon Musk is trying to change how people see him by showing himself as a caring dad. He brings his son to public events to create a more relatable image.
  2. Female creators face higher safety costs than male creators, often needing to spend a lot of money to protect themselves from threats like doxxing and stalking.
  3. Spotify's influence on music has changed how artists create and how listeners enjoy music. The platform's algorithms have reshaped music production and industry dynamics.

A week in Kansas and Missouri

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 2063 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Engaging with diverse audiences can broaden perspectives and foster connection.
  2. Finding joy in ordinary moments can bring fulfillment, even in challenging times.
  3. Choosing to focus on positivity and personal happiness over political turmoil can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Here's to you, "Mrs. Robinson"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. The song 'Mrs. Robinson' from the movie 'The Graduate' became a cultural icon and reflected the generational divide of the 1960s. It showed the struggles of young people against their parents' expectations.
  2. Both the film and the soundtrack were huge successes, winning numerous awards and ranking high on various lists, highlighting the powerful impact of music in cinema.
  3. Paul Simon's creative process led to the song's development during filming, showcasing how spontaneous ideas can turn into timeless classics that resonate with many people.

P.S. Eminem's Visual Imagination

Noted • 1002 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. Eminem is not only a talented musician but also a gifted artist.
  2. His drawings include illustrations of his heroes like Tupac and Spider-Man.
  3. Exploring Eminem's artistic talent helps to better understand his music and notes.

To be everywhere is to be nowhere

Austin Kleon • 3557 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Music
  1. Being everywhere can make you feel lost and disconnected. It's better to focus on a few places or activities to have a more meaningful experience.
  2. Reading full books can be more enjoyable and informative than just scrolling through news or articles. They can give you a deeper understanding of a subject.
  3. It's important to support artists, whether through buying their music or attending events. This helps keep creativity alive in our communities.