The hottest Music Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

How to find your people

Austin Kleon • 4536 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Community
  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.

Reviewing "The Female Fantasy Exposed"

Default Wisdom • 59 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Art Music Society
  1. Cultural media has shifted over time; we no longer rely solely on movies, music, or literature. New forms of media are taking the spotlight now.
  2. The idea of a cultural 'stuckness' is false; instead, we are seeing evolution in how we consume and understand culture.
  3. Understanding female fantasies can provide insights into current cultural trends and values. It's important to explore how these fantasies shape and reflect women's experiences.
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Here's to you, "Mrs. Robinson"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music History Art Social Issues
  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.

Links for January

By Reason Alone • 55 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Philosophy Art
  1. The rebranding of a blog can better reflect its content and help avoid confusion about its focus. A clear name makes it easier for readers to understand what to expect.
  2. Microplastics in food and water are a growing concern, and new data reveals interesting patterns about their presence. It's important to stay informed about health risks associated with them.
  3. Learning and education should emphasize knowledge acquisition, just like subjects like science and literature. Understanding the basics improves overall comprehension and appreciation of complex topics.

To be everywhere is to be nowhere

Austin Kleon • 3557 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Philosophy Film
  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.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance Literature Travel Music History
  1. Fans share personal stories and experiences with Garrison Keillor, showing deep appreciation and connection with his work.
  2. Garrison Keillor responds to fan messages and comments with wit, humor, and humility, engaging with his audience in a friendly manner.
  3. Audience members express excitement, plans, and hopes for attending Garrison Keillor's upcoming shows, showcasing their anticipation and admiration.

One Day, Tracy Chapman and why we're obsessed with looking back

The Shift With Sam Baker • 838 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Music TV & Film
  1. The author discusses the wave of nostalgia that many are experiencing, triggered by events like Tracy Chapman's resurgence and the popularity of 'One Day.'
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in our fascination with 'One Day,' as it brings back memories of landlines, phone boxes, and waiting for calls that never come.
  3. 'One Day' is praised for its casting, script, pacing, and locations, but its real charm lies in evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time without the distractions of the 21st century.

Time is not a butler

Austin Kleon • 3517 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Writing Creativity
  1. Don't stress about finding your own style; focus on creating instead. It's okay if your style evolves over time.
  2. Learning from others doesn't mean copying them; it’s about using reference images to grow as an artist.
  3. Meeting new experiences, like seeing a screech owl or watching unique movies, can inspire your creativity and add joy to your life.

How long is a sitting?

Five’s Substack • 319 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Film Health
  1. A 'sitting' when reading should ideally be about two hours. This time allows readers to enjoy a story without too many breaks.
  2. The writer plans to expand their blog to discuss not just fiction but also film, music, and art. This shows a desire to connect with more topics and audiences.
  3. A recent hospital visit prompted the writer to find calm in music. They discovered a special song that may become part of their wedding, showcasing how important moments can inspire creativity.

Matti Friedman: The Song of the Israel-Hamas War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1729 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Israel Conflict History
  1. Matti Friedman is a well-known nonfiction writer, reporter, and columnist, whose work delves into Israeli history and identity.
  2. His song 'Canaan' captures the dark and existential realities of the ongoing war, challenging the notion of reaching a promised land and questioning the concept of homeland.
  3. Shaban's songs, like 'Canaan' and 'A Practice Run for Waking Up,' seem to foreshadow Israeli conflicts, evoking deep emotions for those directly involved in the war.

sunday meanpool: use the force

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Food Music Fashion Literature
  1. There are always two sides to every issue, just like in the Force. It's important to consider different perspectives.
  2. When someone feels hurt, there is usually a specific way to respond. Understanding their feelings can help ease the situation.
  3. For those who are serious about the topic, there are opportunities for deeper discussions. Engaging with the community can provide more insights.

Failing in both directions

Austin Kleon • 3077 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Food Philosophy
  1. Thinking about intelligence can be really interesting, especially when it's connected to our bodies. There are ways to have experiences that help us understand this better.
  2. Keeping a weekly review can help you track what you've done and what you want to do next. It’s like having a checklist to keep your thoughts organized.
  3. Sometimes when creating something new, you can only change one part at a time. It’s good to focus on either how it tastes or how it looks, but not both at once.

School’s out for summer

Austin Kleon • 2657 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Philosophy Education
  1. School is out for summer, which often brings excitement and new opportunities for students to explore their interests.
  2. Writing and creativity can be daily practices that are done without the pressure of immediate success or failure.
  3. Understanding the complexities and risks of AI is important, as it can affect how we think and make decisions.

Links #695: Digital twins and anxiety Googles

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 579 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Internet Social media Music Health Misinformation
  1. Shrimp Jesus, a meme that has gained popularity on Facebook, has a quirky origin and has been sold as art for years.
  2. AI technology is advancing to create digital twins of human organs, raising questions about lifestyle changes and human-technology relationships.
  3. There is a trend of female influencers spreading health misinformation, which includes promoting unconventional diets and false narratives about birth control.

Tokyo Story

Dada Drummer Almanach • 182 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Travel Society Food
  1. In Tokyo, the focus was on enjoying life and community rather than the stressful politics at home. It felt nice to step back from the chaos and think about what really matters.
  2. Building a supportive community and enjoying music with friends are key goals. These connections help to create a peaceful and happy environment.
  3. It's important not to get overwhelmed by negative news. Instead, we should focus on what we value and support one another through tough times.

My Internet: Brynn Wallner

Embedded • 963 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Online Trends Podcasts Music Fashion
  1. Brynn Wallner uses Instagram for work but doesn't feel comfortable keeping up with the online discourse for leisure.
  2. Brynn Wallner appreciates the creative potential of AI but is concerned about its sourcing information without proper fact-checking.
  3. Brynn Wallner enjoys Lana Del Rey's internet presence and follows Leila Rahimi's eclectic music playlists on Spotify.

The Audacious Round Up

The Audacity. • 766 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books Art Music Politics Food & Drink
  1. The Audacious Book Club has selected 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar, with an upcoming conversation event you can join on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay has launched an essay series called 'Roxane Gay Presents' with Everand and has upcoming events in NYC, including a book launch.
  3. Reading material highlights different topics like the situation in Gaza, job opportunities in various media outlets, and entertainment news like interviews and artist profiles.

Ars Poetica

Seven Senses • 539 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry Art Music Literature Creative Expression
  1. Poetry connects us to deeper feelings and the divine. Unlike regular language, it speaks to our soul and can feel more complex or mysterious.
  2. Poetry can take many forms beyond written words, including art, sound, and even scents. This shows how flexible and expressive poetry can be.
  3. Everyday experiences can be tied into poetry, whether it's through textiles or video. This makes poetry a part of our daily lives and interactions.

5 Quick Things #303 ☕️

The Commonplace • 1533 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Education Art & Illustration Food & Drink Music
  1. The post shares 5 quick things related to date night, Owl, trucking, Parmesan, and the Traditional Latin Mass.
  2. Tsh Oxenreider discusses various topics like virtues, children's books, parenting surprises, Parmesan cheese history, and the Traditional Latin Mass.
  3. The post includes links for further reading, a reader poll on favorite meal, and quick links for creating a Rule of Life, podcasts, ordering books, and joining a Greece trip.

We Contain Multitudes

Seven Senses • 1218 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Hobbies Identity
  1. Pursuing hobbies is important for self-discovery and can reveal hidden talents and interests. It's a way to connect with ourselves beyond our work.
  2. Many of us fear exploring our diverse interests because we're worried about judgment or not fitting into a certain image. But embracing our contradictions can lead to growth and inspiration.
  3. Engaging in creative activities or hobbies can enhance our artistic expression and help us understand the world better, as seen in the lives of famous creators like Nabokov, Murakami, and Dickinson.

Love is not mind-reading

Austin Kleon • 3397 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Relationships Media Art Music Literature
  1. Love can't read minds, so it's important to clearly communicate what you and your loved ones want. This helps build understanding and happiness in relationships.
  2. Expectations and reality can differ, and it's good to think about how our perceptions may mislead us. Reflecting on these differences can be eye-opening.
  3. Finding your unique voice is key for expression. Everyone has different ways of thinking, speaking, and writing, and recognizing this can help improve communication.

Summer Bummer

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1552 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. The author had plans to work on music in a studio but had to cancel due to a Covid rebound.
  2. Instead of studio work, the author created a mixtape for the readers.
  3. The author is isolating from family, wearing a mask at home, and hoping to recover quickly.

Due North

Black Music and Black Muses • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Identity Race Family Performance
  1. Children of famous parents like North West and Blue Ivy inherit both spectacle and talent, performing what they are given.
  2. Grooming and understanding in relationships can hold complexities, influenced by societal norms and individual experiences.
  3. Celebrities like Michael Jackson faced grooming, identity struggles, and the pressures of performance throughout their lives.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Nature
  1. Normal is not just a standard; it's about what we don't pay attention to. If something feels normal to you, it's likely something you easily overlook.
  2. Public speaking can improve with practice and self-assurance. It's important to focus on sharing ideas rather than trying to be perfect.
  3. Connecting with nature and animals can deepen our understanding of life. Reflecting on our relationships with them can lead to interesting insights.

A good assistant to your future self

Austin Kleon • 2857 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Personal Development
  1. Keeping a diary can help you understand your past and guide your future. It's like having a helpful assistant looking out for you.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can lead to new and exciting ideas. Mixing different subjects creates a richer understanding.
  3. Slow learning is important in a fast-paced world. Taking your time can help you learn better and remember more.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Mental health Criticism Social Issues
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

The vibration is the way in

Austin Kleon • 2977 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Writing
  1. Good creativity comes from knowing when to take ideas and when to create something new. It's about making the right choices in what to borrow and what to invent.
  2. Getting to explore exciting events, like SXSW, can be a great way to find new ideas and inspirations. Even without a badge, you can enjoy the vibe and discover new experiences.
  3. Just like flowers, people thrive in different conditions. Some need more nurturing, while others can grow strong anywhere.