The hottest Performance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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"Purple Haze" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Jimi Hendrix is considered one of the greatest guitarists ever, and his song 'Purple Haze' showcases his unique style and innovative techniques.
  2. The live performance of 'Purple Haze' captures Jimi's impressive guitar work and the skill of his bandmates, making it memorable for fans.
  3. The song has become iconic in rock music and is loved for its energetic rhythm, perfect for dancing and acrobatics.

Todd Rundgren as a songwriter and performer: The Creator Series #3

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Todd Rundgren's early exposure to music shaped his career as a songwriter and performer. He found inspiration at a young age, often experimenting with different instruments and sounds.
  2. His journey through various bands, like The Nazz, showed his evolution as a musician and leader. He faced challenges in managing relationships within the band, especially when artistic differences arose.
  3. Rundgren's creative process includes a strong DIY attitude, blending his musical skills with innovation. He emphasized the importance of playing live and getting experiences over waiting for big opportunities.

Carole King: The Creator Series #2

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 319 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Carole King started making music at a very young age, with supportive parents and lots of practice. She began writing songs at just three years old.
  2. She faced challenges throughout her career but never gave up. Her perseverance helped her succeed in the music industry, and she learned a lot from her experiences.
  3. Carole's creative process involved teamwork and collaboration, especially with her husband. Together, they wrote many hit songs, including classics like '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'

When you can't escape an interface, it institutionalises you

ART⋂CODE • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. When digital interfaces are always present they shape how we express ourselves and push us to fit into their limited data formats.
  2. Body-tracking systems turn rich human movement into narrow data abstractions, and the feedback they give makes people alter their gestures to suit the system rather than move freely.
  3. AI can learn emergent, more human-friendly representations that free expression from designer presets, but it also raises surveillance and power risks, so people should build, own, and design supportive contexts for authentic use.
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Nothing is Ever Lamar Jackson's Fault

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback but often gets excused for his poor performances in important games. Many in the media seem to overlook his mistakes while criticizing other quarterbacks more harshly.
  2. Some people defend Jackson by pointing to others' mistakes in games, but they ignore that a quarterback's turnovers are significant in losing. It's not fair to just blame teammates when the QB makes big errors.
  3. Using playoff wins to judge quarterbacks is tricky. If Jackson played like others, he would face more criticism. Fairness in criticism should apply to all players, regardless of their race or past achievements.

The joy of interviews

Austin Kleon • 2158 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

Big O vs Hardware: Better Complexity ≠ Better Performance

Confessions of a Code Addict • 1106 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Not all algorithms with lower time complexity perform better in the real world. Hardware efficiency also plays a big role in how fast they run.
  2. An algorithm may have a good time complexity but if it relies on expensive operations, it won't win in performance. It's important to consider how the algorithm works with the CPU.
  3. Some algorithms can perform better on hardware depending on their design. A well-optimized algorithm can take advantage of hardware strengths, leading to faster results compared to those with similar complexity.

Book Review: Mozart the Performer

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 407 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🎶 Music Performance
  1. The book illustrates how Mozart was not just a great composer but also a talented performer. It emphasizes the importance of his live shows and theatrical personality.
  2. It focuses on understanding why Mozart made specific musical choices, moving beyond just historical context to explore aesthetic reasons for his unique style.
  3. Reading the book is a rewarding experience, but it demands that the reader engage with the music. Hearing Mozart's pieces deepens the understanding of his writing and creativity.

#228: Maybe we don’t need to know

Maybe Baby • 1309 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Sometimes it’s nice not to know everything and just enjoy the mystery of life. Experiences like magic shows can remind us how special unanswered questions can be.
  2. Magicians protect their secrets to create a sense of wonder, which is a precious feeling. It's important to appreciate the enjoyment of being puzzled rather than always seeking answers.
  3. In our search for knowledge, we often overlook the joy that comes from experimentation and making mistakes. Embracing the unexpected can lead to delightful surprises.

For Me, the Lack of Individual Creativity and Shot Creation in the Half Court is the Real Problem with the NBA

Freddie deBoer • 3465 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. The NBA has become too focused on team systems and analytics, which limits individual creativity and shot-making. This means fans don't see as much exciting, personal play on the court anymore.
  2. Players now are often coached to follow strict offensive structures, which can make their gameplay feel robotic and less entertaining, especially compared to past stars like Kobe or McGrady.
  3. The current rules and playing styles could be adjusted to allow more freedom for star players, making games more engaging and fun for fans.

The 5 levels of communicating impact as an engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1285 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Performance
  1. When communicating your work as an engineer, it's important to go beyond just saying what you did. Focus on showing the impact and results of your actions.
  2. Use clear and specific numbers to explain how your work improved outcomes. This helps leadership understand the significance of your contributions.
  3. The best way to showcase your impact is to tie it to business goals and finances. If you can show how your work saves money or increases revenue, it makes your achievements even more valuable.

Momentum and the Gambler's Fallacy

Admired Leadership Field Notes • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Momentum in sports can lead to a shift in energy and positivity, affecting the outcome of a game.
  2. Even though statistical experts claim momentum is not real and linked to the gambler's fallacy, it is a common occurrence in sports that can impact a team's performance.
  3. Teams that effectively harness momentum by maintaining a streak of positive outcomes have a higher probability of winning, as seen in data analysis of NFL games.

Database Proxies: Challenges, Working and Trade-offs

Engineering At Scale • 195 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Database proxies sit between services and the database and multiplex many client connections onto a fixed pool of database connections, preventing connection spikes and making horizontal scaling safer.
  2. Proxies can add features like query caching, read/write routing, and sharding/replica management, which simplifies application logic and abstracts database topology from the app.
  3. Using a proxy comes with costs — extra deployment and maintenance overhead and added latency (~10–15 ms) — so they’re valuable for complex setups (replication, sharding, FaaS) but can be overkill for a single simple database and must be designed to avoid becoming a SPOF.

The Mental Characteristics of Resilient High Performers

Voohy Leadership Insights • 79 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Performance
  1. High performers tend to be positive and proactive. They actively look for challenges and always want to get better.
  2. Resilient people learn from tough experiences by reflecting on them. They see these moments as chances to grow.
  3. It's important to have a support system in place. High achievers feel they have good support from others, which helps them succeed.

Petula Clark - The other British invasion

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. Petula Clark had a huge impact in the 1960s music scene with several hit songs, showcasing her talent and staying power even at age 91.
  2. She collaborated with songwriter Tony Hatch to create many popular songs and was a top-charting artist, rivaling even The Beatles.
  3. Petula also had a successful career in film and television, gaining recognition for her acting and her efforts to promote inclusivity in entertainment.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance
  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.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 963 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Performance
  1. Garrison Keillor shares responses to comments and interactions with fans on his Substack post.
  2. Fans share personal stories and experiences with Garrison Keillor, such as meeting him in person or discussing unique family histories.
  3. Keillor engages with fans in a humorous and down-to-earth manner, showcasing his wit and relatability.

Are you delivering what you promised?

System Design Classroom • 279 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Load tests help you see how well your API works with normal users. They show how many users it can support without slowing down.
  2. Stress tests push your API to its limits to find out what happens when it's overloaded. They help you prepare for crashes and see how fast it can recover.
  3. Spike tests check how your API handles sudden increases in traffic. They are important for making sure your service can handle bursts, especially during promotions.

Oscar, Actors and the Double Exposure Effect

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
  2. Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
  3. The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.

James Taylor: The Creator Series #1

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. James Taylor believes songwriting is more of a mysterious process that comes from within. He says that sometimes, it feels like he's just the first person to hear the songs that were already there.
  2. Performing in front of small audiences helped him grow as a musician. He values those early experiences because they allowed him to test his skills and connect with audiences.
  3. For James, music is not just a job, but a way to connect with a community. He feels that playing music creates a shared emotional experience with the audience, which can be very powerful.

The Endless, Perplexing Controversies Over (How We Talk About) Lamar Jackson

Freddie deBoer • 2691 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Performance
  1. Lamar Jackson is an outstanding quarterback, but he faces unique scrutiny compared to others, especially regarding his playoff performance. Many see criticism of his playoff games as unfair, considering he has had a strong regular season.
  2. The media often treats Jackson differently than other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, despite similar playoff records. This shows a possible double standard in how these players are discussed.
  3. Winning a Super Bowl is crucial for a quarterback's legacy, and both Jackson and Prescott need to prove themselves in the playoffs to be considered among the best. Fans and analysts should recognize this reality instead of making excuses.

James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" + "You Can Close Your Eyes" with his son Henry Taylor

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. James Taylor's song 'Fire and Rain' was inspired by his struggles with addiction and the loss of a friend. He wrote it during tough times in his life.
  2. The song became a huge hit in the 1970s, helping to launch the singer-songwriter movement and leading to James' successful music career.
  3. Over the years, 'Fire and Rain' has been covered by many artists and is considered a classic, recognized for its emotional depth and beautiful sound.

Due North

Black Music and Black Muses • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Spread your tiny wings and fly away

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎶 Music Performance
  1. The female contralto voice is very special and beautiful, but it's quite rare. Many famous singers, like Karen Carpenter, have this unique vocal range.
  2. As artists grow older and revisit their earlier songs, they often bring new depth and emotion to their performances.
  3. Anne Murray's recent performance shows how time can enhance a song, making it more meaningful than when it was first released.

S&P Addiction

Investment Talk • 707 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💰 Finance Performance
  1. Benchmarking can be a humbling but necessary process for investors to evaluate their performance relative to others.
  2. Choosing a benchmark is crucial for measuring investment success, considering time, effort, and opportunity costs involved in managing a portfolio.
  3. Fund managers and advisors use benchmarks for various reasons like performance evaluation, risk assessment, and ensuring accountability to clients.

People Frameworks

Fish Food for Thought • 36 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
💼 Business Performance
  1. Assume people are competent and mean well; instead of blaming, ask what made success hard and focus on clarifying expectations.
  2. Behavior usually has a backstory — look for constraints, patterns, and incentives rather than jumping to character judgments, and trust by default while verifying when needed.
  3. Treat failures as data for learning, not moral proof; ask whether a choice makes sense given the person’s information and constraints and fix systems or incentives accordingly.

Why I’ve Resisted Talking About Mental Health

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 25 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Performance
  1. The phrase “mental health” is vague, but framing it as nervous system health highlights the underlying mechanism that explains how we feel and offers a practical way to act.
  2. People often avoid talking about mental health because of fear — being seen as weak, lacking formal qualifications, or worrying that vulnerability will feel embarrassing.
  3. Peak performance and mental struggle sit on the same nervous‑system spectrum, so talking about energy and regulation connects performance work to mental health, and sharing struggles can lead to support and clearer paths forward.

The Lennon Sisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. The Lennon Sisters are known for their beautiful harmonies and musical talent.
  2. Their music often carries positive messages and a sense of peace.
  3. Supporting the creators behind this music can help keep the artistry alive.

One Law to Rule All Code Optimizations

Confessions of a Code Addict • 817 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Code optimization can be unpredictable, and not every change will guarantee improved performance. It's important to understand why an optimization might succeed or fail.
  2. The Iron Law of Performance provides a framework for evaluating software optimizations. It focuses on three key factors: the number of instructions, cycles per instruction, and cycle time.
  3. Optimizations like loop unrolling and function inlining reduce the number of instructions executed and can increase instruction throughput. However, they might also lead to some challenges like register spills and increased cache pressure.

TPUv5e: The New Benchmark in Cost-Efficient Inference and Training for <200B Parameter Models

SemiAnalysis • 6263 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Google's TPUv5e offers a cost advantage for training and inferring models with under 200 billion parameters compared to AI chips from other companies.
  2. TPUv5e and TPUv5 prioritize efficiency and low power consumption over peak performance, with a focus on minimizing total cost of ownership.
  3. Google's TPUv5e system features high bandwidth communication between chips, linear cost scaling, and efficient software tools for ease of use.

xAI's Grok 4: The tension of frontier performance with a side of Elon favoritism

Democratizing Automation • 562 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Grok 4 is a powerful AI model that performs well on benchmarks but struggles in practical usability, making it hard for users to switch from existing AI tools.
  2. The model's unique selling point is its ability to use multiple agents for complex tasks, but its overall performance can be inconsistent and relies heavily on search functions.
  3. Despite achieving high scores, Grok 4 faces significant challenges, including a lack of differentiation in a crowded market, where simply being better isn't enough to attract users.

The Band's Role on Tour '74 (by Annie Burkhart)

Flagging Down the Double E's • 589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Performance
  1. The Band's role on the 1974 tour was significant, as they played two sets each night with their own big hits alongside Bob Dylan's songs.
  2. The Band faced struggles and burnout in 1974, with some members dealing with substance abuse and creative decline.
  3. The group's performance in Fort Worth in 1974 showcased their vulnerability and struggle, highlighted by songs like 'The Weight' and 'The Shape I'm In.'

Metrics Are The Map, Not The Territory

Push to Prod • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Performance
  1. Metrics give us a view of our systems, but they won't show the complete picture. It's like looking at a map; it can guide us but doesn't capture all the details.
  2. When we check the data, we might miss important moments because of how we sample information. This can lead to misunderstandings about our system's performance.
  3. Understanding that metrics are imperfect helps us make better decisions. We should use them to create theories, not think they tell us everything.

Issue #7 - The Business Strategy, Where The Data Journey Starts

The Data Ecosystem • 179 implied HN points • 26 May 24
💼 Business Performance
  1. A business strategy is the game plan for a company to reach its goals. It involves having a clear vision, mission, and set of goals to guide the organization.
  2. Good business strategies have defined components that everyone in the company knows. This helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone focused on the same objectives.
  3. Data plays a crucial role in shaping modern business strategies. Companies need to integrate data and analytics into their plans to make informed decisions and stay competitive.

The Most Beautiful Swim You've Ever Taken

Culture Study • 1436 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Performance
  1. Natural disasters like fires can have a big impact on communities. It's important for people to come together and support those affected.
  2. Organizations like World Central Kitchen play a vital role in helping during crises. They provide food and support to people in need after disasters.
  3. Staying informed and being willing to help others can make a big difference in tough times. Communities can work together to support those who are struggling.