The hottest Songwriting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Scene creation engines and apprenticeships

Escaping Flatland • 1572 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Sweden's success in music is due to scene creation engines and apprenticeships that foster talent development.
  2. The infrastructure in Sweden with public music schools and study circles nurtured a culture of music-making and collaboration.
  3. The tradition of established songwriters mentoring young talent through apprenticeships has been a key factor in Sweden's music industry success.

Annotated Songs: July July!

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1434 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The song 'July, July!' was written in 2001 and is based on personal experiences and reflections.
  2. The lyrics of the song contain references to specific places and events in the author's life at that time.
  3. The chorus of the song 'July, July!' pays homage to another band's lyrics and reflects the author's personal relationship experiences.

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The song 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' has many great versions by famous artists like Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight. Each version brings something special to the song.
  2. The song was created by talented Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who wrote many hits for various artists. Their work has had a lasting impact on music.
  3. Many artists have covered this song across different genres, showing its versatility and appeal. It's a song that continues to resonate with both old and new fans.

Tune Tag #27 with Nic Briscoe, Pt. 2: Jeff Buckley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, 10cc, Wax + One Historic 150-Year-Old Piano

Front Row & Backstage • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Nic Briscoe shares insights about music and recording experiences in a UK studio.
  2. The Tune Tag series features songs by Jeff Buckley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, 10cc, and Wax.
  3. Songs like Jeff Buckley's 'Last Goodbye' and 10cc's 'I'm Not in Love' hold personal significance.

INTO THE MIND OF SLY STONE

The Nelson George Mixtape • 511 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Sly Stone is a significant figure in black music history from 1967 to 1974.
  2. His memoir, co-written by Ben Greenmen, offers unique observations and insights.
  3. The book provides a glimpse into Sly Stone's life, music, and interactions with other icons.
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Brian Wilson didn't even surf

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Brian Wilson, despite not surfing, captured the essence of surfing in his music. His songs are about fun and carefree moments but also touch on deeper feelings.
  2. The Beach Boys combined catchy pop tunes with complex music, making their songs enjoyable for both kids and music lovers. Their harmonies are especially special because they were family members who had a unique bond.
  3. Brian's songwriting and music arrangements were genius-level. He created music that evokes hope and nostalgia, making listeners feel like everything will be okay.

Darkness on the Edge of Town: Bruce Springsteen’s American Dream

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Darkness on the Edge of Town was Springsteen’s angry, mature comeback after a three-year legal and financial fight, and it marked him taking control of his career and artistic identity.
  2. The album shifts from youthful escape to darker, adult themes—working-class struggle, family pain, and a fraying American Dream—backed by a tougher, piano- and guitar-driven sound with autobiographical lyrics.
  3. The 1978 tour turned those songs into powerful live experiences that connected deeply with blue-collar audiences, built a devoted following, and set the blueprint for Springsteen’s later political and musical directions.

"Sunny" - The inspired song that has, in turn, inspired so many other artists

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Bobby Hebb's song 'Sunny' became a huge hit in 1966 and has been covered by over 500 artists. Its unique sound influenced many songs across different genres.
  2. The inspiration for 'Sunny' came to Bobby after a personal tragedy and seeing a beautiful sunrise, showing how powerful creativity can arise from tough times.
  3. Bobby's career was deeply influenced by his musical family and key figures in music, highlighting the importance of support and mentorship in achieving success.

My brother-in-law is a genius

Thinking about... • 496 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The phrase 'my brother-in-law is a genius' isn't commonly said, but it can be true for some people. In this case, the brother-in-law is an accomplished opera composer with award-winning works.
  2. Dan Shore's music often reflects contemporary themes while drawing from classical styles, making his operas unique and relatable. He uses his talent to express current events through his performances.
  3. In tough times, music can offer comfort and connection. Sharing songs that mix serious themes with humor can help people cope better with challenging situations.

Inside Tracks #31: "Rosecrans Boulevard" by Jimmy Webb, 1967-5th Dimension, w/Covers by Johnny Rivers, Gordon Waller, Zumpano

Front Row & Backstage • 412 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Jimmy Webb was a young, talented songwriter recognized by artists and producers in the 60s.
  2. The song 'Rosecrans Boulevard' by Jimmy Webb was covered by various artists like Johnny Rivers and Gordon Waller.
  3. Zumpano, a Canadian power pop band, produced a compelling version of 'Rosecrans Boulevard' in the 90s.

The New Cue #349 January 15 Bill Ryder-Jones

The New Cue • 412 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Bill Ryder-Jones discusses his new album 'Iechyd Da' and the creative process behind it during lockdown.
  2. The album features themes of relationships and personal struggles, with Bill mentioning having three breakdowns during the lockdown period.
  3. Bill Ryder-Jones incorporates samples and revisits characters from previous albums in his latest work, aiming for a more positive and hopeful tone.

Sundays are for Piano

if not, Paris • 353 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Artists often find value in the journey of creating, not just the end result
  2. Music and art can capture the essence of moments in time and emotions
  3. Sharing works that are still in progress can be meaningful and authentic

Cura

Eric Harper • 79 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Writing religious music can challenge preconceived notions and lead to unexpected personal growth.
  2. Combining diverse musical influences can result in unique and meaningful compositions.
  3. Practicing different styles and collaborating with others can expand creativity and reach new audiences.

Home Recording #1

if not, Paris • 255 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The author is inspired by a quote to write a song.
  2. The author is sharing homemade recordings with paying subscribers.
  3. The author explains why the music content is paywalled.

MacArthur Park — that 7½-minute "cake out in the rain" song that mesmerized us

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The song 'MacArthur Park' tells a story about losing true love and the deep emotions connected to that loss. It's a journey of heartache that many can relate to.
  2. There are famous versions of the song by Richard Harris, Donna Summer, and Maynard Ferguson, each bringing a different vibe, from emotional ballad to upbeat disco.
  3. The lyrics are both literal and symbolic, with imagery that represents beauty lost, like a cake left out in the rain, and the songwriter wanted to capture that feeling in both music and words.

A Christmas Wish: White Wine in the Sun

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Some songs celebrate the simple comfort of being with people who make you feel safe, and that feeling matters especially at Christmas.
  2. The best response to uncertainty is to live well: be courageous, resilient, loving, forgive, and focus on what you can control.
  3. Embrace seasonal warmth and simple traditions that remind you of human goodness, since they help you feel safe and connected.

Audio Archaeology, 1971: Barbra Streisand Sings the First Recorded Steely Dan Becker/Fagen Song

Front Row & Backstage • 393 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The songwriters of Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, had an interesting origin story starting from Bard College.
  2. Kenny Vance played a crucial role in discovering and managing Becker and Fagen, leading to the formation of Steely Dan.
  3. The journey of the Steely Dan songwriting team from anonymous staff writers to successful recording artists is a testament to their talent and perseverance.

Audio Autopsy, 1984: The Difford & Tilbrook Duo LP, Labelled With Squeeze

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The album 'Difford & Tilbrook' was released in 1984 as a project by the key songwriters of the band Squeeze.
  2. The album was considered a mix of blue-eyed soul and synthesizer sounds, but failed to achieve commercial success.
  3. Despite its lack of commercial success, the album is still appreciated by serious fans of Squeeze for its consistency and unique sound.

George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 79 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. George Harrison's song 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' was not just about music; it shows how the Beatles were starting to drift apart. Harrison faced challenges getting his songs recognized while John and Paul took the spotlight.
  2. Eric Clapton's contribution to the song was significant, as he was invited to play guitar, something that hadn’t happened with other artists on Beatles records. This added a new dynamic and was part of Harrison's growth as a musician.
  3. The song represented a shift in rock music during the late 1960s, marking a divide between the pop music of the past and the heavier, more political sound that was emerging. This change in style played a role in the band's eventual breakup.

Tony Bennett Never Went Anywhere

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 334 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Tony Bennett remained a constant and influential figure in the music industry for decades.
  2. He had a unique ability to adapt and appeal to different generations while staying true to his classic style.
  3. Bennett's music, particularly his 'Unplugged' album, resonated with younger audiences and introduced them to the beauty of classic standards.

Jason Molina's Rust Belt Blues Masterpiece

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 314 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Jason Molina's masterpiece album 'The Magnolia Electric Co.' marks a significant point in his career.
  2. Molina's music captures the essence of the Rust Belt, portraying a bleak but authentic picture of American life.
  3. Molina's work resonates with the theme of loneliness in American society, reflecting a sense of hopelessness and struggle.

Peter Farrelly was a Danfan first

Expanding Dan • 314 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Peter Farrelly discovered Steely Dan while at a boarding school and was deeply moved by their music, leading to a lifelong appreciation.
  2. Farrelly's interaction with Walter Becker for the 'Me, Myself & Irene' soundtrack showcased his passion for Steely Dan and the importance of their music in his films.
  3. Farrelly reflects on his career, his love for Steely Dan's less popular songs, and the inspiration he drew from creative duos like the Zucker brothers and his unconventional encounters with musicians.

Gemini + Lyria: Create Music from Pictures, Text, or Just Vibes

Crypto Good • 3 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Gemini Lyria lets anyone create full songs instantly inside Gemini using simple prompts or uploads, so you don’t need a studio or music training.
  2. It accepts multiple input modes—text prompts, images that it turns into lyrics, and short ideas that it auto-expands—and can produce different languages, styles, and moods.
  3. Creators, founders, and activists can quickly make music for promotion, activism, or just for fun, turning ideas into polished tracks in seconds without expensive gear.

The New Cue #355 February 5: Gruff Rhys

The New Cue • 98 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Gruff Rhys released his eighth solo album, Sadness Sets Me Free, which is his thirty-fifth album overall.
  2. Gruff Rhys enjoys music and the process of creating records, valuing albums as a medium of expression.
  3. Gruff Rhys drew inspiration for his album from personal experiences, Cardiff's evolving landscape, and a mix of musical influences.

The Song That Made Me Leave

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Breaking points often lead us to wake up to ourselves and make important life changes. It's essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a situation that no longer serves us.
  2. Music can deeply influence our emotions and decisions. Songs, especially those from artists like Taylor Swift, can resonate with our personal experiences and help us process feelings.
  3. Sharing stories about personal struggles, like marriage and divorce, can be powerful and cathartic. Many people connect with these topics, and writing about them can lead to healing.

Songs are shelters in time

Austin Kleon • 619 implied HN points • 14 Jan 22
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Music can be a great source of comfort, helping us feel safe and supported during tough times.
  2. Practicing skills consistently can lead to improvement, and taking part in activities like '100 days of practice' can be a great way to commit to personal growth.
  3. Reading books about grief can help us understand and cope with loss, and sometimes it's good to explore these topics before we face them ourselves.

"My Best Theory," Jimmy Eat World (2010)

The Lost Songs Project • 98 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Jimmy Eat World had a big hit with 'The Middle' in 2001, reaching #5 on the Hot 100 chart.
  2. Despite being known as a one-hit wonder on the Hot 100, Jimmy Eat World has continued to release music and evolve their sound.
  3. The song 'My Best Theory' by Jimmy Eat World, released in 2010, has a different style from their popular power-pop/emo tracks.

In praise of David Ackles

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. It's good to seek out recommendations from friends instead of relying on algorithms. Friends can introduce you to music and films that you might not find on your own.
  2. Songs can tell powerful stories and change how we see people, like seeing an ex-convict as a human. These stories can influence our empathy and understanding of others.
  3. David Ackles was a talented songwriter who created deep and meaningful songs but never found commercial success. His work inspired many other artists even if he wasn't widely known.

Single Release: Lighthouse

Litverse • 59 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The song 'Lighthouse' by Job Creators was inspired by a proposal at Roosevelt Island's lighthouse to capture a moment of anticipating a new source of light and life.
  2. The creation of the song took place during a period of chaos and uncertainty, with the song evolving to reflect the feeling of waiting for a significant moment.
  3. The band's upcoming album, 'Love Monster,' is set for release on October 13, with 'Lighthouse' being a part of the album available on various music platforms.

A Song a Year in the Making

Xavi Benjamin • 19 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. The new song 'Mueva La Cintura' by Xavi Benjamin and Aleyzza was a collaboration that started in February 2023, inspired by the Spanish phrase 'mueve la cintura,' meaning 'move your waist.'
  2. The song's creation process involved FaceTiming with Cardec and led to the birth of a dance song with a hook co-written during a trip to Puerto Rico.
  3. The post offers a special preview of the song set to be released on May 1st and gives insights into the creative journey behind it.

10 great music movies I saw this year

Austin Kleon • 239 implied HN points • 07 Dec 21
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. There are many great movies centered around music that offer insights for creative people. They can be entertaining and educational, no matter your interest in music.
  2. Movies like 'The Sparks Brothers' and 'Summer of Soul' explore the history and influence of bands and music festivals, showcasing both the music and the culture around it.
  3. Even if you don’t like musical theater, documentaries about composers like Stephen Sondheim can change your perspective and inspire writers in any field.

Pre-post post

Thoughts on Writing • 39 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Songwriting
  1. The author is planning to post a three-part 'case against purpose' next week, merging various arguments against purpose into one place. It's based on a recent talk given in Ghent.
  2. The author has engaged in a podcast conversation triggered by their recent post 'All art isn't political', delving into the politics of poetry and creativity, among other topics.
  3. The author has ongoing creative conversations in 'Songwritings' with Kate van der Borgh, interweaving discussions on writing, dream states, and the popularity of the supernatural in the early 20th century.

Got to Give It Up

Dada Drummer Almanach • 202 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Copyright lawsuits in the music industry can have varying outcomes, like with the cases of Marvin Gaye's songs and recent hits.
  2. Ed Sheeran's legal victory in a copyright case highlighted the debate over common elements in music.
  3. Sheeran's argument about pop songs being similar, written quickly, and prone to plagiarism raised questions about the future of AI-generated music and copyright laws.

Trunk Songs

Grist Potentia • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Songwriting
  1. Trunk songs are pieces written for a show but set aside for later use.
  2. Songwriters often save trunk songs for future projects.
  3. Subscription to Grist Potentia gives access to full post archives.

I Saw Taylor Swift and Tori Amos in One Week, And I Have Some Thoughts.

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎶 Music Songwriting
  1. Attending concerts can have a huge emotional impact, offering a sense of renewal and connection, especially when shared with loved ones. Going to the Taylor Swift concert was a transformative experience for a mother and her daughters.
  2. Music can deeply influence our lives and relationships, helping us feel understood during tough times. The connection between a fan's experience of one artist can be just as meaningful as another's, regardless of mainstream popularity.
  3. Both Taylor Swift and Tori Amos are important artists who have made significant contributions to music in their own ways. It's essential to appreciate and respect different musical journeys and not dismiss what someone else loves.