Best Music Industry History Newsletters in 2026

SubstackEvery two weeks · last post 16 days ago

From recent posts: The Art of The Impossible is a weekly reader-supported Substack newsletter sharing five pieces of content across podcasts, interviews, books, and archival TV, including a Walter Isaacson interview with Mustafa Suleyman…

Likely audience: startup founders

SubstackWeekly · last post 13 days ago

From recent posts: A 2002-2003 interview with Joel Dorn discussing his career in the music industry, his history of launching and abandoning record labels, and the relaunch of Hyena Records with reissues and new releases from artists like…

Likely audience: Jazz and R&B enthusiasts

SubstackMonthly or less · last post Aug 25, 2026

From recent posts: Masato Matsuura recounts how a series of seemingly failed opportunities—being rejected from a record rental job, taking over a failing store, and negotiating record club fees—collectively became the foundation for build…

Likely audience: Music industry professionals

SubstackMonthly or less · last post 39 days ago

Non-annoying updates, pre-order info, When Harry Met Sally discourse, and access to bonus content. 👀

Likely audience: Music fans and nostalgia seekers

Substacklast post Dec 22, 2024

From recent posts: The author discusses their research into the life and legacy of Courtney Love, focusing on her father, the Grateful Dead connection, drug culture, and various conspiracy theories surrounding Kurt Cobain's death. The tex…

Likely audience: Music historians

Substacklast post Nov 9, 2021

Black liberation. Black culture. Black joy. Black freedom.

Likely audience: Music historians