Composers
Featuring the ones who methodically draft out the sounds that we all want to hear
The Music Directory is submission-based! Please check out the submission form to be featured in any of the listed categories.
Alley Cat writes The Widow Project Album Blog
“The Widow Project Album Blog -- The Widow Project is a concept album created by Alley Cat (aka Alicia Catherine Bauer) that's me - DJ Since 1997, and now album producer. This will be an ongoing project and blog as I do more releases that sit with the first album.”
On another note: “I am a woman more known as a DJ - I had sporadic releases since the year 2000 but have been making loads of music in the last couple years so there has been a big shift!”
see also: DJ/Selector, Producer, Musician
Ben writes mothershout on substack
“I write about how I write, arrange and record songs. Each post is about one song, and I go into details about the whole process.”
On another note: “I write music for the sheer enjoyment of it, not to make money.”
See also: Musician, Producer
Beth Anderson writes n=9
“n=9 is an experimental music project blending progressive rock, hints of metal, EDM and symphonic soundscapes to create beautiful, powerful and thought-provoking songs, and how they came to be. And sometimes things a little further afield.”
On another note: “I have been a number of things - professional ballet dancer, musician, singer, composer, writer, biotech instrumentation designer/builder, 3D animator and business woman. Sportbike aficionado, wannabe racer, pretty fair hand with a hydrogen/oxygen torch.”
see also: Musician
Brian Gardner writes Life is like Jazz
“My substack is a combination of jazz instruction, especially about improvisation, and musical commentary.”
On another note: “I've been a jazz musician and teacher for over 50 years. I've also written and published books and articles on other topics, which may come up as I settle in to this form of publishing.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Educator
By Nature
“Music inspired by Nature from an Australian composer. Ambient, orchestral, experimental.”
On another note: “I wrote a song for children’s choir called “I Am the Earth” that has 5 million views on YouTube.”
see also: Musician
Cathryn - Composer & Creative
“I’m a composer who’s fairly new to Substack. Writing for aspiring or fellow musicians, readers and friends equally obsessed with film scores/movies/music, or anyone seeking insights on life as a musician. I write soundtrack reviews, thoughts on the music industry, I share advice + insights on my compositions and experiences navigating the industry as a female composer.”
On another note: “I’m a multi-instrumentalist composer and producer, who pivoted from life as an actress. I love music, soundtracks, movies, books -- life explored and expressed through art.”
see also: Musician
Cecilia Gigliotti writes Così faccio io
“Così faccio io (Italian for ‘this is how I do it’) is a blog and newsletter for culture sluts—people who love reading and thinking about all manner of arts and humanities. I, Cecilia, began it in 2019 shortly after moving from my native New England to Berlin, Germany, and quite a while after conceiving the idea but being unable to choose what to focus on. Then I decided I didn’t have to. Although it is mostly music, and mostly music of a certain era, if I’m honest. So join me on a journey of listening, reading, watching, experiencing, creating, and meditating.”
On another note: “While much of what I write about skews retro, I'm just as invested in listening to and discussing the great music of the moment. #bumpingthat”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Charlotte Botterill writes How The Page Got Its Dots
“The purpose of my page is to demystify the composition process. I give detailed breakdowns of how I composed existing pieces alongside realtime updates on projects which I am currently working on. My aim is to take the fear out of starting a large scale project, to give strategies to cope with feeling overwhelmed by said project, and to talk honestly about the challenges as well as the successes. I will also share my sources of inspiration.”
On another note: “My work has appeared in five publications and has been performed internationally. I also work as a piano and music tutor. I love travelling and take a lot of inspiration from my trips.”
See also: Educator
danfrostmusic
“Composer, orchestrator and producer Dan Frost shares lessons from the history of music, composition techniques and behind the scenes.”
On another note: “Compositing and producing for film, games and songwriters. Sharing techniques, motivation and mindset for musicians of all levels who want to make more music. Written by not-yet-failed composer, Dan Frost.”
see also: Producer, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
DAVID NATHAN: JUST MY SOUL RESPONDING...
“Personal and up-close reflections of my 60 years in the world of Soul and R&B.”
On another note: “I’m a multi-hyphenate creative, known as ‘The British Ambassador Of Soul, with six decades of dedication to R&B, soul music and related genres!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Producer, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Eric Pan writes Campfire Sparks
“Evergreen music-imagination adventures — plus scenes from life as a touring, recording, trans-disciplinary artist — flown to your postbox pronto 🌮”
On another note: "I’d love to introduce the Piano Liberation Workshop: teaching improvisation to students of all levels, even from scratch <3"
See also: Musician, Educator
Estevan Carlos Benson writes XILITLA Notes: Sounds and Culture
“A newsletter about ethnomusicology, music technology, and culture.”
On another note: I am a music technologist and researcher.
see also: Producer, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Fog Chaser
“I write and share a new instrumental song every month, perfect for focus, healing, and calming your fried nervous system.”
see also: Musician, Producer
George Henderson writes Songs from Insane Times
“to explain inspiring new music and inspiring old music in terms of each other, mythology, psychology, history.”
On another note: “I often suffer from retrophobia.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Greg writes Creative Audio
“Questions and answers at the cross section of music, sound, technology, creativity, and culture.”
see also: Producer, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Iván Sparrow
“A broad range of topics regarding music (listening, composing, teaching, etc).”
On another note: “I provide insight into how music is made, perceived and understood, from a personal and well informed standpoint.”
see also: Musician
Ivory Marmalade Radio
“30 years a musician..............Every Post Includes a New Recording or one from my personal archives. Sharing the working process of developing Solo Piano works that include live looping and sound creation. Intermittenly posting old recordings from bands I've worked with in the past in hopes of supplying the backstory to how I got here.”
On another note: “I focus on the music, all instrumental and do very little writing. I understand that is not what Substack was created for, but the audience is cool, the format is awesome and it's the only site I visit on a regular basis.”
see also: Musician
Jake Bowman/Elecane
“I am a music producer in Los Angeles that makes music that can be either set to a scene in a series or sampled by a hip hop producer. Credits: Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Burna Boy, Ryan Beatty. I want to talk about my creative process and the gear that makes the weirder side of music happen.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, DJ/Selector, Producer
Jenny Maybee writes Studio Spells: Notes from the Green Room
“Studio Spells: Notes from the Green Room is a portal into my creative world as a composer, producer, and recording artist: new music releases, random inspiration and poetry, whatever strikes me to share as I compose and release music out into the world. I’m a pianist, vocalist, and sailor, using my musical tools and lyricism to craft sonic architecture and resonant portals of empowerment and joy.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Producer
John Michael Rouchell writes The Blue Room - John Michael Rouchell
“Grammy award winning, platinum selling producer/composer sharing thoughts on creativity and musical analysis”
On another note: “Just trying to add value and give people the knowledge that I’ve acquired.”
see also: Producer
Jon Fields writes blūm.
“blūm is an ideology centered around the idea that everyone was born with a gift. And to bring that gift into being, is blooming. As I document my journey of giving my gift to the world as a recording artist, producer, and director, I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
On another note: “I’m the protagonist.”
see also: Producer, Musician
Kim Hankins writes Aligned Musician
“I am a professional chamber + orchestral musician and a trauma-informed yoga teacher interested in musicians wellness. My substack offers wellness ideas for musicians to explore, monthly free meditation sessions, and personal anecdotes about my own wellness journey. As musicians, we are often asked to push past our limits and sacrifice ourselves for our art. I hope my readers recognize their strength in doing the opposite, feel empowered to prioritize their wellness, and advocate for themselves and their music communities.”
On another note: “I’ve been a featured Yoga for Musicians teacher at conferences, music festivals, and universities. I have also appeared as a guest speaker on musicians wellness issues on various podcasts, conferences, and universities. I am glad to see that times are changing and more musicians wellness resources are becoming available to students and professionals! You can learn more about me at: alignedmusician.com”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Playlist Curator, Podcaster, Educator
koyl writes Aetherphonic: musings on creativity & resonance
“Until recently, I used my newsletter to share my own music & releases. Now, I want to make it more of a creative/studio journal and share not only my process but also tell about how making music affect my life (ideas, perspective, empowerment a a physically disabled person, or just as a human being). The idea is to focus more on the consequences of the music making rather than the music itself.”
On another note: “Maybe that I'm physically disabled (cerebral palsy) and that music has been a great source of empowerment & emancipation in life, and I hope that can inspire others, whoever they are.”
see also: Musician, Producer
Laurie Fortune writes Fortuneecookiee
“My name is Laurie Fortune, a tech student on the fast track to Fortune 500. Realizing that my destiny lies in creativity, not cubicle . From fashion, to Music, to dance and writing, I’m a multi-passionate creative. As I shape myself outside of the corporate mold, I'll be sharing my journey from corporate to the beautiful chaos of creativity. The FortuneCookiee newsletter serves to inspire introspection, spark a growth mindset, and encourage others on a similar path to embrace their own creative evolution.”
On another note: “This space is not just about sharing my journey—it's about fostering connections with other passionate creatives. I'm here to learn, grow, and exchange insights as we navigate the beauty and chaos of pursuing our artistic dreams.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Playlist Curator, DJ/Selector, Producer
Lucas Grindley writes Resonate This
“I’m an unusual combination of a composer and lifelong journalist, blending music and storytelling. One of my ongoing projects, "Scoring the News," sets original scores to current events, but my work goes beyond that. I create videos of all kinds—some featuring my own footage from travels, like Alaska’s vast landscapes or the Adirondacks’ quiet lakes, and others using footage I've sourced, bought, or collaborated on with other artists. (Reach out if you've got an idea on working together.) Privately, music has become my way of making sense of this crazy world. It’s also a way of expressing emotions too big for words—though you'd think I could've figured it out, as an award-winning writer. If you stick around beyond the music and videos, you’ll find I also write about what’s behind the sound—because after 20 years in journalism, I'm trained to always have a point.”
On another note: “Twice named LGBTQ Journalist of the Year by NLGJA 🏳️🌈. Living in Woodstock, NY, with my husband, teenage twin daughters, and our little dog.”
lucie nezri writes dis ce que
“a bi-weekly newsletter on experimental music composition, lightly punctuated with personal stories and bad jokes. sometimes, the newsletter dives deep into the work of a specific composer/artist, and sometimes, it just highlights great music to listen to.”
on another note: “my writing is imbued with my experience as a composer/research, and a womxn with a diverse background.”
see also: Playlist Curator, Reviewer/Critic, Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher, Educator
Marc Barnacle writes Creative Confidence
“A free publication that explores the impact of music in disability, dementia, and mental health settings. I also share experiences and lessons learned as a music charity founder, company director and full-time musician - including how I turned my own passions into a sustainable career. My aim is to inspire others to build confidence, express their creativity, and launch meaningful projects or businesses of their own.”
On another note: “Me and my charities aim is to highlight the many therapeutic benefits that music participation has, for people of all, ages, abilities and backgrounds - but with a particular focus within disability, dementia & mental health. Any help to support this cause is greatly appreciated!”
see also: Musician, Educator
Marcos López Larsen writes De la Guitarra a la Música
“I support guitarists who already play but feel they don’t really know music in building freedom through improvisation and the fundamentals of musical language. Thirty years spent trapped in shapes, fingerings, and classical training support this path. The primary language of my newsletter is Spanish (I’m from Argentina), but I’m considering writing in English as well once I validate the content and the structural format.”
On another note: “I speak about things I’m also going through myself. From Guitar to Music is an almost initiatory journey for me. It’s not about methods, schools, or textbook exercises; it’s about sharing processes of guitar exploration within a community, sharing real experience and craft, and meeting people who share the passion for learning music—especially the guitar—in the sense of *speaking* music: being able to improvise and to understand, by ear, what is happening in musical language.”
see also: Musician, Educator
Mat Eric Hart writes Sonic Tapestries
“Sonic Tapestries is a part-publication, part-archive and studio journal curated by Mat Eric Hart. Featuring in-depth insights and explorations, join me in taking a behind the scenes look at my creative practices as an artist, travelling sound recordist, DJ, and sound effects creator!”
On another note: “I'm fascinated by recording the sounds of our surroundings - nature, people, places and environments. I try to reflect my passion in my writings and through sharing sounds from my archive.”
see also: Musician, Playlist Curator, DJ/Selector, Producer
Matt writes Kaala Music
“Kaala’s Substack newsletter is your compass to Japan’s extreme music underworld, packed with band profiles and links, venue maps and histories, ticket reservations, and brutally curated concert recommendations. Each issue drips with firsthand anecdotes from the pit, plus sharp picks for hotels, restaurants, and bars near the action, whether you’re stalking blast beats in person or scouting the scene from afar. Equal parts guide and manifesto, it’s essential reading for anyone chasing the sound of chaos across Japan’s concrete sprawl.”
On another note: “This is a mean side of Japan. Not for the feint of heart.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Playlist Curator, DJ/Selector, Producer, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Matthew Morgan Makes Music
“I live abroad in Spain and write about the process of inspiration, writing and analyzing music.” Often with travel thoughts mixed in.”
On another note: “I’ve been writing music for ads and soundtracks for years. I’ve just now decided to share the process.”
see also: Musician
Melted Form writes Hum, Buzz, & Hiss
“I provide weekly new music recommendations in the form of two lists: one list for new ambient releases, which is the genre I focus on most prominently, and another list for all other genres. I also offer reflections on life, creativity, and art, help promote independent artists and labels with relatively small followings, and share brief thoughts on new and old records.”
On another note: “I make my own ambient and experimental electronic music and frequently share demos of my work in my newsletters.”
see also: DJ/Selector, Producer, Writer/Journalist
Michael Johnson writes Frequencies
“Music and the musicians that devote their lives to creating it.”
see also: Musician, Producer, Educator
Miter writes Washed Memoir in Real Time
“Writing music and writing about writing music”
see also: Musician, Producer, Writer/Journalist
The Music Factory with Dave Johnston
“The mechanics and philosophy of modern music. Professional production workflows and high-level creative insights from an award-winning musician, producer and SAE Senior Lecturer.”
see also: Musician, Producer, Educator
Nick Vereshchak writes Lately
“The main draw of Lately is a weekly music release roundup, albums and songs that interested me that I give brief commentary on. I also write a section at the end about the music I've been listening to lately, whether old or new. In addition, I write articles/essays about music topics that interest me, as well as album reviews. I'm a musician myself, so I feel I'm able to give unique or in-depth analysis of music.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Playlist Curator, Producer, Reviewer/Critic
Nolan Green writes of sound and fury
“of sound and fury is a newsletter written by me, musician Nolan Green. I create music under the moniker the grassy knoll (1993-present) and have released 5 albums on the labels Nettwerk and Verve/Antilles. My compositions have appeared in television, film, and video games. Highlights include the Netflix series Bobby Kennedy for President (series theme song), Legion, Incorporated, The Mod Squad, and Roswell.”
On another note: “Other creative endeavors include Photo Editor of CMJ New Music Monthly Magazine (1999-2002), Video Editor for Izotope Software, Downunder Horsemanship, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Fragile (winner of the Short Corner: Cannes Film Festival Award).”
see also: Playlist Curator, Producer, Musician
Oliver Picken writes Picking Up The Baton
“According to Making Music, over 228,000 music makers take part in nearly 4,000 leisure-time music organisations across the UK. In a world where people’s time and attention are precious commodities, these people choose to devote a set period of time per week to music-making, for they know the positive, life-affirming joy that it brings them. My newsletter is all about celebrating the act of recreational and leisure-time music making and is aimed at music educators, leisure-time players and aspiring conductors. However, everyone is welcome and if you believe in the power of music in your local community then I think you will like the posts I have in store for 2025! Thank you for reading!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Historian/Scholar/Researcher, Musician, Educator
Patrik Skoog writes Behind the Music
“Your go-to place for valuable advice on music production, behind-the-scenes insights on working for clients, and a peek into the day-to-day of mixing & mastering—across all sorts of genres.”
This composer also wants listeners to know: “A Swedish record producer, mix engineer, and DJ since the 90s.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Producer
Pedro writes debtor's island
“debtor's island creates tuneful indie folk exploring memory, trauma, and the urban sprawl. The newsletter contains original songs and drafts, written pieces (generally autobiographical), poetry, lyrics, and illustrations.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Producer, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Qid Love writes Becoming Music
“Post-tonal sound baths for your existential crisis.”
On another note: “They/she pronouns”
see also: Musician, Producer, Sound Artist
Release Your Song
“All things music and creativity, including how to release your music on Substack.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Producer, Educator
Rodney writes about music
“I’m a music obsessive who is deaf with a cochlear implant in one ear and natural hearing in the other. My writing focuses on my experiences with my music obsession and hearing loss. I’m currently writing a song by song analysis of Harry Smith’s legendary 1952 Anthology of American Folk Music.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
RomHead Creative Technologies
“I’m a 40-something electronic musician getting started later in life. My goal is to share practical advice to help people begin to create their own music quickly and inexpensively while sharing my own compositions.”
see also: Musician, Producer, Educator
Ryan Egan writes organizing an accident
“American singer/songwriter Ryan Egan leaks a new song every week alongside dispatches from music life in Paris, France.”
see also: Musician, Composer
Sam Lou Talbot writes Blackout Baby
“Blackout Baby: Night Drives on Music & More. Come on board…”
see also: Musician, Producer, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Stanley Grill
“On my blog, I post my occasional musings about music and updates on my own music projects.”
On another note: “Stan has been obsessed with music since the age of six, when his mother took him to Carnegie Hall and he was astonished and awestruck by a performance of “La Mer.” While that obsession first took the form of playing piano at every possible moment (when not otherwise engaged in activities typical of a kid growing up in the Bronx of the 1950’s and ‘60s), it was Stan’s music theory studies at the Manhattan School of Music that converted that obsession to writing music – and to finding his own musical voice.”
Václav Brož writes Lo-Fi Dad Tunes
“🎸 Lo-fi dad rock acoustic songwriter 📀 New EP every month”
On another note: “Hello there! 👋 My name is Václav and I’ll be releasing a LOT of music here in the coming years 🎶 My plan: to release a new EP (4 songs) every month here on Substack. Each one will be paired with photos I’ve taken and some short notes about the music 📀 I’d be delighted for you to join me on this long & winding journey 🙏 Follow to stay updated, drop a comment if something resonates, and if you’re a songwriter or musician, I’m always open to collaborations. ✨ Thanks for listening! ❤”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician
YeahYal
“YeahYal is a podcast mix of eclectic vibes spanning multiple genres and eras. New mixes every month. DJ mixes and playlists offer nostalgic jams paired with “newish” songs as relevant companions. Genres include: funk, soul, house, r&b, hip-hop, electronic, indie, psychedelic, folk, jazz, new wave, post punk and disco that span the 60s to now. The goal of each mix is to combine a collection of disparate genres that still fit well when blended together. Playlists of each mixtape are also available to help spice up your steaming algorithm if you’re looking for better suggestions of new music (although about 10% of the tracks are not available on the streaming services). Basically, each mix consists of “relevant retro” tracks that influence me and which I think will inspire others. Mixes are upbeat enough to play while working out but also mellow enough to create a vibe suitable for working or hanging out.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Playlist Curator, DJ/Selector, Producer, Collector, Podcaster
Zach Sprowls
“The music and musings of a full time music composer based out of Scranton, PA”
see also: Musician, Producer
grateful for the mention. thank you
What milestones !!! Thanks!!