Playlist Curators
Featuring the ones who share their eclectic music tastes with the world
alex writes
“funky’s dilemma is here to be your one stop shop for music discovery and conversation, from the eyes of a gen-z queer woman who listens to a little bit of everything! the weekly newsletter includes fresh song, artist, genre, and album recommendations and the weekly playlist is 30 minutes of curated tunes designed to span genres, styles, and sounds. i also post playlists, essays, lists, and reviews, but will never spam you with too much content at once. music discovery should be fun and painless, and that’s what funky’s is here for! join me and let’s listen to some GOOD FREAKING MUSIC!!!! <3”
this playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “i will never shy away from being a bit silly and personal in my writing. first and foremost, i’m here to present quality writing, recommendations, and reflections, but i’m also a human. i never want to sound my writing to sound like a robot, so prepare for a few cheesy jokes and extremely subjective takes here and there. let’s make music writing fun!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Alex Lewis writes
“With over 12,000 monthly reads, Feels Like Home is where I write personal essays and weekly content recommendations about things I love & the people and moments that have shaped me—often finding connections within music, sports, pop culture, and more.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Amaya Lim writes
“mixtapes for the modern world. Record Store is a newsletter focused on music discovery and rediscovery. If you like finding new music, learning history and background of your favorite songs, reading about artistic processes, and listening to curated playlists, you might also enjoy Record Store.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist
Anupa Otiv writes
“House of Fun is where music and storytelling intersect. I explore nostalgic and current music that sparks an emotional pulse or triggers a memory. Occasionally, my essays weave in and out of other aspects of pop culture like fashion and film, but music is the lens through which I write about other topics. Once a month, House of Fun is also a radio show.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Beebe Sharkey writes
“Band Practice is an accessible way to learn about current music without any snobbery. Each month, I recommend an eclectic array of new albums that I love and are absolutely worth your while. The second issue of the month may focus on specific artists, themes, throwback albums, or one of my killer hand-crafted playlists. I am proud to help readers from every (yes, every) generation keep up with new music.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I live in Portland, OR and write for fun (though I hope to do it professionally someday). When it comes to absorbing music, I am a limitless sponge. There is nothing more exciting than hearing other people talk about what they love to listen to. I am always on the lookout for new people to geek out with.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Brianna Bartelt writes
“Building Songs explores the relationship between songwriting and the built environment. All posts are written by Brianna Bartelt, an architect and musician based in NYC. Subscribers receive a weekly newsletter delivered straight to their email. Newsletter topics range from recording studio design to lyrical analysis to interviews with musicians.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Bob Beatty writes
“Conversation from the Crossroads of Southern music, history, & culture”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “Music is my sports, the Allman Brothers is my team.”
see also: Musician, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Carmelia writes
“The Coldest Truth is an examination of Black music and culture. We ask questions about the assumptions and things we take for granted while celebrating the best that our music and culture have to offer.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector, Reviewer/Critic
China Moses writes
“New music releases. Sometimes thoughts. And some gig announcements.”
see also: Musician, DJ/Selector
Dan Gorman writes
“Reviews of albums across all genres, new and old. Primarily focused on indie rock, punk-adjacent, electronic, rap and more.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I love to help people find something new-to-them to listen to.”
see also: Reviewer/Critic
Eduardo Lemos Martin writes
“Searching for the human aspect of music + weekly hand-picked playlist & recommendations. Available in English and Portuguese.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
“My name is Emma and I live in Cape Town, South Africa. Music is it for me; the thing I have worked at thought about and cared about most in my life. I work as a music researcher which means I listen to music all day long. A dream! Sometimes a nightmare! When something you love becomes your job it can become tricky to always feel enthusiastic about it. I started this substack initially as something just for work and friends, a way to keep a close eye on new music, to feel active in listening to it. It’s been the best part of my last year, this closeness to new music. It’s felt fun and invigorating. There’s far more serious music writing out there, but I’m a bit tired of being serious about music all the time!
Yes it’s great to know who produced what and to have the encyclopedic knowledge of albums and what was sampled and who played bass on this one and guitar on that one, but what I’m really after is just the pleasure of music. I’m interested in how a song changes the temperature of a room, in how it might make you want to wear a suit one day and a cape the next! I’m interested in the romance of it, how it makes you feel. I think there’s a perfect song for every occasion, I hate being places where it’s not on. I listen broadly and curiously and every two weeks I put the songs that have been released over that time in a playlist that I hope makes you a little more curious and words that I hope remind you that listening to music is supposed to be first and foremost a joy (even when the songs make you cry).”
see also: Reviewer/Critic
Fidel writes
“poptimister is your go-to platform for all things pop music and culture! Whether you're here for a investigative article about a niche 2000s lore or an opinion piece on the latest pop trend, we promise to dive deep into the most interesting moments that help shape the pop culture of today.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
“Every weekday, two hours of music that’s perfect for working (no vocals). In each edition we highlight one artist, talk about their origin and influences, and recommend a couple of their albums. We also produce a weekly mix and monthly Ambient Country show featuring artists working in that subgenre.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector
Gabbie writes
“New music recommendations for people stuck in the '90s and early 2000s.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Indie Scientist writes
“This newsletter primarily focuses on new music discovery, highlighting debut albums and new releases from spotlight artists across a variety of rock and indie genres.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “Philly-based writer/artist”
see also: Writer/Journalist
Jacqui writes
“Dinner Music curates left of field grooves to put on while you’re cooking dinner or drinking wine. Digging through new and old, the newsletter explores the intersection of atmosphere and feeling in sound.”
This writer also wants readers to know: I’m also 1/2 of dj duo Horse Opera, based in Austin TX (https://www.instagram.com/horse_opera/)
see also: Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector
Jamie Ward writes
“Song recommendations / discoveries for the adventurous ear, along with a but of writing and storytelling, like a radio deejay that talks a bit much between songs.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I have terrible tinnitus, which just adds to it all.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Jared Smith writes
“Vinyl-centric spotlight on new music and culture.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Collector
Jeff Van Dreason writes
“I'm creating a playlist and adding a new song every day, then writing a few words about it. My plan is to keep this going for as long as I can, sharing my eclectic taste and hearing feedback from readers and listeners.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I have a massive record collection that I may need to start pairing down or my wife may divorce me? :D”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Podcaster, Collector
Jess Makler writes
“Ever been in a music slump? Each month, I’ll highlight 7 newly released tracks and buried treasures alike, straight to your inbox. If you’re local to Seattle, make sure you check out the monthly Show Radar at the end of the letter. No more SLUMP! Wake up your ears!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector, Reviewer/Critic
Jessica Jackson writes
“As a whole, my publication focuses on identity and how I decide to participate within the frameworks I have been assigned and/or adopted. It gets very vulnerable up in here. Swoon Lagoon is a regular offering that covers my obsession with music/sound and emoting through its ability to provide nuance and texture to my current emotional under currents and tap into the zeitgeist through curated playlists.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “Authenticity is the name of the game.”
Judy Cantor-Navas writes
“Cuban sounds and stories from the wide world of Latin music. Playlists, videos, interviews, and a serialized book about the pioneering Havana label Panart Records by Judy Cantor-Navas.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Kadrian Alvarenga writes
“First Pressing explores life through records, and specifically the vinyl record. I love advocating and being a part of record culture because the vinyl community as a whole is incredible. My substack chooses to write about the things I'm passionate about within the vinyl community, from BIPOC record stores to record store day to undiscovered gems and personal anecdotes. While my chosen medium of listening is through the vinyl record, you can listen however you want. My hope is that you walk away having discovered at least one new piece of music to listen to on a Sunday morning or help build out your collection. All I want is for you to come here, enjoy reading, and discover some music that will make a first pressing on you.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I just love music and am first and foremost a fan, from there, it sparks to writing and championing I’ve always wanted to own a record store. After many years of just being an idea, I’m excited to announce that Latin Gold Records is officially LIVE! While the main dream is to have a brick-and-mortar store that you can call a third place one day, I’m thrilled to sell records on Instagram as well as bond with you over music on this Substack as well as swap stories, recommend artists and albums, and help build your record collection. I am also doing pop-ups in person at record fairs and flea markets in Los Angeles and beyond. Outside of my record habit and this Substack, I’m currently the Director of Marketing for Onyx Collective, a premium content brand within The Walt Disney Company with programming exclusively available to stream on Hulu that focuses on artists of color and underrepresented voices. As Director, I oversee all marketing campaigns for Onyx’s programming including the Oscar-winning documentary feature film Summer of Soul (and Questlove's upcoming Sly Stone doc), scripted series Reasonable Doubt and UnPrisoned, and docuseries such as The 1619 Project. Before Onyx, I was the Director of Advertising & Media at FX Networks, overseeing paid media campaigns for DAVE, Snowfall, American Horror Story, and more. Back in the day, I used to work at Pivot TV and Spin Magazine, too.
see also: Writer/Journalist, Fan, Collector
Kevin Alexander writes
“"Fresh takes on future classics and forgotten gems, from a suburban dad in flyover country. Mixtape maker. Playlist dealer. A real piece of work." \ We also host one of the liveliest online music discussions every Monday, interview artists, and work to shine a spotlight on other indie creators.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “Come check out what was once called "the nicest place on the internet!"”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
LaChelle Chrysanne writes
“My newsletter is anti-niche and covers a wide range of topics including music, personal narratives, and cultural critiques.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I have previously created work as a singer-songwriter and I also used to DJ I curate a monthly watch + play list which features a selection of fresh tracks that aim to push your algorithm beyond mainstream music.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector
“My newsletter is focused around west coast music (hip hop,r&b, etc). Along with opinion and personal takes on hip hop culture related topics. The occasional hip hop artist interview when I get an opportunity as well.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I want to hear from all black creatives. Everyone is welcome!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector
Mace writes
“The central focus of my newsletter is sharing new, indie, or outsider songs in an email blast for readers who need to get to work and only have enough time to open an email to play a song. I also do write ups about shows I go to and book reviews centered around books about musicians. I try to share works by artists that are more obscure or have a cult following.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “My goal is to help make people amplify the quality of their playlists, one song at a time.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
mackenzie may writes
“the focus of my newsletter is music appreciation filtered through my feelings and my work in nature. i have compiled "review rankings" for albums released in each of the past two years, and am working to present the same for this calendar year. additionally, i go to shows in my city and write about my experiences seeing artists, and post a weekly hour-long playlist.”
this playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “everything has its value and nothing should go to waste!”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Mallie Hart writes
“Music discovery, by looking forward and back to find new and new-to-me listens.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “My love of music started with my Mom. I lost her in 1994 when she was only 55 and I was 23. It was too early. Seeking and sharing music reminds me of her.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Mark Nash writes
“I write about my love of music as well as other sources of joy I find in life, particularly nature and hiking, all within the context of my sobriety journey as a recovering addict and alcoholic. To date most of my Substack articles have been playlist-based but I plan to expand into essays in 2025.”
see also: Writer/Journalist
Mia writes
“this is how tomorrow moves is where music meets reflection–a space to explore how the songs I loop through mirror the rhythms of my life (potentially similar to how others may experience and enjoy music). Each playlist or rotation represents a chapter, capturing moods, transitions, and emotional landscapes of but a tiny moment in my life. I love constantly discovering new music and artists so the genre profile will change every two weeks or so. It’s a blend of personal experiences, introspection, and deep dives into the sonic qualities that make me appreciate the art I listen to.”
see also: Writer/Journalist
Miki writes
“Discover the connections between producers and artists you love while discovering new exciting sounds they have lineage with. Get a first person breakdown of the joy of diving into music credits from a music journalist, from me: Miki Hellerbach, who’s beat has organically become covering producers from GuiltyBeatz (Tems, Jorja Smith) to Riton (Mark Ronson, Dua Lipa) to Like (Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak) and more! I even had a column at an indy UK publication for 24 weeks in 2021 called “The Producer’s Voice.” Become a part of a community that values highlighting the behind the scenes artists who fuel the existence of the most exciting music made in modern history. Also just pick up on new vibes!”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “My guiding light is that producers should be covered with the same veracity and substance as vocalists. I also just love finding how many interesting stories can be told and connections can be made by being nerdy about finding out who made what music with who.”
see also: Writer/Journalist
Molly writes
“⋆.˚⟡ ࣪ ˖ Discovering music together across digital and physical realms ⋆.˚⟡ ࣪ ˖ I share little collections of music, seeking to connect with listeners like me. I'm just a huge music geek at heart, and so many hours spent scavenging for music has led me here.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I'm also a designer (not in the music industry) but plan on sharing some work related to music in the future. Not a current core goal of my newsletter though :)”
see also: Collector
nadine writes
“i write about music through a technology lens, exploring how innovations are changing the way we create, experience, and share music. i also write about how technology influences music culture—shaping the way we discover new artists, connect with communities, and redefine genres in the digital age.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Nick writes
“My newsletter is a month playlist subscription with some personal insight on my journey with ADHD, passion, love, and other random topics.”
Nick Harvey writes
“Exploring sounds, it's all in bounds. Playlists, record deep dives, original mixtapes and more. Lots of its new, lots of its from the 70s. All got the vibe of a good movie on a late Saturday afternoon.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Nielly writes
“I listen to music how I read books: looking for context, references, and meaning. I analyze the sounds, lyrics, instrumentation, the awkward pauses, that little jingly sound in the background to determine not just what the song itself has to say about life but why and how life may have informed the creation of the song.”
see also: Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Niko Batallones writes
“Music, pop culture and the Filipino perspective, written through my particularly specific filter. A personal journal slash playlist every month; a review of new albums from the Philippines most months; deep dives into my musical hyperfixations in between.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Paul Smith writes
“The Long Play is like a book club but with albums. Every month, we listen to a classic album together. Halfway through the month, we'll post our famous Mid-Month Missive which gives a bit of background to the current album.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Pavi writes
“I’m your adventurous bestie sharing my experiences around the world. I fuck around, we all find out. I share a main message and always include info about upcoming concerts, playlists, or albums that I recommend.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I go to a lot of concerts and festivals (try to go early in the tour) and review them.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Concert reviewer
“Weekly music recommendations from noise rock, post-punk, avant-garde and beyond.”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist, Producer, Reviewer/Critic
r.✨ writes
“to expand the minds & ears of music listeners by sharing my musical journey as a listener.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic
Richard Sanford writes
“Weekly previews of local events, monthly playlists, capsule reviews of records.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Reviewer/Critic, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
S.W. Lauden writes
“Guitar Pop Music, Books and Music Books”
see also: Musician, Writer/Journalist
Sadie writes
“I curate playlists and talk about the inspiration behind them.”
Shanté writes and
“a filmless score is a passion project that prompts one to see film in a musical way and hear music in a cinematic way. i'm building my ideal coming-of-age film soundtrack through a series of playlists. with things i collected, i offer musings on music, maximalism, memorabilia, and mysticism. i frequently share and review collectibles in my possession, majority of them being music-related (vinyl, cassettes, CDs, etc).”
this playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “i also curate The Music Directory; i've done college radio and i have playlists for DAYS. i do sing a lil and i've always dreamed of being in a band. my favorite genres are neopsychedelia, alt R&B, soul, indie and experimental rock.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Musician, Reviewer/Critic, Collector
Stephanie Maldonado (better known as “Vibe With Steph”) writes
“Haus of Vibes is a little corner on the internet where we explore the New York City underground, music culture, and highlight local DJs and smaller venues (the scene is bigger than the popular, large venues like the Brooklyn Mirage). From dive bars in Brooklyn and rooftops in Queens to midweek parties and after work industry nights in Manhattan, we give you a carefully curated list for intimate venues and good vibes at lesser-known venues, so you don’t have to feel like crabs in a barrel when you just want the dance and chill.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “I’m also a music publicist, independent DJ booking agent, dancer, and a lover of House music.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, Historian/Scholar/Researcher
Tedd Terry writes
“Either I write original short fiction and include a playlist as mood music OR I share a playlist with an accompanying piece of mood fiction.”
This playlist curator also wants listeners to know: “Once I tried putting a Tom Waits record on to set the mood for a date and she broke up with me. That was the day I found out that Swordfishtrombones is an effective birth control method.”
see also: Writer/Journalist, DJ/Selector
Thanks for the recognition. I appreciate you so much 🙏🏾