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The intersection of music and data. Chris Dalla Riva is the author of 'Can't Get Much Higher', a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.

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The post examines gender equality at the Grammys, revealing historical underrepresentation of women in nominations while noting recent improvements in recognition and wins.
Matty Wishnow's documentary 'The Last Critic' portrays Robert Christgau's enduring influence on music criticism and the evolving landscape of the field.
Billy Steinberg shares insights on his songwriting journey, the emotional roots of his hits, and the competitive nature of the music industry that shaped his career.
Darius Mullin's exploration of Bobby Blue & the Bluebirds reveals the band's history and the life of its lead, Bobby Largin, through diligent research and community connections.
Jonathan Bernstein's biography of Justin Townes Earle delves into the singer-songwriter's complex life, challenging the myth that suffering is essential for artistic greatness.
Yi-Ling Liu discusses John Denver's popularity in China and the complexities of cultural exchange and censorship in her book 'The Wall Dancers.'
Country music's enduring appeal is examined through its historical evolution, crossover success with pop and hip-hop, and the resilience of artists like Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen.
Spotify's Loud & Clear report shows a record $11 billion in royalties paid to artists in 2025, highlighting growth driven by subscriber increases and global engagement.
The post examines the perceived decline of male pop stars, revealing data trends that suggest a shift towards gender parity in the music industry.
Cultural stagnation in music is overstated, as significant evolution and new genres have emerged in recent decades despite perceptions of sameness.
The post critiques the rise of AI-generated 'slop' content, highlighting its impact on genuine artistry and the challenges it poses to consumers seeking quality information.
Livia Tortella shares insights on artist marketing, the significance of soundtracks, and the influence of AI in the music industry.
The post examines the evolution of album cover art, revealing that while some colors have faded in society, vibrant colors still thrive in music covers.
Celebrity deaths can be overshadowed by more notable figures dying on the same day, impacting their media coverage and public recognition.
The post examines the lyrical intricacies of 'We Didn’t Start the Fire' and the prevalence of historical figures in popular music, revealing trends and unexpected mentions.
The post analyzes song request trends at a D.C. piano bar, revealing surprising data on popular songs and the influence of streaming on music preferences.
A roundup of 13 exceptional Beatles covers by diverse artists, alongside insights into recent music industry developments and cultural discussions.
The post examines the evolution of explicit lyrics in music, contrasting modern controversies like 'WAP' with sexually charged songs from the 1970s.
This mailbag edition answers reader questions about music history, including top instrumentals, 1970s artist popularity, and Billboard chart impacts.
The post discusses recent policies on AI-generated music by major streaming services and the challenges of managing this evolving technology in the music industry.
A music journey exploring one-hit wonders and diss albums, ranking them while sharing personal insights and inviting reader engagement.
The post examines how many once-popular songs have been forgotten over time, using streaming data to highlight the most overlooked hits from past decades.
A weekly music project ranks debut albums from bands before members went solo, highlighting their musical qualities and evolution.
A weekly music project ranks debut solo albums of artists transitioning from groups, offering personal critiques and reflections on their musical styles and lyrical content.