Substack articles:
Recently, I've been exploring stories and hidden connections in music—from pioneering electronic bands like Kraftwerk to the threads linking Soul II Soul and Massive Attack.
I've leveraged ChatGPT to help me navigate these deep dives and wanted to share these fun discoveries in music history.
Kraftwerk, the pioneering German electronic band and their influence
Kraftwerk, the pioneering German electronic band, has profoundly influenced the trajectory of modern music. Their innovative use of synthesizers, drum machines, and early computer technology laid the groundwork for numerous genres, including synth rock, hip-hop, and techno.
London to Bristol: The Hidden Bridge Between Soul II Soul and Massive Attack
While reading the credits on the back of my Soul II Soul CD, I was shocked to see Massive Attack listed, which inspired me to investigate further and write this article.
Electric Dreams: How Synthwave Rewired Nostalgia
At its core, synthwave is nostalgia with a pulse. The genre mines the lush synths and cinematic moods of the ‘80s… the digital heartbeats of Blade Runner, Top Gun, and late-night arcade screens…
The Beat Goes On: Ska’s Journey Through Three Generations
On a lazy Sunday morning, I fell into a YouTube rabbit hole and clicked on a documentary: Under The Influence: 2 Tone Ska. The thumbnail featured The Specials, a band I’d seen live at Terminal 5 in New York City about 10–15 years ago.
Before the Robots and the Indie Kings: The Shared Origins of Phoenix and Daft Punk
Before Daft Punk conquered dancefloors worldwide and Phoenixbecame the darlings of indie pop, their journeys were intertwined — starting in the suburbs of Paris to be exact.
Echoes of Riot: Hugh Masekela and Soul Syndicate
From Soweto to Kingston: How a jazz anthem from apartheid South Africa echoed through Jamaica's roots reggae underground.
With Great Power Comes Great Clearance
How Spider-Man: No Way Home Helped De La Soul Reclaim Their Music
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Spotify Playlists:
Vibes playlist
Expect warm synth washes, mellow beats, and euphoric crescendos from artists like Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem, SBTRKT, and Daft Punk, with standout moments like "Breathe Deeper" and "You & Me – Flume Remix" adding introspective groove. Whether unwinding after a long day or igniting an evening chill-out session, this playlist brings both sonic comfort and quiet exhilaration.
Click here for playlist
80's Jams
“JesseCon-80s-Jams” is a ride through the wild soundscape of the 1980s where new wave met rock anthems, post-punk met pop gloss, and funk grooves collided with early hip-hop. From The Smiths’ moody shimmer to Def Leppard’s arena fire, Blondie’s disco-punk sparkle to Digital Underground’s carefree bounce, this mix pulls together the decade’s quirks, jams, and timeless hooks. Press play and step back into a world of big hair, big riffs, and even bigger vibes.” Click here for playlist
90's Jams
This playlist is my snapshot of the ’90s in full color—grunge guitars, hip-hop, R&B grooves, and even flashes of trip-hop and Britpop. I wanted it to feel like flipping through the radio dial of the decade, with each track sparking a different memory and mood. Shifting from raw distortion to smooth flow, from dreamy textures to dance-floor rhythms—show how wildly eclectic the era really was. It’s less a mixtape than a time capsule, built to capture all the ways the ’90s moved me.
Synthesizmic
Songs that workshop the synthesizer in all it'a glory
Yacht Rock
This playlist is your escape hatch: smooth riffs, lush production, and songs that slip into your soul like silk. JesseCon_YachtRock delivers that adult contemporary sophistication — for days when you want to vibe, not hustle.
Rock Playlist
Decades blur as the playlist barrels thru Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Van Halen, Alice In Chains, and the Black Keys to name a few.
Hip Hop
This is more than rhymes and rhythms: JesseCon-HipHop is a lyrical journey through time. It flows from spitters and storytellers of yesteryear to today’s punch-lines and melodies. A dynamic, soulful blend that honors roots while pushing new flavor.
