What’s this about?
zensounds is a 100% algorithm- and AI-free newsletter about ambient and experimental music.
It features both electronic and acoustic music (and everything in between), but the focus lies on instrumental music. There will be detours into jazz, post-rock, folk, neoclassical, drone, noise, dub, hip-hop and other genres.
Who are you?
I’m Stephan Kunze, a freelance writer and book author based in Germany. I’ve been writing about music and culture for 25 years. My first non-fiction book Zen Style was published by Arkana/Penguin Random House in 2021.
In previous roles, I’ve been leading editorial teams at Spotify (2016-2022) and Juice magazine (2007-2013), and I’ve worked as a strategic editorial and content consultant for Universal Music (2022-2025) and Red Bull (2013-2016).
In addition, I’ve been teaching music and culture journalism at universities, I’ve produced and hosted community radio shows, and I’ve worked on many other projects related to music and culture.
Why should I subscribe?
As a free subscriber, a new issue will arrive in your inbox every few days.
As a paid subscriber, you will receive
all free posts,
additional paywalled articles and
exclusive access to the full archive of posts.
If you value my work, please consider taking out a paid subscription to support this project.
It’s only €5/month or €50/year.
Can I pitch music to you?
Sure! Just be aware that I can’t give feedback due to sheer volume.
Make sure to include with your music pitch:
all relevant information (artist bio, release date etc.)
link to press image(s)
link to streaming preview
HQ music download option (Bandcamp codes preferred)
How do I reach you?
Please don’t send me pitches/music over Substack chat.
Send an email to zensounds [at] posteo [dot] de instead.
