Trusting your own gut and staying true to your vision are crucial in producing great art, according to producer Rick Rubin.
As a music producer, Rick Rubin acts as a trusted creative partner, listening deeply to the artist's vision and providing guidance without compromising their authenticity.
Having the courage to express oneself authentically and trust personal taste and intuition are essential for artists to create great and impactful art.
Deep dives
Rick Rubin's Impact in the Music Industry
Rick Rubin, a renowned producer, has worked with various iconic musicians, bridging diverse genres. From Adele to Johnny Cash, Kanye West to the Beastie Boys, Rubin's influence and production expertise have shaped some of the most popular records in the last four decades. He launched Def Jam Records, contributing to the rise of hip-hop. Despite the commercial success of his work, Rubin emphasizes that his intention has never been solely focused on sales. Through various practices like meditation and yoga, Rubin remains attuned to his creativity and taste, finding inspiration and trusting his judgment when working with artists. He believes that authenticity and staying true to one's vision are crucial in producing great art.
Navigating the Creativity Process
Rubin describes his role as a music producer as a trusted creative partner. He listens deeply to the artist's work, honing in on their vision and helping them bring out the best in their music. Drawing from his own taste and intuition, Rubin provides guidance and suggestions to enhance the artist's work while respecting their creative process. He believes that there is no one right way to create and that artists should follow their interests and trust their own instincts. While Rubin acknowledges that criticism and feedback play a role in the creative process, he maintains that the artist's authentic expression should not be compromised by external opinions or the desire for commercial success.
The Importance of Courage and Trusting One's Taste
Rubin emphasizes the significance of courage in being a great artist. Artists need to have the courage to express themselves authentically and pursue their creative visions, even if it goes against popular thinking or faces criticism. Rubin encourages artists to trust their taste and intuition, explaining that personal preferences and enjoyment are essential in the creative process. He advises artists to embrace their own unique perspectives and never second-guess their expression, as great art often emerges from genuine self-expression and taking risks.
The Impact of Technology and Changing Listening Habits
Rubin acknowledges the changes brought by technology and streaming platforms, which have altered the way people listen to music. He recognizes that people now consume music in a more casual and fragmented manner, often multitasking while listening. Despite these changes, Rubin highlights that impactful music can still cut through the noise, triggering emotional responses and attracting listeners on a deep level. He notes that while focused and attentive listening is valuable, it's also valid to discover and appreciate music in more casual settings, where unexpected moments can strike a chord.
Art, Artists, and Controversy
Rubin shares his perspective on the relationship between the artist and their work, emphasizing that the artist's personal life or character should not dictate the value or perception of their art. He believes that great art transcends the actions or beliefs of the artist, recognizing that artists are human and fallible. Rubin separates the artist from the art itself, stating that the work stands on its own and can be appreciated independently. He encourages embracing a diversity of artistic expressions, allowing for controversial and provocative art to exist while respecting individual preferences and choices regarding consumption.
People don’t usually think about Adele in the same breath as Johnny Cash. The Beastie Boys in the same breath as Jay-Z. Justin Bieber and Slayer. Neil Young and Lady Gaga. The Dixie Chicks and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But all of these iconic artists have a single person in common: producer Rick Rubin.
Ever since Rubin created Def Jam Recordings from his college dorm room forty years ago and helped launch the global phenomenon that is hip hop, Rubin has produced some of the world’s most popular records. If you look at his discography, it’s almost unbelievable. Rubin works on up to ten records a year, and has become something of a high-priest of popular music.
Today, I talk to Rubin about his new book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being. We talk about what it means to be creative, how to trust your own gut, separating the art from the artist, what he thinks of growing self-censorship in our music, art and culture, and what it means to listen in an era of non-stop distraction.
And to follow Rubin’s next projects, you can visit tetragrammaton.com
