The Number One Skill as an Artist

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In the digital age, artists have infinite choices for creating music, but this does not necessarily lead to better compositions or works. The most important skill for an artist to develop is to understand and own their feelings without second-guessing themselves. Artists should focus on expressing their own perspective and not compromising their artistic vision for commercial success. The key is to confidently show the audience 'this is how I see it', without trying to please everyone else.

My guest is Rick Rubin, one of the most renowned music producers of all time, known for his work with a wide range of artists, including Run DMC, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, JayZ, Adele, Johnny Cash, LL Cool J, Slayer, Neil Young, Ye (formerly Kayne West), Tom Petty, and many more. He is also the author of a new book, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being," which explores the creative process and how to access creativity. We discuss topics such as finding inspiration, the role of feelings as guideposts, learning from observing nature, balancing self-doubt and anxiety, and adopting new perspectives to channel the creative process. Rick also shares his thoughts on using deadlines, eliminating distractions, and how our experiences and emotions influence the creative process. Additionally, we discuss his love for professional wrestling. Our conversation can be applied to any activity or profession to access creativity.

For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) Rick Rubin

(00:04:24) Sponsor: LNT

(00:08:23) Creativity & Ideas, Cloud Analogy

(00:12:26) Language & Creativity; Kids

(00:17:36) Feelings & Creative Ideas

(00:22:01) Rules, Choice & Art; Personal Taste & Other’s Opinions

(00:29:59) Sponsor: AG1

(00:30:20) Changing Perspective & Creativity

(00:35:04) Scientific Knowledge; Opinions & Art

(00:41:27) Finishing Projects; The Source & Nature

(00:47:40) Perception Filters, Contrast & Novelty

(00:58:42) Music & Identity, Evolving Tastes

(01:04:14) Focus, Disengaging & Subconscious; Anxiety

(01:13:22) Collaboration, Art & Rigorous Work

(01:18:26) Process & “Cloud”; Perception & Storytelling

(01:29:13) Limited Resolution, Considering the Inverse

(01:35:38) Wrestling, Energy & Reality; Dopamine

(01:49:43) Wrestling, Style & Performance

(01:52:40) Resetting Energy & Nature; Nostalgia

(02:01:56) Sleep, Waking Up & Sunlight, Capturing Ideas

(02:08:16) Creative Work Phases; Structure & Deadlines

(02:15:32) Self-Doubt & Performance

(02:19:13) Predictability & Surprise, Authenticity

(02:25:02) Past Experiences, Other’s Opinions

(02:29:42) Public Opinion & Science: Light, Acupuncture & Nutrition

(02:39:44) “Look for Clues”, Belief Effects

(02:46:25) Attention, Emotion & Art

(02:48:07) Mantra Meditation, Awareness Meditation

(02:57:33) Rick Rubin Questions, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac