What We Can Learn From Rick Rubin

By: Jon Dwoskin

Rick Rubin is an iconic music producer known for his work with a diverse range of artists and genres, from hip-hop and rock to pop and country. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings and has produced albums for some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, and many more.

From his vast career, here are some lessons we can learn:

Simplicity is Key: One of Rubin’s hallmarks is his minimalist approach. He often strips songs down to their essential elements, believing that simplicity can lead to more emotional depth.
Diverse Tastes Lead to Innovation: Rubin’s eclectic taste in music allowed him to blend genres in ways that hadn’t been done before, such as merging rock and rap in the early days of Def Jam.
Listen More, Speak Less: Rubin is known for being a great listener. Artists often comment on his ability to provide feedback that gets to the heart of what a song needs without imposing his own ego.
Environment Matters: Rubin often records in unconventional locations, like houses or outdoors, to capture a specific vibe or energy.
Trust the Artist: Rubin believes in giving artists space and trusting their vision. He often acts as a guide rather than a dictator in the studio.
Embrace Evolution: Rather than sticking to one sound or genre, Rubin has continuously evolved, always curious about new sounds and always willing to learn.
Deep Emotional Connection: Rubin often speaks about the importance of an emotional connection to the music. It’s not just about the technical side; it’s about feeling something profound.
Physical Well-being and Creativity: Rubin has been a longtime advocate of meditation, yoga, and physical health as ways to nurture creativity.
Challenge the Norms: From his early days in the music industry, Rubin has been known to challenge conventions, whether in the way music was produced, promoted, or presented.
Collaboration is a Journey: Working with an artist is a journey for Rubin. He believes in building deep, lasting relationships with artists, which often results in multiple collaborations over the years.
Stay Curious: Rubin’s success in so many genres is a testament to his insatiable curiosity. He doesn’t pigeonhole himself, and he’s always seeking to understand and explore new musical frontiers.