Podcasting is Painting Audio

Unlocking the Creative Mind: Insights from Legendary Producer Rick Rubin

I’ve always considered podcasting painting audio.

Rick Rubin on Joe Rogan Podcast

One of the most influential figures in the creative industry is Rick Rubin. Rubin has been a music producer for over 30 years and has worked with some of the most iconic artists of our time, including Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys, and Jay-Z. He’s known for his unconventional approach to producing albums. He has won multiple Grammy Awards. In his book, "Creative Quest," he explores the creative process and shares his insights on how to unlock your creativity.

He is known for his unique approach to music production, which involves stripping away excess layers and focusing on the essential elements of a song. His philosophy is that less is more, and he encourages artists to explore their creativity and authenticity.

His influence on creativity can be seen in the way he has transformed the careers of many artists. He has helped them to break out of their comfort zones and create music that is true to themselves. This has resulted in some of the most memorable albums of all time.

One of the most notable examples of Rubin's influence is the album "American Recordings" by Johnny Cash. Rubin convinced Cash to strip away the layers of production that had become associated with his music and to record a series of stripped-down, acoustic performances. The result was a raw and authentic album that reinvigorated Cash's career and won critical acclaim.

In his book “"The Creative Process: Reflections on Invention in the Arts and Sciences," he explores the nature of creativity and how it can be cultivated in various fields. The book features interviews with a diverse range of artists, writers, and scientists, including David Lynch, Brian Eno, and Richard Dawkins.

I bring up Rick Rubin because it wasn’t until I came across this video interview below on the Joe Rogan podcast about his take on creativity that I felt understood as an artist.

His philosophy of authenticity and what it means to be an artist really resonates with me. Sometimes I feel so outside the social norm that I don’t know how to “just be” day to day in a way that “makes sense” to society. But maybe I don’t ever need to make sense…

What makes art great is the personal. With all of its imperfections. With all of its quirkiness, that's what makes it great. How you see the world that's different from how everyone else sees the world. That's why you're an artist. That's your purpose in sharing your work with the world.

Rick Rubin