.png)
October 6, 2024
Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...
Read more.png)
October 6, 2024
When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...
Read more.png)
October 6, 2024
Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...
Read more.png)
October 6, 2024
In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...
Read more.png)
October 1, 2024
Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...
Read more.png)
October 1, 2024
Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...
Read more.png)
October 1, 2024
GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...
Read more.png)
October 1, 2024
When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...
Read more.png)
September 21, 2024
Read more.png)
September 20, 2024
One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...
Read more.png)
September 20, 2024
Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...
Read more
September 20, 2024
When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...
Read more
Photo credit: Buzz Magazine
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer.
But who is Rick Rubin?
Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the music industry. For recording studios, he’s known for being a co-founder of Def-Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records.
Through these recording studios, he accomplished amazing feats. He helped popularize hip-hop during a time when people tried to censor it. Outside of hip-hop, he worked with bands across various genres, including Beastie Boys, Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, and The Chicks.
Time even named Rubin on their list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
Why do artists love his production style so much?
Rubin’s biggest trademark is a “stripped-down” sound. Basically, nothing extra is added in production. No backup vocals or string sections are allowed here! Although he changed his tune in the 2000s, people love this unique production style.
Furthermore, musical artists just love to work with him in general. Rubin uses his vast experience working with sound and arrangements to help artists improve their songs. Natalie Maines of The Chicks commented that “he has the ability and patience to let music be discovered, not manufactured.”
.png)
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
What else has he done with his experience and knowledge?
Well, of course, he wrote a book about it.
The Creative Act hit the shelves on Jan. 17 this year. Already, it amassed 1059 ratings on Goodreads with a solid 4.3 out of 5 overall. Not bad for a first-time author.
The Guardian recently posted a review on this approximately 400-page book. According to them, the book lives on the same wavelength as Buddhism, management theory, and self-help books. It’s no surprise given the book’s subject matter: creativity.
“The tone is gnomic and epigrammatic, and Rubin’s elevation of artistic endeavour to the highest status of human achievement reverberates with a solemn quasi-religiosity” - The Guardian
As The Guardian points out, sometimes Rubin’s advice can be contradictory. In one part, he preaches living an artistic life without limitations, while in the next, he recommends those same limitations. In reality, what he’s saying is it depends on the situation. What’s right for one person may not be for another.
Despite these flaws, The Creative Act is clearly made by an artist for other artists. Rubin takes common problems and places them in new contexts. What would happen if you listened to your song with speakers instead of headphones? How about making the loud parts of your song quiet and vice versa? How would it sound?
Ultimately, he gives readers a change of perspective. And for some creatives, that’s exactly what they need.
“To a cynical reader, The Creative Act might feel like a series of self-actualising niceties. Until, that is, these are just the prompts you need to hear, when you need to hear them.” - The Guardian
If you’d like to read The Creative Act, it’s available on Amazon in both hardcover and kindle form. To read the full review from The Guardian, check it out here!
Photo Credit: Financial Times
