The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

Kaitlyn Meyers |

February 17, 2023

Photo credit: Buzz Magazine

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What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer.

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But who is Rick Rubin?

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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.

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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.

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Time even named Rubin on their list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

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Why do artists love his production style so much?

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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.

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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.”

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Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

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What else has he done with his experience and knowledge?

Well, of course, he wrote a book about it.

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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.

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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?

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Ultimately, he gives readers a change of perspective. And for some creatives, that’s exactly what they need.

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“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

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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!

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