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IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

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The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

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Shakira Unveils 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran': A Beacon of Empowerment and Personal Rebirth

February 16, 2024

In an era where the global music landscape continually evolves, few artists have managed to redefine their musical and personal journey as profoundly as Shakira. With the announcement of her...

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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

January 28, 2024

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can...

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Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings With Songtrust

January 28, 2024

Navigating the world of music royalties can be daunting, especially for independent artists and newcomers. Songtrust has emerged as a popular solution, favored by a range of artists from beginners...

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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

January 27, 2024

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth...

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Sonical.ly Masterclass Review: Nas Teaches Hip Hop Storytelling

January 23, 2024

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Post Malone's Successful Songwriting Techniques

January 22, 2024

Songwriting and Inspiration: Post Malone often draws inspiration from his personal experiences, emotions, and the world around him. His songwriting process can start with a concept, a feeling...

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

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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.” 

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