I never made beats to make beats; I only made them when there was a record to make them for. That's one of the things that has changed in hip-hop that's made me like it less. It feels much more like it's a producer-driven medium, where there are all these tracks that are completely interchangeable.
Interpretation
Rick Rubin emphasizes that he creates music with purpose and intention, rather than simply for the sake of producing.
In this quote, Rick Rubin reflects on his philosophy of music production, indicating that he only creates beats when they serve a specific artistic vision or record. He expresses concern about the current state of hip-hop, suggesting that it has shifted towards a more formulaic, producer-driven approach, where tracks are generated without a deeper connection or purpose, leading to a loss of authenticity and creativity.
In practice
In a speech on the importance of authenticity in art.
I never decide if an idea is good or bad until I try it. So much of what gets in the way of things being good is thinking that we know. And the more that we can remove any baggage we're carrying with us, and just be in the moment, use our ears, and pay attention to what's happening, and just listen to the inner voice that directs us, the better.
I don't even know what a traditional producer is or does. I feel like the job is like being a coach, building good work habits and building trust. You want to get to a point where you can say anything and talk about anything. There needs to be a real connection.
Usually when I start a new project there's a fear of the unknown; maybe it's a band I've never been in the studio with before. People are so different. It's almost like you need to go through the process, discover and unlock what it is that makes that band that band. And a lot of times they don't know it.
I don't know what makes someone hip. The goal is artist achievement and the best work we can do with no limitation.
Everything I do, whether it's producing or signing an artist, always starts with the songs. When I'm listening, I'm looking for a balance that you could see in anything. Whether it's a great painting or a building or a sunset.
Everything happens kind of the way it's supposed to happen, and we just watch it unfold. And you can't control it. Looking back, you can't say, "I should've..." You didn't, and had you, the outcome would have been different.
There's something about pulling out a real tape from a shelf and looking at it and knowing that 'Everlong' is on it, or 'Best of You' is on it, and it's really special.
A guitar is like an old friend that is there with me.
Silence ought also to be the core of each concert. Remember the anagram: listen = silent.
I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.
There's been times when I've been standing in a line at a movie and someone's hit me with something really heavy about someone really close and how our music has helped them get through it. Even in our darkest moments we try and find something beautiful.
Load up our guns Bring your friends It's fun to lose and to pretend
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