Episode
#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
3:27:48
Published: Sun Apr 10 2022
Description
Rick Rubin is one of the greatest music producers of all time, working with many of the greats including Beastie Boys, Eminem, Metallica, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Slayer, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, Aerosmith, Adele, Danzig, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down, Jay-Z, Black Sabbath. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Lambda: https://lambdalabs.com/lex - Theragun: https://therabody.com/lex to get 30 day trial - ROKA: https://roka.com/ and use code LEX to get 20% off your first order - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free EPISODE LINKS: Rick's Twitter: https://twitter.com/RickRubin Broken Record Podcast: https://bit.ly/3j7BFXZ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:46) - Nietzsche and music (18:47) - Rick's approach with artists (30:10) - Beautiful simplicity in music (33:54) - Marvin Gaye (43:09) - Best album of all time (47:02) - Paul McCartney (49:08) - Ideas (51:30) - Rebellion and conformity (56:18) - Fitness (59:27) - Johnny Cash (1:09:23) - Tom Waits (1:14:01) - Lyrics vs rhythm (1:18:48) - Johnny Cash continued (1:20:47) - Beastie Boys (1:27:09) - Depression (1:31:31) - Art vs Business (1:40:18) - Art of conversation (1:56:52) - Rick's podcast (2:00:02) - Advice for young people (2:04:07) - Mortality (2:06:42) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Rick Rubin, legendary music producer, is known for his ability to bring out the best in any genre of music or artistic medium.
00:00 - 04:56 (04:56)
Summary
Rick Rubin, legendary music producer, is known for his ability to bring out the best in any genre of music or artistic medium. This conversation delves into his unique approach to music production.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Music has the ability to capture love, longing and the heartbreak of life, bringing us to a deeper level of emotion.
04:56 - 10:39 (05:42)
Summary
Music has the ability to capture love, longing and the heartbreak of life, bringing us to a deeper level of emotion. Reading a book called Deep Work by Cal Newport is recommended for those unfamiliar with the concept.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the emotional and therapeutic benefits of listening to music alone or with others in a car, describing it as a therapeutic session similar to seeing a therapist because it allows for self-reflection and emotional release.
10:40 - 16:34 (05:54)
Summary
The speaker discusses the emotional and therapeutic benefits of listening to music alone or with others in a car, describing it as a therapeutic session similar to seeing a therapist because it allows for self-reflection and emotional release.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of building bridges is deeply honest work that requires paying close attention to details and the big picture.
16:34 - 24:03 (07:28)
Summary
The process of building bridges is deeply honest work that requires paying close attention to details and the big picture. The use of glue is important, but so is testing the material to ensure its strength.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The success of art-making groups comes from being open to new ideas, listening and not having any preconceived notions, according to an interviewee.
24:03 - 32:34 (08:31)
Summary
The success of art-making groups comes from being open to new ideas, listening and not having any preconceived notions, according to an interviewee. Collaborating starts by coming in blank and being a recorder rather than just focusing on one's opinion.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss the impact of music on relationships and suggest exploring the top 100 albums of all time as a way to dive deep into music appreciation with some of the most soulful songs being able to stand alone without instruments.
32:34 - 39:39 (07:05)
Summary
The host and guest discuss the impact of music on relationships and suggest exploring the top 100 albums of all time as a way to dive deep into music appreciation with some of the most soulful songs being able to stand alone without instruments.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation explores the process of music production and how to appreciate the composition and production of an album as an art form, rather than just a collection of songs.
39:39 - 45:29 (05:49)
Summary
The conversation explores the process of music production and how to appreciate the composition and production of an album as an art form, rather than just a collection of songs. The Detroit mix is discussed as an example of how the production can change the overall experience of the album.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on their experience seeing Paul McCartney perform live and feeling both inspired by his talents as a human being and in awe of his god-like status.
45:29 - 49:38 (04:08)
Summary
The speaker reflects on their experience seeing Paul McCartney perform live and feeling both inspired by his talents as a human being and in awe of his god-like status.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the host reflects on the idea of wearing suits and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
49:38 - 54:02 (04:24)
Summary
In this episode, the host reflects on the idea of wearing suits and the pressure to conform to societal norms. He encourages listeners to explore their own unique path and trajectory towards creating a beautiful way of living.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host and guest discuss the emotional impact of music while running and how personal transformations can influence the music choices.
54:02 - 1:02:29 (08:26)
Summary
The podcast host and guest discuss the emotional impact of music while running and how personal transformations can influence the music choices. The guest especially admires Johnny Cash's performance in "Hurt" and credits running for his love of longer distances.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lyrics of Nine Inch Nails have a profound impact, according to filmmaker David Fincher.
1:02:33 - 1:07:14 (04:41)
Summary
The lyrics of Nine Inch Nails have a profound impact, according to filmmaker David Fincher. He expressed his admiration for their poeticism and how they can stand alone from the music.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the evolution of a human voice and the interesting characteristics of rap and hip hop, such as writing poetry to a rhythm instead of a melody.
1:07:14 - 1:14:57 (07:42)
Summary
The podcast discusses the evolution of a human voice and the interesting characteristics of rap and hip hop, such as writing poetry to a rhythm instead of a melody. The merging of young men's lyrics with an old Johnny Cash voice and heart is also explored, as well as the heavy lyrics of the middle to late era Beatles despite their young age.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the satirical nature of music and how it can still be enjoyable even if it goes over the top.
1:14:57 - 1:28:10 (13:12)
Summary
The speaker discusses the satirical nature of music and how it can still be enjoyable even if it goes over the top. They reflect on their own past creations and recognize that they wouldn't make the same thing today but can appreciate why they made it at the time.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The tension between artists and business people can lead to the former feeling vulnerable and undermined when the latter trample on their ideas.
1:28:10 - 1:34:04 (05:54)
Summary
The tension between artists and business people can lead to the former feeling vulnerable and undermined when the latter trample on their ideas. This is a common issue that can arise due to our capitalist system.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion highlights the significance of feedback from a trusted community in protecting artists from hubris and giving them the confidence to put their work out into the world.
1:34:04 - 1:38:25 (04:21)
Summary
The discussion highlights the significance of feedback from a trusted community in protecting artists from hubris and giving them the confidence to put their work out into the world. It includes criticism of the current mechanisms of protection available for modern artists.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The deliberate nature of microphone conversations creates an opportunity to really listen and ask interesting questions that people normally don't get asked, allowing them to reveal who they truly are.
1:38:26 - 2:00:53 (22:27)
Summary
The deliberate nature of microphone conversations creates an opportunity to really listen and ask interesting questions that people normally don't get asked, allowing them to reveal who they truly are.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In a podcast episode about self-improvement, the speaker discusses their experience with self-criticism and reflects on whether it is present in every creative process.
2:00:53 - 2:05:21 (04:28)
Summary
In a podcast episode about self-improvement, the speaker discusses their experience with self-criticism and reflects on whether it is present in every creative process.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussion about delivering barbecue to someone in West Texas, who is one of the speaker's favorite humans.
2:05:21 - 2:07:49 (02:28)
Summary
Discussion about delivering barbecue to someone in West Texas, who is one of the speaker's favorite humans. Mentions the unexpected location change from Austin and the speaker's contemplation on cycles and groups.
Episode#275 – Rick Rubin: Legendary Music Producer
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast snippet includes a humorous story about adding more cowbell during a skit, as well as a personal reflection on the appreciation for barbecue after not eating meat for some time.
2:07:49 - 2:10:04 (02:15)
Summary
This podcast snippet includes a humorous story about adding more cowbell during a skit, as well as a personal reflection on the appreciation for barbecue after not eating meat for some time.