Rick Rubin on The Creative Act, Overcoming Ego, and Enjoying the Process 

I've got to say that at this point I have watched pretty much all the interviews about his book, and everytime I hear his voice I feel more connected to his way of being and creating art. It's a complete delight, an extasy to witness his life, his geniality, his nature, his soul. I feel completely at home hearing his words and ideas. Through his calmness and detachment he invites us to create or to be more creative, to open up ourselves to the creative flow of life. He invites us to dive deep in our core, our own light. That's a calling by someone that lives by his spirituality with such clarity and love... I could listen to him forever. These are the kind of thoughts and conversations I truly want to engage in. When there's love, understanding and openess, there's a place for everyone. ❤️🙏🏼💎✨

DS: "are you still here?" RR: "yes, I'm here, I just stop when I'm done talking"

Some of these Rick Rubin interviews are stronger than others. He’s just so effortless. The less the interviewer can speak the better it goes 😂❤

I have no hate for the channel or the host whatsoever but watching this perfectly illustrates a perfectly different way of thinking. The host was theoretical in a sense but rick is just pure 1 million percent valium that makes perfect goddamn sense. The contrast between the two whilst also agreeing with each other is mind blowing.

Finding him 26 years after giving up the life of being an artist.. Just recently, my interest for creating digital art was reignited and he’s such a breath of fresh air especially when you’re someone that has their creative side stifled by people around you even family to “do the safe and expected route”… I wish I knew him earlier but I believe that timing as he always says… I guess I had to realize these things at this age.. never too late

Rick Rubin strikes a chord within all of us, whether we hear it or not.

Man I don't know how many times I was jamming with a group of friends, and something magical happened. Was it recorded? No, it was just for us. Did we wish it was recorded so we could share it with the world?! Fuck yeah. One time I was playing this new rift I came up with using a loop pedal. My wife was watching me make it. All of a sudden I started singing this song for my wife, about us, how amazing she is, how amazing our relationship is, and how lucky I am to have found this love. By the end of it we were both crying. My wife asks if I had recorded it. I had the app open, and stopped recording another session just before this tune, but forgot to start recording a new session. That one was just for us right then at that moment.

Timestamps: 00:00: Experimenting with different methods to learn something new about the creative process. 01:14: Allowing creativity to ensue rather than consciously trying to force it. 01:54: Acknowledging that we're not in full control of the creative process and being patient for inspiration to come. 03:06: Metaphor of tuning into a radio station to describe accessing creative inspiration. 04:18: Transient nature of tapping into the creative process and the need to continuously find inspiration. 04:50: The process of playing a song repeatedly until it becomes special. 06:07: The importance of capturing creative energy and finishing a song in the moment. 06:47: Difficulty in recreating a specific creative groove or energy later on. 08:14: Appreciating earlier takes before refinements and prioritizing overall energetic feeling. 09:22: The power of capturing the overall energetic feeling over individual elements. 09:59: Becoming self-conscious about creating and dealing with the pressure of success. 11:07: The ego hits of feeling invincible and feeling inadequate as an artist. 12:20: Remembering what led to success and avoiding external distractions. 13:02: The importance of separating writing from publishing and avoiding self-censorship. 14:11: Considering marketing, audience, and cover design after completing the creative process. 14:42: Doing the first draft with passion and love, without worrying about others' opinions. 15:13: Self-censorship hinders creativity and authenticity. 15:52: Balancing thinking and doing in creative pursuits. 19:03: Adapting methodologies over time, with a focus on what's important. 21:03: Maintaining focus, efficiency, and balance in the studio. 23:32: Understanding the need for breaks and downtime to maintain quality. 24:01: Eisenhower quote: "Plans are worthless but planning is everything." 24:35: Having a schedule and sticking to it. 25:10: Committing to a daily practice, regardless of outcomes. 26:13: Stephen Pressfield's quote: "Put your ass where your heart wants to be." 28:04: The ability of art to capture timeless feelings and spirits. 29:40: Example of a pianist, Víkingur Ólafsson, who brings a modern perspective to classical music. 31:08: The power of Johnny Cash's ability to inhabit a song and tell a story. 33:48: The personal becoming universal in art. 35:49: The story of Lao Tzu and the Dao De Jing, illustrating the power of a deeply personal creation becoming universally significant. 39:34: The creative process has three phases: watering the seeds, craft, and editing. 40:07: The crafting phase involves a more hands-on approach. 40:44: The editing phase can be done on a schedule, unlike the earlier phases. 42:32: The craft phase is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle with a clear vision. 43:45: It's not about the producer; it's about the project. 44:23: Collaboration and teamwork are important for the project's success. 46:28: Allowing artists to take the lead and supporting their vision. 47:54: Allowing creativity to unfold and not shutting down ideas. 49:01: Collaborating to make the project the best it can be. 50:16: Avoiding self-sabotage and staying open to possibilities. 51:04: Recognizing the uniqueness of individual perspectives and experiences. 52:31: Each artist has their own way of expressing themselves. 53:49: The creative act lies in how humans use AI tools. 55:14: The artist's intention is inseparable from the art. 55:51: Interpretations of art can vary greatly from the artist's intention. 57:14: The meaning of art is open to interpretation by both the artist and the listener. 57:58: Bought different magnetic poetry kits, removed connecting words and kept substantial words Used a music stand to display the words like a blackboard 58:39: Tom had songs but no lyrics, made up songs in real time using words from magnets Beautiful songs that wouldn't have happened any other way 59:15: Love Bon Iver, sometimes lyrics don't make sense, it's about the sound 59:45: Worked with artists to collect phrases that fit in certain moments in the song The right sound at the right time makes a big difference 1:00:22: Asked Neil Young if he knows what his songs mean, he has no idea Enlightenment is figuring out that it's both gibberish and not gibberish at the same time Certain phrases in songs unfold differently with each repetition, others become repetitive 1:02:13: Likes songs that can be played on a loop, allows access to creativity Can't listen to music with lyrics while reading, can listen to lyrics in a different language 1:03:29: Some songs feel timeless, like "Free Falling" and "Blowing in the Wind" 1:04:07: Stooges and Beatles were contemporaries, Stooges feel more modern due to popularity 1:06:09: Starting a new podcast called "Tetragrammatin" to interview interesting people beyond musicians 1:08:01: Great performers find inspiration in different domains, not just their own field 1:09:15: Artists draw from ancient stories and reinterpret them in a new way 1:12:08: George Clinton's inspiration for the Mothership came from Pink Floyd's stage shows 1:13:17: Podcast allows fans to learn about the inspirations and creative process of artists 1:14:22: Taylor Swift re-recording her masters, artist's perspective on reinterpreting old works 1:15:02: Talks about a radio station in New York called WCBS that played oldies music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. 1:15:49: Expresses disappointment with the new versions of old songs available on iTunes that are not the original versions. 1:16:33: Mentions Led Zeppelin's album "No Quarter" where they reinterpreted their songs in Middle Eastern or African versions. 1:17:12: Asks a personal question about the length and complexity of his own books, wondering if it's a positive sign of growth or self-indulgence. 1:18:26: Advised not to worry and to focus on which version of his writing he prefers, as self-indulgence can be a good thing in art. 1:19:27: Reflects on his pride in his later books and how they reflect his growth and evolving perspective. 1:20:04: Discusses the importance of confidence in one's work and the freedom to let it flow, regardless of conciseness or self-indulgence. 1:21:22: Talks about the potential negative aspects of success and control, such as becoming pompous or long-winded. 1:22:34: Challenges the idea of time limits on creative expression and suggests that people have the freedom to leave or stay engaged based on their interest. 1:23:13: Expresses gratitude to the person he's talking to and praises the value and usefulness of his book, contrasting it with a more celebrity-focused version. 1:24:22: Questions why people are more drawn to celebrity stories rather than a book that offers more value and usefulness. 1:25:04: Explains that his book is not about him or his experiences but rather about universal ideas and observations he finds interesting. 1:25:41: Describes engaging with ideas that are not his own and invites readers to put themselves into the concepts presented in the book. 1:27:13: Discusses the difference between stories about famous individuals (e.g., Jay-Z) and the open-ended ideas presented in the book. 1:29:00: Compares the book to other writing books that he returns to, highlighting its depth and value. 1:30:05: Reflects on choosing to write the book he wanted to write, even though it may not be as commercially appealing. 1:30:41: Describes the process of reverse engineering and the challenge of understanding the information in the book. 1:31:19: Admits the difficulty of talking about the material in the book and how it remains elusive and ephemeral.

Absolutely right about it being a book you read more than once, I’ve listened to it on audible at least 5 times at this point and it always gives me motivation to go create, it actually caused me to start painting and launch an entire new purpose for me. Forever grateful for it and for Rick.

I’ve listened to every interview I could find with Rick Rubin & this is easily the best one. Thank you, Ryan!

Thank you for all your work. What a guest, what a collab. Keep doing you!

No way! I was hoping you two would get together. The thought popped into my head as I was reading Rick's book today. Incredible, I'm looking forward to watching this once I finish reading.

The answer Rick to the second last question about “not being that guy” was golden. Thank you. 🙏 How incredible it would be to meet him. Looking forward to the new podcast. ❤

I’m completely in love with this book. I’m an establish painter and I can feel now that there will be a before and after in my painting process after reading this book.

Please add chapters to the video. Love your content Ryan. I am big admirer of your books. Your books have made a huge difference to my life.

I have Rick's book on my desk stacked on top of Ryan's The Daily Dad.I am at home sick, making chicken noodle soup, and this came at the most perfect time.

Thank you two for what you guys are doing with your time and wisdom! I greatly appreciate you both.

48:55 I love how Rick's first words after this example were "Yes and."

Writing the end to my first novel and started looking at you tube channels about the process and what to expect … wishing I had not, no one should, or can write according to them, your offer will be next to nothing and be prepared to have your agent and your editor will tear it to shreds… I don’t listen to the negative, if I did I wouldn’t be writing the end, but wanted to say this, thank you, the conversation was a great to listen too. So positive and supportive of the creative process. ❤

BRILLIANT STUFF... WE ARE SURROUNDED BY MAGICAL ENERGY AND WE SOMETIMES ARE NOT AWARE OF IT ... IT'S BEAUTIFUL TO BE OURSELVES AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ... BEING EFFORTLESSLY CONNECTED IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT ... PLENTY OF LOVE AND CREATIVE VIBES ❤️❤️❤️❤️

50:40 - Long pause - "I finished talking, I stop when I finish" - I loved this. Throughout the interview Rick stops when he's talking and it does add gravitas to what has just been said. And it's great that Ryan lets him speak without interruption, however, it's disconcerting because we're not used to people being allowed to speak in full sentences. Loved the chat, gonna go listen to the book now

The creative process works exactly like that to me. I always need to be patient at the waiting moments of the process that we always misunderstand with procrastination. It is not! It is just the time to tune in again to the wave of creativity. The firstt draft is always much better than the "corrected" one. I just learned that and started keeping an original copy to be compared to the corrected/edited one. It saves the quality of my work (that is also not mine alone!). I never edit or correct anymore while I am the creativity vessel. Always when everything is completed. Thanks for sharing.

Im going to relisten to this interview everyday until i pick up a paintbrush again. Deeply inspiring listen.

Very insightful conversation, I really enjoy how Rubin pauses between his thoughts. Lots of wisdom and immense respect for his words. As highlighted I think it’s really important to use your art as a creative channel between the physical and transcendental. Bringing your unique perspective to the mix. Ideas communicated, let go of and then refined months or even years later.

Great video. Two worlds collide! I'm an artist/violinist/songwriter, and a person who has recently rediscovered his love for philosophy and the values of stoicism. Thank you both for getting together and having a real, authentic conversation.

I love that the host takes pauses to think and how they both layer comparisons and analogies as if they were figuring things out as they talk. Both parties are curious throughout the conversation

Creativity and Frequency sound perfectly connected and as the frequency gets slightly out of pattern , it eventually cancels out, and with time comes back in sync! Love it!😊

Awesome! I love Rick and I love this channel. Imma watch this while I'm editing tracks on my new tune. Thanks for this!

So glad I finally set aside time to listen to this conversation. So many gems I'll remember, and maybe have to listen to again to really let it sink in. I especially love "the first draft is for you" and "write what is interesting to you." I had this little phrase in my head that came to me a couple of years back, thinking on these similar lines: "the best art is one that invites you to participate." I've been learning the keyboards and guitar because this band that I really love (Vulfpeck) made it look so fun. And you know what? Turns out it really, really is fun to learn to play music. I think that's what Rick Rubin is saying he hopes his book does for people, for them to be inspired and put down the book and create.

I really love your perspectives on creativity. I resonate with all of this.

I bought the book but never opened it. I downloaded it on audible and never listened. Now, my vibration is higher so I can’t get enough of his words! 🎉

This is a great analysis on this topic. We will continue supporting this channel no matter what.

I love how natural and sometimes awkward this interview is. It very open and uncontrived. Lots of gold nuggets here.

Ohh yes! Already know this is going to be a great conversation! Rick Rubin is a great mind.

Love this! Rick's book is amazing!

Enjoyed the part of the discussion about music that feels timeless.

Rick Rubin is one chilled dude!

Soooooo cool that y’all crossed paths 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 thank you good sir 🙏

gem of an interview

I just have to say since I was a kid I always respected and really looked up to Rick Rubin even though I don’t know him he seems like a really awesome person. I respect him. I have to say that I know he’s a celebrity, but I do respect the man.

Amazing as always. I’ve watched him so much I’ve heard about everything he’s said as far as process. So cool he’s put it all in one place.

This was a terrific listen and has me very excited to read three books mentioned within as soon as possible. Meditations, Lao Tzu and The Creative Act. 🙏

A sheer extasis to listen to Mr Rubin. Music to my ears.

This man is a literal genius

Watching his conversation really highlights how insanely loud and obnoxious the commercials are on RU-vid. Snake oil salesmen. It’s such a jarring dichotomy when they come on. Also, this is wonderful. Love to sit in the room with these two.

I always knew I have great creativity inside and recently its been manifesting. Im soo glad i listened to this. I felt this and had a glimpse of the wisdom of focusing on creativity when creating and not worrying about producing and publishing before this video but it has opened my eyes to the process of creation way more than before. The process is just important as the result. Only then will we prosper in our success❤❤

Great interview from both host and guest. Thanks for sharing.

This really is a fascinating interview. Thank you guys!

OMG RR soooo wonderful and full of wisdom ❤ Thank you both 🙏

Thank you so much for this 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Great interview. I love RR. I’ve been thinking about the creative process for about 15 years and that moment of being in the zone really does feel like you’re channelling something. I wish there was a way to get to that place reliably.. but I guess that would take the magic away.

Great interview. One of my favorite books of life, and likely my favorite book about creativity. I do covet the dark grey cover edition you both showed!

I finally started writing my book. This is really helpful. Thank you.

Hey Ryan i REALLY enjoyed this INTERVIEW. I must say, i would love to always have you and rick (in this case) in the same screen, so i can see how you are listening and reacting to each others, it feels kinda confusing to have the screen change everytime someone talks. i love the feeling of sharing a table with both of you and just listen to both of you at the same time, something about not having you both in the same screen feels, off, sometimes unreal. I hope you take this as a lil advice. MUCH LOVE AND THANKS FOR YOUR CONTENT!

Can't wait to watch this ❤

"If we know that we don't know, we have great power. We're not trying to solve the problem, we're watching the knot untie." -Rick

Ever since I started my sobriety journey it’s been difficult to tap into my creativity. I feel blocked but I know that I am a creative deep in my heart and I don’t need to alter my brain to tap into that. I resonated with what you said about trying a new method when creating and I’m all for it! I won’t give up. Thank you for this video.

The way a song grows from a seed of a rif or idea a sphrase into a whole thing is something i would never have believed if it haddn't happened to me loads of times i notice a thing is good then it just kind of grows as i play it over and over the more you get of it in the initial sitting the better, but it takes months to fill in all the bits .

I really live this!!!! Subscribed!

I'm Ready Rick let's go 🎤🎙️🏄🌊.

I love your laid back attitude. My motto is "I'm in it for the music not the money." It really keeps me free to create. Book publishers are boring and restrictive. Phil Algo

Mr. Rubin: Authenticity ⚡❤️⚡

I absolutely love Rick Rubin and everything about him! The way he articulates, what he articulates, and how easily he can turn someone's unclear message into something more accessible. But my goodness the interviewer was killing me. He was getting handed gold for ways to respond and all he did was take away from the interview.. 😢

Been looking forward to this

THANK YOU GARY VEE FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!! 🙏 💙

COOLBREEZE!! PLEASANT CONVERSATION! THANK YOU! STAY BLESSED

Amazing conversation

The TAO of Rick Rubin. Inspiring Guy.

Rick Rubin is like the yoga of music

Spectacular>! Thanks. Great interview.

thank you Daily Stoic for this interview just subbed 🙏🏽 and thank you Rick Rubin for sharing the knowledge and wisdom for artists such as myself, definitely inspiring me during the process of creating my 4th album JAPAN PART THREE 👨🏽‍🎨💎💽

Rick Rubin was a great guest to have on. I learned a lot from this

Sometimes a brilliant young man is confounded by a simple but wise older man. This causes the older wise man to explain himself in a new way even to him. Respect is enriched by understanding and understanding requires both of the above.

Oh hell yeah what a great collab

Thank you Rick. I have learnt a lot watching this video. The book is perfect. I love it already even though I haven’t read it. But i will.

This was a great episode of the podcast. Bought and read the book shortly after. A real great read for any creative and a great interview, Ryan!

It’s grate to refresh yourself every time and that is good 😊❤hits home thank you guys.

The audio is so quiet in this video and the irony is not lost on me

It’s a superb book, highly recommend

Two major inspirations!

Very worthwhile listen.

Listen, Feel, Observe: who is in (very busy) mind and who is Zen? Sense the vibration in contrast thoughout this interview. Great exercise and reference for all experiencing.

I have really enjoyed reading this book

Good questions !!!👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

Fantastic interview.

I love that Rick has a pen in hand so he can write down any potential epiphanies...

That setting is so Rick Rubin, I imagine an incredible tree house meditation space minimalist with the odd candle sitting about .

This was needed.

Everything he says makes so much sense to me I thought I was crazy but I'm just on a different level of thinking.......pretty sure I will be a future "Rick rubin" type beat

I just had the best jam after listening to this, like proper rock out! Channeling

dont dwell to much on the things taht you can to control , this is the best thing I learned from my work and btw I work in the customer service for a Telco company and this is the thing taht my supervisors always says . I'm also An Aryist and I do write and produce songs m this kind iof thinking really upgrades the way I live compared when before.

Amazing interview

I’m reading his book now and as a filmmaker and writer it is helping me see a new perspective on myself as an artist. I highly recommend it.

one of my personal goals is to work with Rick Rubin. Its a vision i've held onto for years and I refuse to let go of it.

One theory regarding the "wine-dark sea" is that the ancient Greeks didn't have blue in their concept of colors. After all, the color of the ocean in its deepest, darkest parts is more akin to that of red wine than it is to the blue of the sky. The way we categorize things and the words we use for various concepts will alter the way we see the world. I think you hit upon that concept right at the very end with the mention of subjective experience changing what we get out of even shared experience.

at 49:00 he explains the "Yes and" technique of improvisation to the point of creative flow and rick responds "Yes and." Amazing.

Great conversation

Rik Rubin reminded me I'm an artist again :)

“Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” is on the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band.

Much of what RIck Rubin talks about recording music in the studio can be applied to working out in the gym. I have a barebones baseline template of workouts per week, exercises, reps, and sets that I must do. Should I feel compelled to do more (maybe I just feel super strong and energetic one day), I have the option to add more exercises and volume. If I try to force myself to do a baseline that's too exhausting and strenuous, I may experience burnout, overtrain, or start feeling resentful. I like to give myself some wiggle room to experiment and have some fun while ensuring I maintain a certain level of athleticism.