In a recent interview Rick Rubin (world-renowned music producer of numerous award-winning artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Adele, Eminem, Slayer, and many more) was asked:
“So you don’t play music, at least not routinely, you don’t play an instrument, and you have limited knowledge of how a soundboard works. So when you’re listening to artists, are you listening for something or staying open for something that you might hear that will trigger a certain state in you that you recognise?”
Rubin’s Response
“I listen and recognise, is this making me lean forward? Am I curious to see what’s going to happen next? Is the thing that happens next different than what I thought was going to happen next? ….
Often you can tell a lot about the piece of music you’re going to listen to based on the first sound you hear, like the first moment. It’s not about what note it is. It’s not about what instrument it is. It’s intention in the performance...
And that performance could even be a machine. The way when something starts, sometimes there’s this feeling of, oh, this is going to be good, just out of the downbeat. Can’t explain it.”
Learning from Rubin’s Approach
As musical artists, creators, or even avid listeners, we can learn from Rubin’s approach. By paying attention to the intention behind each note, we can deepen our appreciation of music and enhance our own creative processes. This sense of intention, of purpose and focus, can ensure a piece resonates deeply.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of music production and creativity, taking a moment to reflect on Rubin’s perspective can be enlightening. It encourages us to appreciate the subtleties and nuances that make a piece of music stand out; vocally, musically. Whether you’re crafting your own work or simply enjoying the art created by others, recognising the intention behind the sound can open up new dimensions of understanding and enjoyment.
If you’re exploring how to bring more intention, depth, and authenticity into your singing, songwriting, or creative process, I can help you develop that.
I work with artists who want to create meaningful work — not just polished technique.
If you’d like support grounding your sound, strengthening your artistic identity, or refining your vocal expression, get in touch and book a session.
