Rick Rubin quotes

Rick Rubin is an American music producer and businessman, recognized for shaping the sound of modern music across multiple genres. His innovative approach has launched the careers of many famous artists in hip-hop, rock, and beyond. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the music industry. Here are 13 of his quotes:

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.

Rick Rubin

It's a big theme in my life, learning about myself and being a better person. I'm a work in progress; I have revelations every day.

Rick Rubin

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.

Rick Rubin

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.

Rick Rubin

I like things that are unique and extreme.

Rick Rubin

I guess edgy things tend to get my attention.

Rick Rubin

I'm just trying to make my favorite music. That's how I work; I just do things based on the way they feel to me. I want to be touched by the music I'm making. Luckily, other people have shared that response to my work over the years.

Rick Rubin

I never really think so much about commercial success; I usually just think about records that move me, and 'Baby Got Back' was one that moved me.

Rick Rubin

In between 15 and 20 - probably at around 17 - my interests switched from hard rock to punk rock. And then by 20 they were circling out of punk rock back into Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, the stuff that I didn't get to when I was younger.

Rick Rubin

I don't know what makes someone hip. The goal is artist achievement and the best work we can do with no limitation.

Rick Rubin

I've gotten to work with amazing people. I would say usually we get to a point before we get into the studio where there isn't that sense of anxiety or nervousness of who they are because I don't think it would be as productive in the studio if that was the case. But maybe meeting someone like Neil Young for the first time made me anxious.

Rick Rubin