The Amazing Book by Rick Rubin: The Creative Act (review)

Ever felt down about your creativity or are you in need of a positive creativity boost? Then read The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Find out what’s so inspiring about this book!

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being

This book will give any artist a new sense of being and creative inspiration. Read it and apply what you learn.

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Video Review: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Ruben

If you don’t feel like reading the full article, or if you just like watching the video, then check out my video review of The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Also, check out my playlist on other book reviews if you want to find any other great books for songwriting, writing music, music production and music theory.

You can also check out my article about 54 Inspiring Quotes by Rick Rubin. These quotes are from The Creative Act: A Way of Being.

About Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin could be called a legendary person in the music world. He was born on March 10, 1963.

Rick started a record label called Def Jam with his friend when he was in college. This label became famous for working with hip-hop artists.

It is often said that Rick Rubin has a special way of making music. He focuses on the feeling of the music, not just the technical parts. So what you feel comes first, even if technically it is not correct sounding. He worked with many famous artists like Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Adele.

What can be said about Rick Rubin is that he isn’t limited to one type of music. He is known to try different things and mix styles together. He worked with rock, rap, folk, and even country musicians.

One thing that Rick Rubin’s work is known for is its simplicity and power. Many artists say that he helps bring out their true emotions and make music that’s unique to them. This is one of the reasons why he is such a respected and well-known record producer.

Rick Rubin’s influence in the music world is huge. It is safe to say that he changed the way people think about producing music. He showed that it’s important to focus on what’s inside the music, not just the outside.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being Book Review

When I bought this book I was not expecting it to be like this. I was anticipating a book filled with juicy stories and anecdotes. Interesting studio techniques and must-try tips for getting the best out of your recording or musicians.

But instead, what you get is a book about creativity and how to create.

His book does not have chapters, but they are Areas of Thought

I found this to be a heartwarming read. I know it must sound strange. But I just felt better after reading it. And more important I felt the need and urge to create music! And maybe not even only music. I just wanted to create something.

In The Creative Act: A Way of Being Rick Rubin has done this very well. It is easy to read and the concepts are clear and concise. Also, they are easy to apply to your own situation and needs.

The Creative Act is divided into four main sections which are:

• The Seed Phase
• The Experimentation Phase
• The Craft Phase
• The Completion Phase

The Seed Phase: Rick Rubin considers any creative spark to be a seed. And a seed is something that you can develop into something bigger. He advises us to think with an abundance mindset. Not with the notion that creative seeds are a scarcity. It’s always better to have multiple options, instead of focusing on just one.

The Experimentation Phase: Now you have chosen an idea on which you want to settle. Here he pleads for keeping an open mind. It is of vital importance that you keep trying different options and ask yourself ‘What If’ questions to keep your ideas flowing. Never fall into the trap of tunnel vision.

The Craft Phase: Now you’re getting to work. This is where the real hard time and work resides. Interestingly enough though he tells us to not take too long with our project than necessary. This is because if your project is from too long ago, you might not be able to align yourself with the original spark or idea.

The Completion Phase: Your project has reached the stage of polishing and working on details. Again Rick Rubin warns us to not lose ourselves in perfection and to keep going. If you think that only one piece of music or art will define who you are, then you are most likely wrong.

Final conclusion: What I like about The Creative Act, is that you can read it one page a day. It’s not like a story that you need to memorise. Give yourself some time to soak in all the ideas and wisdom that this book has to offer.

Also, feel free to just go back to a certain chapter or a certain section of the book. There is no real strict order or storyline. In my case, I use it when I need a quick hit of inspiration.

Tutorials on Songwriting Tips and Music Theory For Composing Music

If you want to learn more about creative music theory and tips for songwriting, then check out my playlist Songwriting Tips and Music Theory For Composing Music on YouTube. You can also read the separate articles on songwriting and music composition over here. In any case, more than enough tips and techniques for writing music!

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