In my twenty-eight plus years on the planet, I have come to believe two fundamental principals about life: Coffee is best served black & some of the best conversations youll have will happen in bars. A perfect example of the latter occurred last week at a local pub in Chicago. I was chatting with a close friend over a pint of Harp, when he brought up the idea of reincarnation. He posed the question: When you dieif you could come back as anyone else.who would it be?
My buddy Paul, who always seems to forget his wallet on Friday nights, thought it would be nice to come back as Hugh Hefnerso he could live the life of a playboy. A solid answer as far as I was concerned. But whose shoes would I like to live in, if I had the chance? At first all I could come up with was Kermit the frog and whoever is currently dating Alyssa Milano. Then suddenly it hit me: When I die, I want to come back as Rick Rubin.
There are plenty of reasons to admire a guy like Rick. Hes an acc omplished record producer and label owner whos known around the world for his work in hip hop, heavy metal, and alternative rock. At 21, he founded Def Jam records with Russell Simmons while attending NYU. At 25, they went their separate ways and Rubin went on to start the Def American label. Hes worked with the likes of LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Slayer, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Danzig, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay-Z, & Shakirajust to name a few.
Over the last 20+ years, Rubin has become successful by developing and investing in his passion for unique music. But arguably the most impressive thing about his Career is that it seemed to develop naturally through his ability to understand and digest the medium. He essentially made a hobby his life and that is why so many people admire him. But the mor e I think about it, the more I realize....I wouldnt want to be Rick RubinId want to work with him. Id want to learn from him and become the mini beardless (and balding) version of him. In my mind its clear: Two Rubins would be better than one.
Interesting enough, many people who aspire to work in the music business are somewhat jaded. Theres a perception out there that consumers and record labels alike have become increasingly more narrow minded; that the industry as a whole has become polluted with cookie cutter artists; and that its more difficult than ever to break into the business without selling ones soul to the devil. But Id argue quite the opposite. I believe that consumers and record labels are equally salivating at the prospect of new and innovative music. Aspiring Musicians and producers have, in a way, become more empowered. Advances in home Recording have made it possible for obscure artists to develop and market their own material. Arguably, the only limi tations are ones own creative prowess, education, and networking skills. For every struggling artist out there, you can find hundreds (if not thousands) that are enjoying rather successful Careers.
Rubin is a shining example of someone who has not given in to the negative perceptions and obstacles of the business. He wasnt interested in a lot of the music being produced in the 80s, so he decided to start producing his own artists. He soon realized that he wasnt being compensated well enough by the labels he had been working with; so he went out and started his own. Obviously these ventures were quite ambitious. But if there is anything that can be learned from Rubin it is this: If youre serious about breaking into the music business, you cant sit on the sidelines waiting for your big break. Take your Career into your own hands, and seek out new opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. Dont rely on reincarnationthats the easy way out.
Mark Branson is a featured columnist for CareerMusician.com, a collection of resources for the aspiring music business professional. As a Musician and music aficionado, Mark's writing is meant to provide aspiring professionals with inspiration and a broader perspective of the art and business of music. Email the editor at mark@CareerMusician.com
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Author:: Mark Branson
Keywords:: music business, Recording, Musician, Career
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