That’s the toughest part of trying to record your own vocals in an apartment. There’s always that feeling that someone else is going to hear you

This guy gets it. Someone should hire him

He’s completely correct. I got offered to do some songs at a recording studio owned by a label. It was my first time recording with other people, I was so nervous that I told them I needed them to turn off every light so I could sing because I didn’t want them to see me. Anytime I made a song there, I would go home and record what I already did and because I felt more comfortable, it came out A LOT better than my takes at the studio. It’s important to be comfortable and be okay with being vulnerable when you’re making music, because after all…that’s what you want people to feel when they listen.

While pro studios are beautifully equipped with the greatest gear, they can also be quite intimidating, too, particularly to those who haven’t recorded in a pro studio before. I’ve worked as an engineer in all kinds of studios over the past 4 decades, both pro studios and little home project studios alike, and I’ve seen far more musicians and vocalists struggle in the bigger pro studios than they have in the smaller studios. One common thing I’ve seen happen, countless times in the big, pro studios, is what’s known in studio lingo as “red light” syndrome, a phrase used to describe how performers “freeze up” when they know they’re being recorded, and because they’re in an environment that’s completely new to them…it has nothing to do with how talented or accomplished they may be, or how many times they’ve performed live in front of big crowds, it’s just because they feel intimated, like they’re under a microscope, and feeling insecure about everything they do. Rick Rubin’s comments about how crucial it is to provide a comfortable space for the artists he works with is spot-on, because it doesn’t matter how expensive or cutting edge a studio’s gear is, if the performers can’t perform at their best, or in some cases, not perform at all. Not only do the artists need to relax, they also need to feel secure enough to occasionally fail as well, without feeling self conscious about it…they need to feel comfortable enough to try new things, new ideas, and to stretch beyond their normal abilities, which can often result in wonderful “capturing lightning in a bottle” performances…but that can sometimes also result in ways that aren’t desirable as well, and they need to feel safe, knowing they won’t be “judged” or made to feel self conscious for those times when their creative experimentations don’t work out for the best. I have no doubt whatsoever that a big part of the success of the artists that have recorded with Rick is because of the safe environment that he creates for them to be creative. 😊 FWIW.

The man speaks truth! I feel so creatively suffocated trying to create music in an apartment with thin walls. Just impossible to fully let loose and try new stuff. Headphones are starting to feel like a prison! Could be worse, but man! I used to rent a space and I had what he's describing at one point. Goddamn do I miss that space!

There is an artist named ''Paul Westerberg'' who was the frontman of the influencal band ''The Replacements'' and one of his producers always made sure to be able to set up microphones in the room quickly to record even though it didn't sound perfect. He did that because Paul Westerberg used to improvise or just play something a lot and sometimes it was very beautiful sounding but he could never remember what he exactly played because every take is different. What I want to say is when you are recording or just rehearsing it is good to still record it because you might perform a take which isn't perfect but magical. I had that a couple of times and regret having recorded it in the room.

My dream job would be to be Rick's studio assistant, but my only real responsibility would be to make coffee. And just be there in case anybody wanted coffee. If the coffee was made and served, then, as long as I was quiet and unobtrusive, I could just sit around in the back and observe...

its unconditional self love. heavenly mindset

Did he say working on a new album with the Strokes ... hell ya!

I used headphones for mixing almost exclusively. Waves Audio has a plugin that emulates a stereo/3D audio environment that factors-in everything from your actual speaker locations to the circumference of your head. After mixing and then deactivating the plugin, your mix is ridiculously good. This ^ doesn’t replace a proper studio. But if you want to get where you can feel right with minimal overhead and distraction, it’s a nice pocket knife to have.

Rick Rubin is a great producer, and someone you would want in your corner. The whole idea of vibes is very important, especially when creating new Melodies!

That is so cool! Dude this Rubin episode and then Anthony Keidis have been the best!

I use IEMs at home and feed some pink noise and rain sounds into them as well as into my room then have the monitoring mix go into the IEMs. This way I feel like I have two layers of protection. Of course, I also double check that all the windows are closed and that it’s a reasonable hour of the day. A few times I forgot to close the windows haha. Anyway, all I do differently when it’s actually time to really record is cut the rain sound into the room. I don’t even notice it’s missing. As someone who was a very insecure singer, this has been working for me.

I definitely notice a difference in the type of music I make when it's just me and my headphones versus when I'm making it through my monitors and the people I live with can hear it, or if I'm somewhere even more public and try to make music. I find that I'm much less self-conscious, more confident, and more daring the more alone I am.

The most important thing for an artist is the sound and the ability to hear your band mates. The best experience I ever had was at a place on west 7th in vancouver where motley cruel, def leopard, bon Jovi,Aerosmith recorded. The room was incredible. It sounded like you were playing in a roman amphitheater.

Sounds like a beautiful experience for the Strokes near the ocean. Always loved the Funky Monks documentary about RHCP recording Blood Sugar Sex Magic. Always inspiring.

Rick Please show us those videos too 🙏🏽 that whole crib on the mountain sounds wonderful

When you’re right you’re right. Very good points made by Rick

You gotta fight for your right, recording...! 🎶

I love this man and the chili peppers

This was a great episode.

"I need to do a podcast in a water floating chamber" Joe Rogan

It's all about the headspace I absolutely agree.

This guy is a wizard. It's so odd. He's not a musician, but he's some sort of musical ambiance type, genius, or some shit man. It's crazy.

Everything he said is spot on ofc

I absolutely hate it, I've made my best music when it's been about 7 people in one room when I'm alone with a producer I feel really off and takes a lot of the fun of performing out

one of joe's best questions

I have a bedroom studio right now, my second and I'm glad that I do. In the spring we're moving to my father-in-law's house and I'm building a studio in the basement. We'll be sound proofing the ceiling as best we can but since it'll be in the crawl space, it only has a 6 foot high ceiling. Good thing I"m 5'9"! Lot's of acoustic treatment will be involved. It'll be cozy but it'll be my sanctuary!

This is exactly why I built my own studio. Converted an old office on the edge of the city into a 3500 sq ft space exactly to my liking

Man right when joe asked that question i screamed “its the most important part!” My creative space is so crucial to my craft I often dream about the best creative spaces imaginable, like a studio over looking the New York skyline or the swiss alps or Los Angeles

Rick Rubin absolutely understands. That is all I'll say.

Crazy, I thought I was the only one who also felt this 😅

Well said Mr. Rubin

The most important thing is a comfy couch that you can lay on with no shoes on.

2:43 great news for strokes fans

This is so zen.

Sounds like a good way to live, too.

This is also good dating advice 💯

That Joe Rogan moan/grunt at the end was so satisfying idk why lol

I’m doing my PHD thesis on this! Gold

Wise words

And then comes the invoice!☺️

This dude seems like he has potential in music

He’s speaking facts right here

that mansion budget hit different

I DIdnt realize you came here to costa rica bro nice,,, saludes pura vida mae

Totally!! 💡

Your home studio should be the best room in the house, where you want to lurk the most. That's my setup now, compared to my previous place where it was my least favorite room. Big difference in how much time I spend in the studio now.

blink 182 recorded their self titled album in a house. R.I.P Jerry Finn

Yep

Set and setting

reminds me of when dethklok recorded an album in a nuclear submarine in the mariana trench.

This is very true. I do my best work either alone or in small groups. When I’m in writing sessions I’ll usually go sit in some weird corner alone and ideas just start flowing

Waiting for that The Strokes albumm

bro speaking FACTS

Absolutely! It takes 1000 mistakes to create 1 usable content. Civilian audience won’t let you get passed the first mistake.

Strokes fans if they made it to the end… 🤩

New album with the strokes. God bless it.

those outside the creative process can either hamstring it or enable it's greatness. depends on those involved. usually, the least amount of distractions the better the output from the creatives. rubin gets this.

New Strokes album fuck yes

My car used to be that place for me

I got a spot. It's haunted by memories of having my family and friends here. Fifteen years of living and losing is quite a load on my mind, and I've tried to make it different, but sadness persists. I have to find a way to get back to work. And to forget about the life I used to live here. I'm in year three of them being gone. I'd move, but I kinda' feel priced into this place, and feel I'd never find such a good spot for that price I pay to live here. That said, It's turned into more than just money that it's costing me. They didn't support me anyway, so why am I sad?

4 comments! Really? Mr Rubin is a certified G!

I’m producing on the iPad now. I can now make music anywhere.

A new album with the strokes?? Was he talking about the new abnormal?

From reading the comments it sounds like this guy is the dj Khalid of the 90s lol

Its hard to explain to my dad that leaving some empty cans of soft drinks where they are are needed My dad supports me with giving me money to put out my music and telling people about it and im thankfull for it but the problem is he does not understand what creativity is and that you neef to use it when its in you or flowing this flow state shouldnt be Interrupted because than you need to re gain it. I decided because my left ear hears worse now and 4 ent doctors couldnt really give me the answer what it is That i dont take that effort in mixing Professional i just do everything to capture and keep the emotions in it Its hard after 2 years just learning mixing to Just be like oh i cant hear most of it. I just hope that its not a nerve damage or tumor. The problem is its for so long that it could be something dumb but you dont get help Here because they dont take you series when you are Young age. If its something really bad it could be removed early but when nobody looks after it it could be Problematic but it could be just the eustachian tube misfunctioning so who knows but when warm water is on my right side of my body i feel it much different than the left side

When Rubin says "we recorded it" does he mean, meeting the band once a month, sitting in the couch and saying "this is good" or "rewrite this part"? Not actually composing, mixing, arranging, editting, any of that.

Fax

I think I'm on the right path considering I have modular synthesizers taking up half my bed. Not sure how my bedroom feels to other people though.....

That’s exactly why we have so much shit music today. With Comedy you need to try stuff out and if it bombs you don’t use it. With music the radio will be paid to play anything a thousand times a day until you like it

Legend has it Rick was actually producing 4 albums while doing this interview

Thats a really good point! I personally dont have a door in my room(dont ask why), so every time i want to record my shitty vocal parts, i go to the bathroom and do this under a bunch of blankets. Not only does this help to get reed of echoes but i also feel less pressured by my roommates.

I feel like this is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life to record the best music I can possibly create. The safe space to be vulnerable while recording. I love Rick and his work more than any other producer. He’s the best and I wish in some other life time I could work with him. Aho

anybody know what kind of glasses rick is wearing?

Did he NOT want to say "safe space"?... ha ha!!

i had to have a home studio to effectively make music. 15 albums later im glad i did

What happened to this podcast? Its not online?

why do they always have headphones in JR ?

I'd love to play on a mountain in front of nature and the Ocean

I could use a change of scenery

He looks like a music guru. Thank you, Mr Rubin, for supporting new creators

HE'LL Might make varsity

im a fine art artist and i can agree that being alone no pressure no deadline to create sparks something inside you to really put it out there.. everything you have. its when the artist is alone can he truly create something special.. even sports when you hear the greats working out after practice or shooting by themselves alone without a team.. something just sparks the mind to create and its fucking beatiful.. you can take away our money.. tax us to hell.. make us stay inside.. but you cant take away our human spirit and the creative mind. good always wins. the devil can best be beaten with patience having none himself..

I would hire him. After I win the lottery. I can't pull off A Costa Rican Mountain Ocean Concert, at this time.

Basically, Rick is describing the situation in a playroom unsupervised by parents. I have long since created a studio of this kind. It is my protected retreat cave, where I can forget space and time, where I can play, where I CAN create things, not HAVE to. But the broader aspect of this issue, in my opinion, is that these conditions should be created not only in a "sacred creative temple" called a recording studio, but everywhere people "live". Life itself is already fundamentally a form of creativity. If you remove the pressure to perform, evaluation, devaluation, and the need to succeed, playful creativity emerges. (Try to force a child to "have fun") But of course this also requires that people want to play, WANT to create something. And this we unlearn piece by piece. In our together created system, which lives from the fact that each still so small need is served for money. We live in a global whorehouse in which everyone can be blown exactly according to his wishes. But it is and remains "just a whorehouse". Nobody who sells you something will ever love you for what you are. If we want to live as Rick describes, we have to create a life again that we WANT to live, not HAVE to live. Amen!😇🙏🏻🙈

OK so looks like I already have a studio I just didn't know about it

It is interesting because I’ve heard a ton of artists say Rubin is barely there during the process and doesn’t really impart any of the guru vibes he’s giving here. If anyone wants to listen to a better example of producers talking about their process, I recommend the Progressions podcast with Travis Ference or Lij Shaw’s “recording studio rockstars”

and here i am living in the most expensive city in canada trying to figure out what to do, everything so damn expensive sigh.

Yep the environment matters.

let’s eat any beat !

I understand not wanting to leave Costa Rica.

Word

That's exactly why I made my own studio, after 30 albums I'm happy I did

Did RR rip that vibe off from Portugal the man

Were is the trampoline gotta have trampoline

Thats so hard to explain to someone who dont have clue...

i realy loved the sound of the B S S M album of red hot c p the drums uauuuuuuuuu,

Rick Rubin sounds just like Anthony Jessilinck

Billy corgan shape-shifter is rick.