Rick Rubin, Def Jam Founder And Producer, Announces Debut Book
Rick Rubin, the founder of Def Jam Records and hugely successful music producer, has announced his first book. The Creative Act: A Way Of Being will give readers “a book about what to do make a great work of art” and “a book about how to be.”
“I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art,” said Rubin in a statement. “Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.”
As a producer, Rick Rubin has earned credits on landmark albums such as Tom Petty‘s Wildflowers, Run DMC‘s Tougher Than Leather, Nine Inch Nails’ Further Down The Spiral and Johnny Cash’s American series of albums.
He also has a longstanding working relationship with Red Hot Chili Peppers, and has produced their forthcoming 12th studio record, Unlimited Love.
The synopsis reads, “The Creative Act: A Way Of Being is Rick’s distillation – seven years in the making – of the principles of creativity for creators of all kinds, including people in their everyday lives. In our world where creativity and innovation are more important than ever, everyone is engaged in the creative. It gives revelatory insight into the mysterious process of making stuff great; and it represents the sum total of Rick’s personal artistic observations, with the intention of supporting generations of creators all across the culture.”
UK publisher Canongate’s chief executive officer, Jamie Byng, said, “Rick’s reputation as an innovative and bold producer is formidable but he is also a visionary thinker, and this wise, generous, and meditative book looks set to establish him on the world stage as an inspirational writer. During his long career working with dozens of brilliant musicians on many seminal records, Rubin has helped artists to unlock their creative potential and harness their talents.
“His recognition and appreciation of living as an inherently creative act provides the starting point for this wide-ranging work that already reads like a timeless classic. I could not be more excited that Canongate will be helping to launch The Creative Act into the world.”