How to Look Past Stereotypes and Actually Learn Something
With music being such a pervasive part of our culture, it’s easy to see how people can base their identities around the kind of music they listen to. They’ll even pride themselves on being the type that doesn’t listen to a certain genre that’s deemed too commercial, too outdated, etcetera. But having such a narrow outlook might not be particularly advantageous for someone who wants to work in music.
While it’s true that certain genres of music might have certain trappings, and certain heavyweights, the truth of the matter is: A good, technically savvy producer is a good technically savvy producer—period. When working in music, it’s important to be able to see people for what they’re trying to accomplish, not what they’ve already accomplished.
When initially making a foray into the music industry, it’s probably much smarter and more effective to keep an open mind to the myriad of musical possibilities out there. Judging a type of person because of the type of music they’re either associated with or even the type of music they make is not only a negative pattern but also something that could potentially hold you back professionally. When you stereotype an artist or a sound, you work against your innate creative sensibilities and are actually thinking in an uncreative, reductive manner. Such thinking often results in songs that sound trite, out of date, or just like someone else’s work.
Whereas, when we make the choice to look past stereotypes and follow our innate creative curiosities, we learn a great deal and start to build a sensibility that is 100% our own. Look at someone like Rick Rubin. He’s produced for acts like Public Enemy, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Cult, Slipknot, Black Sabbath, and Johnny Cash. That’s quite a lot of high profile talent. Now what do these musicians have in common? Notice, they’re not exclusive to one genre or sound. In fact, one could argue that the only thing that connects them is, in fact, Rick Rubin.
Just imagine if Rick Rubin hadn’t wanted to work with Johnny Cash or Black Sabbath, or LL Cool J? The world today would be missing some pretty amazing music.
When entering any new creative situation, take things on with an open mind, be willing to stretch and grow. Talk at length with any of the seriously successful producers in the industry and you’ll soon discover that these people are explorers, not short-sighted scenesters.
Use your ears. Build your creative repertoire. Listen to a wide range of music and when you find something you like, go deep and find out what you like and why. Be open to what the artists you meet have to say about their music, their sound, and be aware of just how inadequate words can be when someone’s trying to express a sound that lives in their imagination.
Rick Rubin isn’t one of the most important hip-hop producers in music today, he’s one of the most important music producers period. He followed his instincts and didn’t limit his experience. The oeuvre he’s built over the decades is his own and is indicative of a sensibility that transcends stereotype.
Learn more about careers in music at www.recordingconnection.com.