Who were Rick Rubin's early influences?

Rick Rubin's early influences encompass a variety of interests from a young age. He had a deep love for music, magic, and professional wrestling. His immersion in the music scene began with the hard rock of the 1970s, notably influenced by bands like AC/DC. Their minimalist approach later shaped his own method in producing rock and hip hop records 1.

Additionally, Rubin grew up around punk rock circles, which significantly impacted his career. He recalls his first interactions with the Beastie Boys, who themselves started as a punk rock band before delving into hip hop 2. Rubin's inclination towards simplifying music—focusing on the essence and stripping away excess layers—demonstrates his broader philosophy of reduction over production 1.

Overall, Rubin's early passions and the rock and punk scenes played critical roles in defining his unique approach to music production.