Neil Young and Rick Rubin: 'World Record', Recording on Tape, and Creative Process | Apple Music

Ahead of the release of his 42nd studio album 'World Record', Neil Young and record producer Rick Rubin sit down with Zane Lowe for an intimate conversation at the iconic Shangri La Studios in Malibu, California.
The album marks the first collaboration between Neil Young and Rick Rubin. They explain the benefits and challenges of recording this album on tape, and debate the pros and cons of digital versus analog methods of making music. Neil expresses the importance of being environmentally conscious, and how that feeling comes alive in this album, specifically in tracks like "Live Earth". Young explains his desire to lead by example and make this project eco-friendly every step of the way, including in touring and creating a live music experience that is as sustainable as possible.
Listen to Neil Young on Apple Music: apple.co/NYRRZLYT
00:00 - Recording to Tape
11:47 - Creating the Melodies
18:55 - Theme of ‘World Record’
29:36 - “Love Earth”
41:13 - Working on Vinyl
53:09 - Neil Young on ‘Harvest’
Subscribe to Apple Music: apple.co/AppleMusicYT
Follow Apple Music:
TikTok: / applemusic
Instagram: / applemusic
Facebook: / applemusic
Twitter: / applemusic
Watch more Apple Music:
What’s New: apple.co/2VFatTU
Apple Music Up Next: apple.co/2MLktXE
Interviews: apple.co/32WnrPV
What’s Trending: apple.co/2Meq89t
Apple Music lets you listen to millions of songs, online or off, totally ad-free. Create and share your own playlists, get exclusive content and personalized recommendations, and listen to radio hosted by artists streaming live or on demand. apple.co/SUBSCRIBE
#NeilYoung #RickRubin #AppleMusic

[@TMBTM]

I rarely saw Neil so comfortable and cheerful in an interview. It was a pleasure.

[@Miguel-un1vh]

Agree. One of the best Neil interviews I’ve ever seen.

[@josephkelley8641]

Neil/Rick respected the fact that Zane came to work.

[@Pravindaswani74]

I don't think he was comfortable,if that it was because Rick was there.

[@bigriver3278]

@@Pravindaswani74 He's comfortable in life and a lot of it has to do with Daryl Hannah and his massive success that I think he's come a bit more comfortable with age!

[@bigriver3278]

....might also be something in the coffee!

[@Nosh_Feratu]

possibly the best metaphor i've ever heard to describe two of your own albums 'its like Zebras and horses, they occupy the same space but they're just not the same' . . i love his brain.

[@Mr_Rob_otto]

Like Neil once said, “Rick is the music man.” Genius and genius. I have nothing but respect for Rick Rubin. He’s been involved with so many great artists it’s crazy.

[@abbefolkseger6927]

He still didnt Interview Rapperina Riley Reid :( She was a Unicorn!

[@josephkelley8641]

Rick just such a legend in his own right.

[@thegrandpencil4374]

I'm a fan as well... though not his brickwalling techniques. He should go back and remaster all of them and make them dynamic imo.

[@MrSoul227]

“Welcome Back” on the Barn album is up near his best ever

[@j.c7719]

Neil Young, the master, is truly one of the greatest artists ever to have graced the earth. His songs are ridiculously good. “Big birds flying across the sky, throwing shadows on our eyes, leave us helpless, helpless, helpless, helpless”

[@cirocjones9886]

Neil young left his wife with cancer then she died. Slow ya roll JC

[@j.c7719]

@@cirocjones9886 And? You’re not obligated to stay in a relationship with someone just because they have an illness and what does that have to do with his music?

[@BlueHopi144]

@@j.c7719 he is a notorious troll

[@BlueHopi144]

" Heart of Gold , Rocking in a free world and so many others incredible soulful songs ...the list is so long we would get lost in it

[@j.c7719]

@@BlueHopi144 The list really is so long, he has had an incredible career making great music, some of my personal favourites are ‘Tell Me Why’, ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’, ‘After the Gold Rush’, ‘The Needle and The Damage Done’, ‘Tonight’s the Night’, ‘Cinnamon Girl’, ‘Down by The River’, ‘Out of The Blue’, ‘Sugar Mountain’, ‘Harvest Moon’ and of course ‘Helpless’

[@mattgee5609]

Pure Gold. I find myself blessed to be alive and be able to enjoy all this KZbin magic.

[@10MinuteGuitarJams]

It truly is amazing.. When I first got into music around 10 years old, it was vinyl and cassettes, MTV was just around the corner. The only info you had on your favourite band (AC/DC) was the back of the album cover and the occasional cheesy interview. The advances we've had, both technologically and in access to the artists in the last 40 years, are unbelievable. We really do live in the future.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I know , I remember when I got my first Transistor Radio & thought wow I can walk around & listen to the Dave Clark Five & the Baseball game 😱

[@keithipock2291]

It’s amazing. Never would have believed in a thousand years you’d have practically ALL the music ever made in the palm of your hand and a sweet Bluetooth speaker to listen. 😎 And us old folks know good music.

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Neil , Joni, and Gord , the last three iconic Canadian singer songwriters. I’ve listened to them since they started out and when they’re gone we won’t see their like again. Neil continues to make relevant, edgy music 50 years on.

[@MothGirl007]

And Leonard Cohen.

[@sunnyday751]

also the great Bryan Adams

[@brucemacmillan9581]

I like Gord, but for me it's Neil, Joni and Leonard. In no particular order. Gord would be in the second tier, not very far down the list.

[@brucemacmillan9581]

@@sunnyday751 I wouldn't include Bryan Adams on that list. Not as a songwriter. Not on the same level lyrically.

[@troubleondemand7703]

Paul Anka and Gordon Lightfoot could be added to that list...

[@timbrown8038]

I was fortunate enough to see Neil in Verona Italy around 1982 in a very old open colosseum type of venue. Awesome show. On train station back to Vicenza there was local playing Wish You Were Here on acoustic guitar. US Army.😍

[@benwitte8832]

Certainly the best interview of Neil that I've ever heard. It is rich. Maybe Rick Rubin's presence forces authenticity.

[@ericellis4103]

It was so good to listen to people talk so well about the essence and spirit when it comes to the creation of music. I would so love to be able to hear sound like Rick Rubin and Neil Young. Another good interview to watch is the AXSTV Dan Rather interview of Neil several years ago. In that he spoke of his physical and emotional feelings when it comes to playing music.

[@aLittleBitter.]

Man, this was an epic interview. Neil & Rick are both such interesting human beings.

[@MartyHalpern]

If I could give this multiple thumbs up, I would.... Thoroughly enjoyed this interview, so thank you Neil and Rick for your contribution, and thank you, too, Zane for the thought-provoking and intelligent questions. Cheers, all!

[@cirocjones9886]

Neil young left his wife with cancer then she died. Slow ya roll Mart.

[@MartyHalpern]

@@cirocjones9886 So, tell me about your parents....

[@doriwiljt]

@@cirocjones9886 I guess you were there.

[@artvallejos1460]

@@cirocjones9886 Why are you here?.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

@@cirocjones9886 You must not have ever been in a relationship that ended it's over long before you leave .

[@stageactor1958]

What a wonderful conversation. Zane really knows his way around talking about music, and more, which is not an easy thing to do. Especially with someone as unique and passionate as Neil. Thank you for this.

[@kft590]

When you listen to a song and you love it right away, sometimes that brilliances fades, and it eventually becomes just a good song. My favorite songs didn't sound great to me the first time I heard it, but something brings me back and familiarity clicks, and the song keep getting better and better and eventually you love it.

[@ronzundell7394]

It is so nice to hear the collective wisdom of Neil and Rick discussing things that we can all relate to. As someone who grew up listening to Neil Young, I find great comfort knowing he is still in touch with the issues that still matter and making music that reflects that. He has created a musical legacy that is timeless. The man is a musical genius

[@cirocjones9886]

Neil young left his wife with cancer then she died. Slow ya roll Ron

[@artvallejos1460]

@@cirocjones9886 Why are you here?.

[@kappiiee]

Hmm, the part where he is like "buy clean food if you have much money" sounds a bit deranged

[@jamesdoctor8079]

I’m glad we finally got a solid interview of Rick Young on KZbin

[@elishamorton826]

"I would imagine that if you could understand Morse code, a tap dancer would drive you crazy." Smiling watching this in wonderment, respect & gratitude. Thank you

[@billmay7364]

Neil Young is Brillant . I remember the first Time I listened To After the Gold Rush. Like listening to THE BEATLES or that Great STONES record. It stays with you a Lifetime. Neil's work is Vast. Still Creative . Still Matters. Some of my favorite records are by Neil Young. Neil and Rick together. Well it's always a good thing. Cool interview.

[@gdownz1044]

Recording directly from tape to digital is the thing now. DSD is incredible when done right and blows the Old PCM methods away. I'm so glad they're preserving history. Chevrolet does sound like it's from the early 70s in it's own way. Thanks for this interview! Great Video and of course GREAT Music 🎶

[@waakdfms2576]

Neil is the real deal, behold a pure and true artist - thank you for this interview with both Neil and Rick, great job!

[@josephkelley8641]

Great interview/piece - love the fact that Zane's so well prepared.

[@etherian]

I could listen to Rick and Neil all day. Great interview!

[@chuckmaiden1770]

I so respect Neil's creative courage and process. Total trust and authenticity. So enjoying this. Thank you!

[@abdallahaddad620]

As an artist, watching this is a gift. Internet is awesome sometimes

[@keithrichardstaunton]

Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking without subliminal agenda from the Maestros. 🎶🙏💗

[@jmacallar]

Great interview! Looking forward to the new tunes from Neil!

[@stephengiese7549]

Very nice to see these three instead of audio only. Really technical explanations from all. But they know what they are talking about. Neil is really animated and funny. He is very clear about how he wrote and remembering what he had to do to record something.

[@jadeedmundson5715]

Love Rick and Neil chatting in Rick’s Malibu backyard! So cool this🙏🏻💐🐶💕

[@InfinitelyQurious]

I absolutely love geeking out on Neil Young embracing analog and digital technologies to produce the best auditory art he can. The dude still loves his craft, and I love him for it.

[@Russellrodberg]

We just love this. Thank you Neil and Rick

[@musiclassica]

First 30 mins. are good but as off min. 30 is where the important things start being said. Many thanks to the 3 of you for this interview.

[@jamesmikkelson7636]

Wow. That was incredible. Great interviewer who was able to engage so warmly with these two icons. That hour zipped by...

[@SS-qo4xe]

Neil's best interview in many years! Good mojo with the people present I guess.

[@wildhearth]

I have a great black and white picture of my Dad as an eager and well dressed young man that reminds me of Neil's Dads picture on this cover. There is something about that generation and their determination.

[@neilwyoung]

Great interview .. found it unexpectedly .. glad I stayed to the end.

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

Neil Young is a Musical Genius. He's darn good at making non-pollutting cars. Great music is alive forever.

[@artvallejos1460]

@Midnight Lightning Radio Why are you here?

[@juniorjohnson5961]

@Midnight Lightning Radio Explain ?

[@duanedavidson7219]

non polluting cars 😂😂😂😂

[@duanedavidson7219]

@@juniorjohnson5961if you have to ask 😂😂😂

[@JamesWalshBristolKids]

@@duanedavidson7219 google it... He created an amazing big size car that is self contained and is electric. There's videos out there on KZbin of him presenting it at a conference

[@vexillary7914]

What's up with the shaky cam guys? Just set it up and let these people shine. It's not a 00s action thriller.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Love Neil Young so much, so grateful for his music and work-one of the best, Rubin is great to ofc

[@peterj4741]

What Neil said about factory farming…how that was the beginning, wow. He’s right, Factory farming, in all its forms, really is the root of all this.

[@Jason5000]

The idea of analog entropy had never occurred to me before.. that is super fascinating! Rick Rubin says " it's alive... it's all alive" .. brilliant

[@susiefairfield7218]

They don't have. Charlie Miller

[@robertocarlos_v]

This was a nice interview. With the whole MoFi situation and vinyl dominating the physical media, it was interesting to listen to their opinions about the analog vs digital debate.

[@johncopeland3826]

What a wonderful way to interview people and to realise that we really are all in this together !All the answers are right there in front of us ! One of the problems we all have is blindness to the facts and truth ! Common sense lets us know that unless we all treat Mother earth with kindness and respect , we won't be ever to enjoy Father sky's vistas and beauty for much longer ! As the song says ; There's laws that we must live by and they are not the laws of man ,can't you see the shadow that moves across this land . The future is upon us and there's so much we must do and you know I can't ignore it and my friends neither can you ..........D Fogelberg 1990 .....!

[@mrfuzztone]

Saw Neil Young in the late 60's in Covina, CA at Carousel Theater playing with Buffalo Springfield.

[@MrSoul227]

Among the legends of all time. Neil, Bob, Leonard & Joni

[@Dolkange]

Once again a really interesting conversation. Between 3 beautiful minds. Thanks a lot.

[@nikezooms]

well.. 2 beautiful minds..

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

@@nikezooms no, 3. zane lowe is a fantastic music journalist. he has been around for a long time.

[@TheNaturalust]

Euphonix- The first digitally controlled analog signal path large format mixing consoles. Neil gave us an award one year for them. We were bought by Avid who used our ideas to make their console, but we were first to combine the two worlds with one important piece of hardware.

[@nocashnoskills]

This is a super important conversation for music history. So many great perspectives on the evolution of music. Couple weeks after it going out it has 277k views. There will be many future viewers, I hope you cherish this as much as I do!

[@Sacredfiremusic]

@rickrubin is one of the most authentic Zen people .. Neil thank you for staying true to what is real .. oox

[@shaner67]

Have never been a huge fan although I respect Niel for living his art. Rick is in my opinion like the neighbour who you talk with over the fence, just a regular guy.. Great interview, well done with getting out the best in your subjects. We are all love ✌️

[@Flash___]

two absolute legends

[@susiefairfield7218]

Wow! A fan found a cassette bootleg of a Neil Show nobody heard .... Mind blowing Thank You Tapers

[@beatletoons6645]

what a great conversation , it covers the past , present and hope for the future and nice to hear Rick and Neil talk about analog vs digital

[@steveweiss2081]

For me, Neil Young has always been a mixed bag. His best stuff has been nothing short of brilliant, and the rest is a mishmash of everything from pretty good to awful. But every time he puts out something new, I have to give it a listen because it’s Neil Young, and with Neil Young you just never know. There just might be a nugget of brilliance in there somewhere, and I don’t want to miss it.

[@TheNaturalust]

Well said. At one time the nuggets were so plentiful it was a no brainer. It's been a while since those nuggets have really moved me. I think Neil has just got lazy and doesn't take the time to make his songs so perfect, partially because so many people have convinced him everything he does is worthwhile, which isn't the case, imo.

[@snicker576]

There really was a good nuget in this album, "Chevrolet". It was legit really good

[@hollygolightly7475]

I like the new album

[@Zepster77]

Greendale…. what a record!!

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

I have so many albums, but at the same time, I don't like everything he does. Landing on Water for instance, or Are You Passionate? However, I worry that I'm missing something great on those albums. But then you have On The Beach, or Tonight's The Night, and you realize those are near perfect albums. Some of his early live albums, recently released are also treasures.

[@thomaslippiatt7107]

Zane interviewing two people that have done so much for me in my life

[@Jake-yx7ct]

NY is a thinker and he has ideas/solutions.I don't see any worms when I dig around my roses. Im gonna read up on this idea.Keep on Rocking Neil.

[@grahamhughes2025]

great great watching....loved it. Thanks to all you 3 for sharing your selves........much loved

[@chantalrochon3566]

Grateful for this video, thank you!❤❤❤

[@RightReverandJimmy]

Always nice to listen to Neil talk about music and the many layers to which he pays such close attention. How about Crazy Horse recorded as a backing group? Pick up "She Used to Want to be a Ballerina" Buffy Saint Marie's 1971 album to hear them.

[@VangeliRock]

6:26 "So you've already taking that dark step, and now your in the realm, where nothing is real" Are you kidding me? I almost fell off my seat when he said that. Neil is a such amazing human being.

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

What a brilliant interview, actually not an interview a conversation about what they all lot, music

[@robertfields1964]

Finally, a kind of touring that appeals to me!

[@smokeynewport1591]

110% audio quality geekdom and I love every minute of it! Great interview. Thank you. 🙏

[@josephwroglieri]

I have a feeling Daryl Hannah picked out Neils socks and running shoes! Love this interview! Good to see Neil laughing out loud! Love this interview!

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

well when you get together with a married man, you deserve it.

[@MrKeithtoad]

Electric Light Orchestra released an album entitled, A New World Record in October 1976. That being said, it was a delight to watch this exchange of minds!

[@vdggmouse9512]

Also released in October 1976 - 'World Record' by UK band Van der Graaf Generator.

[@williamdeming853]

I’ll buy that radio! “Radio is the future.” Truth. Long live rock and roll!

[@robbiepeterh]

Happy (recent) birthday Neil!

[@simonpert2485]

Huge fab of Neil Young and another great interview by Zane Lowe

[@StephenOshea]

great video thanks for the music all.it's so good all the music is archived

[@luke0db]

Probably the two coolest, chillest, nicest guys in music right there.

[@artvallejos1460]

@Midnight Lightning Radio Why are you here?

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

3

[@luke0db]

@Midnight Lightning Radio Get a life

[@kasiaoleszek7422]

Thank you neil. Unplugged saved my life

[@gazmix589]

Long may you run Neil & the Horse too.🙏

[@gevvv]

Wow, that was a great interview with Neil!

[@margotthomas1450]

Never been a huge fan of Zane Lowe but he absolutely nails this interview. Neil and Rick are so relaxed and they totally come out of their shell.

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

Zane Lowe is a good interviewer and this is great

[@nedkent5239]

The story of Neil mixing a record in a rowboat in a lake in front of his house is awesome!

[@giovannimilan]

The 'Harvest' movie is a must see for every music fan! I'm looking forward to watch it!

[@RichRoberts-bh7hd]

Just found these interviews....really dig Ricks "Vibe"!

[@ThrasherWheat]

'World Record' will be Neil's 44th studio album since 1969. 3rd consecutive studio album w/ Crazy Horse. Aprox 14th album w/ Crazy Horse

[@KOSMICKEN09]

One of my favorites is Reactor - such a raw album..

[@enigmadubz]

Absolutely brilliant interview and insights, 3 top human beings.

[@followthebeat66]

Such humble persons... Great talk!

[@lnhislmage]

Rick and Neil are both old school cool I’d love to have them both over for dinner sometime!

[@aazo999]

Neil Young stands out he's got something special.

[@KETEBOWERS]

Really enjoyed this ! 🎶😎

[@lucasrem]

Songs, Products, Politics Why is KZbin this evil, we need to clean KZbin! Kick their board out, remove the evil here !

[@artvallejos1460]

@@lucasrem Do you think it's evil when Neil does benefit concerts for disabled children, farmers, environmental issues etc....... Making millions of dollars for these organizations. Giving To The Living.

[@erlingthybo]

Great ! A Must Listen

[@pmpgonzalez]

Great stuff, this interview.

[@kencade6544]

You have to admire Neil's unwavering commitment to his art. It's always fueled by the creative and never by commerce or trend. That's why I admire him so much, even if at times the end result doesn't speak to me, it's always authentic. Great interview 👍

[@Acemechanicalservices]

His unwavering commitment to shutting down free speech is admirable as well, eh?

[@kencade6544]

@@Acemechanicalservices Funny how you're suggesting he shouldn't have the right to voice his opinion, but you should...smells like hypocrisy around here.

[@artvallejos1460]

@@kencade6544 Pay no attention to ace. He's a closet Neil Young fan. Or else he wouldn't be here.

[@billr2375]

42 albums? Neils Father, Scott, wrote 45 Books--most of them about Kids and Hockey---in fact on one tour with the Shocking Pinks, Neil brought his Dad on Tour and on stage with him..saw it, around 1987ish?...Neil got his writing chops from his Dad. But his senstivity from his Mom, Cassie.

[@vincevirtua]

The Zane 'I'm here hire me' interview. Lol I kid, another great conversation from Zane with some greats.

[@plutogamstrumframe]

❤Thanks for the Great Music

[@Lermer07]

Would love to see Neil Young on JRE

[@artvallejos1460]

Naw, rogan is to busy. making people eat bugs and worms.

[@GhilaPan]

YES, THANK YOU, NEAL AND CRAZY HORSE!🙂😉

[@tpstrato2270]

SOULFUL BLUESY RUSTED That ragged guitar wonderful raw energy Amazing riff I can go on & on how good is or how to explain neil young

[@-Atmos1]

It would be magical to record with Rick Rubin

[@JackT13]

Neil Young is a gift to humanity

[@jg6698]

Lol

[@chicagobob]

Great interview --both Rick and Neil are very spiritual on top of being artists

[@LukeVanGeest]

Great interview!

[@geoffcline9593]

loved this. thoroughly.

[@shawnstadtler9865]

Three Legends. Neil Young is my all time favorite, and Zane Lowe is the best interviewer in music hands down.

[@joeguitar75]

WHAT? This guy is only interested in himself coming across as a "friend to the stars".... Absolutely unprofessional and unwatchable.

[@artvallejos1460]

@@joeguitar75 never heard of you Never heard any of your songs You must not be any good. Neil has over 1180 and counting copyrighted songs. How many you got? Zero.

[@kim_here]

Wow. These guys are the coolest. I love their connection and humor. They are inspirational on many different levels.

[@matthewsharayko7463]

Interviewing people is one aspect of my job, and I take a lot of inspiration in doing that watching Zane interview some of my favorite artists

[@sudanbewaobdedebo]

Great Interview. Thanks!!!

[@joepalooka2145]

I like Neil and I've been listening to him since the '60s. But there's one thing about him that I don't like: he has absolutely no self-imposed limits on anything he puts out. It can be fantastic genius, it can be really good or just OK, or it can be really poor and even mediocre. No problem, his fans will buy anything he puts out. But I know the difference and I'm not going to sit back and say everything he does is good, when it's clearly not.

[@garyolshan4177]

He has made some amazing records, but you can also say its was somewhat quanity over quality having recorded a all-time record 45 albums

[@paint1955]

You’re not wrong, he put out a lot of dull records

[@artvallejos1460]

2 songs for you "Walk On "& "Don't Cry No Tears ".

[@BuroAan]

Neil has not done anything great since Ragged Glory…

[@artvallejos1460]

Everything Neil has put out is better than anything we have put out.