I am often listen to Tetragrammaton—the podcast where Rick Rubin blends deep introspection with the laid-back ease of a conversation between old friends. What sets the show apart for me is Rick’s ability to explore the inner lives of his guests, no matter their background. From musicians and artists to spiritual thinkers, the eclectic mix of personalities always makes for rich, unpredictable conversations.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw an unexpected episode in my feed this morning: Rick Rubin in conversation with none other than Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors. Considering Morrison passed away in 1971, I was instantly intrigued. Known for his poetic spirit, rebellious nature, and mystique, Morrison was far more than just a rock icon—he was a provocateur, filmmaker, and visionary whose influence still pulses through modern music and culture. The idea of him "appearing" on the podcast raised an immediate question: how on earth would they pull this off?
It turns out Rick and his team used a fascinating mix of archival recordings and artificial intelligence to bring Morrison’s voice and presence back to life. Layered with the sounds of old phone rings and police sirens, they didn’t just recreate his voice; they curated the man’s thoughts, his essence. AI, with its increasingly sharp ability to simulate speech and personality, was paired with a treasure trove of historical material—interviews, live performances, and Morrison’s own writings. The result wasn’t just a rehash of the past but a conversation that felt vivid, raw, and alive.
What really got me was Rick’s approach to the whole thing. Even though he clearly had an in-depth understanding of Morrison's work and the cultural chaos of the 60s and 70s, his questions carried a kind of fresh curiosity, an almost childlike openness. It was as though he was speaking to Morrison for the very first time, allowing the conversation to unfold naturally, without forcing any big revelations. The dynamic felt less like an interview and more like a genuine exchange, tapping into Morrison’s legacy in a way that didn’t feel overly reverential or stiff.
The use of AI in this context could have easily felt like a gimmick, but Rick’s approach turned it into something far deeper. The conversation felt organic, with Morrison’s voice—filtered through the archives and modern tech—resonating in an entirely new way. It was this balance of paying homage to Morrison’s towering influence while still being open to fresh perspectives that made the episode so powerful. The past wasn’t being trapped in amber—it was allowed to speak directly to the present.
Rick’s genius here was in blending cutting-edge technology with archival gold, bridging not just generations but entire worlds. This episode wasn’t just a tribute to Jim Morrison—it was a conversation that transcended time, showing how technology can make the past feel immediate, relevant, and alive. It’s a reminder of just how much history has to offer when we find new ways to engage with it, keeping it fresh, open, and full of possibility.
Listen to the interview on Tetragrammaton
Inspiration from Mark.