Brian Wilson, the legendary musician and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82.
Wilson, who rose to fame as a teenager in Southern California alongside his brothers, cousin, and close friend, has left an indelible mark on music and culture.
In a 2009 interview with LAist, Wilson discussed his album “That Lucky Old Sun,” which was praised by Rolling Stone for its California spirit and described as his ‘strongest new work in years.’
Despite facing numerous health battles throughout his life, Wilson remained an influential figure in the music industry.
He talked extensively with LAist’s AirTalk host Larry Mantle about his musical roots, his creative processes, and the evolution of his sound.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Hawthorne, California, he shared that he didn’t venture into Hollywood until the age of 21.
Wilson also noted how he lived in various neighborhoods, though he felt music transcended geography, saying, “Music is pretty universal. It’s the same wherever you go. And that’s why I made music about California. Because I like California.”
During the interview, he fondly remembered Chris Montez, a fellow Hawthorne native known for his hit “Let’s Dance.”
Though they hadn’t seen each other in decades, Wilson expressed admiration for Montez’s work.
When asked about his first rock concert experience, Wilson struggled to recall, but he did mention enjoying an Elton John concert that left a significant impression on him.
Wilson explained that his album “That Lucky Old Sun” was conceived as a concept album, encompassing the diverse moods and experiences of Los Angeles, coining it the ‘Heartbeat of L.A.’
This album marked his first time creatively collaborating with Scott Bennett, a member of his band, highlighting the importance of poetic and creative writing in his collaborations.
Wilson reminisced about a pivotal moment when he saw the Wondermints perform at a tribute show.
He was astonished that they were familiar with his Beach Boys songs and extended an invitation for them to be his backup band.
He praised their musicianship, stating, “Oh my God! Well, they’re much superior musicians and greater singers than I’ve ever heard.”
In terms of songwriting, Wilson admitted he had never penned a song as a gift for anyone, showing a more personal and focused approach to his music.
When discussing his listening preferences, he identified himself as a CD enthusiast while also enjoying oldies radio stations.
A favorite chord of his is E, and he expressed interest in continuing to write non-instrumental music, although he doesn’t see himself working on soundtracks.
Recently, he hinted at having written a new song that he felt was particularly joyful, though he playfully dismissed the idea of performing it any time soon.
Reflecting on his performance at the Wiltern Theater ten years prior, he admitted he never envisioned that he would continue performing solo for so long.
Wilson shared that he employs both multi-tracking and live recording methods in his current music projects, allowing for various creative expressions in the studio.
One of his favorite moments on stage is when performing “God Only Knows,” a testament to his enduring connection with his legacy as a songwriter.
He also expressed surprise at the enthusiasm of different audience demographics, particularly praising the audiences in Boston, Hollywood Bowl, and Denver for their appreciation of music.
During the past few years, Wilson was very active in traveling and performing in Europe, noting that European audiences showed greater appreciation for music compared to American audiences.
He revealed that the last movie he truly enjoyed was “Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson.
When asked about the possibility of writing another light-hearted song, he humorously dismissed the idea, referencing his earlier hit about caring for feet.
Wilson once ventured into the health food business in Los Angeles but acknowledged it was short-lived, chuckling as he recalled, “We went out of business.”
While he has largely stepped away from the beach scene due to cooler temperatures, his memories of the California coast remain a vital part of his music.
He expressed a desire for people to inquire more about the intricate making of his classic song, “Good Vibrations.”
He shared insights into its complex recording process, mentioning that it involved five different studios and spanned various song movements.
Wilson believed this innovative approach positively influenced the song’s final outcome.
Looking ahead after releasing his latest album, Wilson mused about wanting to create a rock and roll album reminiscent of Phil Spector’s iconic sound.
Though he admires various artists from his era, his primary influences remain Phil Spector and The Beatles.
Brian Wilson’s legacy as a musician continues to resonate, and his contributions to music will always hold a cherished place in the hearts of fans around the world.
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