Few musicians have had an impact that transcends as many genres and eras as Brian Wilson. His fingerprints are all over contemporary music, and not just the explosion of surf-influenced garage rock over the past few years. It’s pretty much impossible to play pop music and not find his influence creeping into the mix. Here’s what some of the acts hitting NXNE have to say about him:
The Beach Boys were one of the first groups I heard as a kid. I was introduced through my parents, who had good record collections.
Pet Sounds is one of my favourite records. It’s overwhelmingly beautiful, and the production is unbelievable. I don’t make that sort of music, really, but their attention to melody, songwriting craft and arrangements is inspiring. I love Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder).
Dee Dee Penny (Dum Dum Girls)
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We like to record a lot, and Brian Wilson is especially interesting to us for all the things he does in the studio.
Sam Stratton (Royal Bangs)
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Needless to say, Brian Wilson is an amazing songwriter. That music was just part of our daily life when I was growing up at Hermosa Beach.
Bill Stevenson (Descendents)
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His influence on California songwriters is obvious. There’s something about his work that resonates with people who grew up near the beach and in that culture.
There’s a nostalgic element. When you’re a little kid and become a music fan, you learn about the Wilsons and Brian Wilson and the trials he’s gone through. He’s still able to see the beauty of the world even though his world has been pretty dark at times. It’s inspiring.
Brandon Welchez (Crocodiles)
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For our band Brian Wilson is such a big influence. Every pop band thinks about wanting to make a Pet Sounds – the orchestration, the lyrics, the melody, the synthesis of those things. It’s such a good example of how to make a record.
Brennan Ross (Library Voices)
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