New Q&A from Brian on USA Today Life facebook page

[Wrightfan]

Transcribing again. Will be updating this post.

Hey Brian, what was it like getting to work with Blondie Chaplin again? I just watched the behind the scenes video where he mentions its been over 40 years since he played with you on "Holland".
Like · Reply · 4 minutes ago

Brian Wilson It was great. He did a great performance on the new track "Sail Away." I really like his singing.
Like · a few seconds ago

Are you planning on finishing and releasing "The Suite"?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Which Suite? I have several.
Like · a few seconds ago

Hi Brian! Who are your favorite currently popular artists, and how do you feel how music is now compared to when you first started in the 60s?
Like · Reply · 3 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson I still listen to oldies but goodies but don't listen to a lot of current radio. The guests on my album are some of my current favorites, though.
Like · a few seconds ago

Hello mr.wilson can you play guitar?
Like · Reply · 6 minutes ago

Brian Wilson No, I never learned to play the guitar.
Like · about a minute ago

How did the collaboration with Kacey Musgraves come about? I'm a huge fan of her music and was excited to see she was on the new album.
Like · Reply · 13 minutes ago

Brian Wilson We heard her on the radio and really liked her so we reached out and asked her to come down to be a part of the song, "Guess You Had to Be There."
Like · 1 · 4 minutes ago

Do you own a boat
Like · Reply · 14 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Not anymore but we used to. We kept it up in Lake Arrowhead. We sold it.
Like · 3 minutes ago

You have talked recently about covering some Chuck Berry classics which will be awesome. Have you ever considered releasing an Album paying tribute to The Beatles? I would love to see you reimagine some of their songs.
Like · Reply · 5 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Yea, I would love to try that sometime. We'll see.
Like · about a minute ago

Brian, what's your favourite song on the album?
Like · Reply · 11 minutes ago

Brian Wilson My favorite song is "Sail Away."
Like · 1 · about a minute ago

Hi Brian, I'm from Peru, big fan of your music! my question is: as musician, what is the most gratifying thing about work with Al Jardine through all this years?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson He's still as good as he was 50 years ago. He's a great singer and glad he could be a part of my new album.
Like · 1 · 2 minutes ago

Hi Brian! I was wondering if you had a favorite poet or writer? Did they influence your own songwriting?
Like · Reply · 7 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I don't have a favorite poet but I read a lot of poems.
Like · about a minute ago

Thank you so much for having this chat! Brian Wilson - congrats on the release of No Pier Pressure. I'm also looking forward to the release of the movie Love & Mercy. My question is: Do you like the way you were portrayed in the film?
Like · Reply · 1 · 18 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I thought that Paul Dano did a great performance of my years in the studio and approximating my singing. John Cusack also did a great job on the later years as well. Love & Mercy is very factual.
Like · 1 · about a minute ago

Hi Brian. Did you ever think of asking George Martin to help produce any album with you,not necessarily a BB record, just to see how it would work out?
Like · Reply · 3 minutes ago

Brian Wilson No, I've never considered that.
Like · 1 · a few seconds ago

Brian,how is a song birthed in your mind when you begin composing?Do you hear certain instruments 1st or does a melody come in that you like?Is it an inspiration or a story you think of?When I heard you were doing Gerswhin Reimagined I knew you were th...See More
Like · Reply · about a minute ago · Edited

Brian Wilson I write the song first on the piano and then I think of the instruments to use.
Like · about a minute ago

Hi Brian! What's your favorite song of Pet Sounds and why?
Like · Reply · 1 · 6 minutes ago

Brian Wilson 'God Only Knows' because it was a beautiful melody.
Like · a few seconds ago

Dear Brian, how did the reuniting with your producer Joe Thomas come about ?
Like · Reply · 9 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Well he and I wrote a lot of songs together in 1998 so I invited him back in to work with me.
Like · a few seconds ago

I've been listening to this album all day! I love One Kind Of Love, it's my favorite. On The Last Song, who are you singing it about in it or who/what was your inspiration to write it?
Like · Reply · 1 · 9 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson It is a song about two people breaking up and this is their last song but no one in particular.
Like · 1 · 2 minutes ago

Hi Brian. Have you found the songwriting process to get easier or more difficult as you have gotten older? And thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
Like · Reply · 2 minutes ago

Brian Wilson More difficult. I'm not quite as energetic as I used to be.
Like · about a minute ago

Hi Brian, would you ever consider doing a full album or EP with a full symphony; similar to what Procol Harum did with the Edmonton Symphony back in the 70s? just curious, Phil
Like · Reply · 3 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson Not with a symphony but I'd love to do a rock-n-roll album
Like · 1 · a few seconds ago

Hi Brian, now that Blondie is back on board, will you do any deep cuts from his time with the Beach Boys, like Holland's Funky Pretty?
Like · Reply · 7 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Yea!
Like · 1 · 4 minutes ago

Dear Brian, I absolutely loved BrianFest last week! How was the experience, seeing your family, friends, and artists that admire you play your best music? Every performance gave me the chills!
Like · Reply · 18 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I was very, very proud.
Like · 1 · 3 minutes ago

Are their any songs of yours you'd like to re-record?
Like · Reply · 5 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I'd like to re-record "Let Him Run Wild." I didn't like the vocal.
Like · 2 · 3 minutes ago

Did you say that One Kind Of Love will be played in the film Love & Mercy in a previous Q&A? I really LOVE this song.
Like · Reply · 5 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson Yes, 'One Kind of Love' is in Love & Mercy.
Like · 1 · 2 minutes ago

Hi Brian, David from England here. Looking forward to your Sepember concerts here. Which artistes do you plan to cover in your Rock and Roll album? Will you be releasing Proud Mary?
Like · Reply · 13 minutes ago

Brian Wilson The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry mostly.
Like · 1 · about a minute ago

Have you ever considered getting a cochlear implant to regain hearing from your right ear or do you not mind it anymore?
Like · Reply · 1 · 10 minutes ago

Brian Wilson The main nerve has been severed so there's no way to fix it. I don't mind it anymore.
Like · 1 · 4 minutes ago

Hi Brian, what does the album title "No Pier Pressure" (great album!) exactly mean?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson It's a fun play on words.
Like · 7 minutes ago

How do you know when a song or album needs more work or is good as is? As a songwriter my biggest weakness is not knowing when to stop tinkering, so any advice is appreciated
Like · Reply · 12 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I usually know when I play the songs back through the speakers and that's when I can tell which ones need more work.
Like · 3 minutes ago

Hi, Brian! Who are your greatest musical influences? God bless! Suz XO
Like · Reply · 13 minutes ago

Brian Wilson The Four Freshmen, Rosemary Clooney and Chuck Berry.
Like · 8 minutes ago

When is Brian's book coming out?
Like · Reply · 33 minutes ago

Brian Wilson We don't know yet.
Like · 6 minutes ago

Andrew Hersh First Brian, I'd like to say thank you for No Pier Pressure. Got it today and it was fantastic. I think This Beautiful Day was my favorite off of it. You sang that one terrifically!

My question is related to the version of "In the Back of my Mind" that was released today on the Target version of the album. Any reason why you went and recorded it back in the mid 70's?
Like · Reply · 27 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson That's when I wrote and recorded it but this is the first time it's being released.
Like · 7 minutes ago


Hello Brian from England. When you play London in Sept can you get McCartney to come and play on stage with ya?
Like · Reply · 1 · 31 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Wouldn't it be nice.
Like · 1 · about a minute ago

Can you tell us the name of your, your favorite vegetable?
Like · Reply · 2 · 40 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Broccoli
Like · about a minute ago

Hello Brian! Did you ever meet Todd Rundgren?
Like · Reply · 15 minutes ago

Brian Wilson No, I never met him.
Like · 6 minutes ago

Hey Brian! Will you release more of your home demos or previously unreleased songs like the 1975 "In the Back of My Mind" in the near future? It was really lovely!
Like · Reply · 17 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I'm not sure I have anymore unreleased. We'll see.
Like · 6 minutes ago

Hello Brian, do you have any plans to tour in n.y. state
Like · Reply · 28 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Yes, I'm coming to NY, a couple shows.
Like · 6 minutes ago

Brian! If Kacey Musgraves doesn't surprise show up to sing with you at your Nashville show, can I sing Guess You Had To Be There with you? Lol!  Omg that would be my ultimate dream come true!! I have 7th row tickets my Dad got me for my 30th birthday & I'm so excited!! The new album is AMAZING!! So beautiful, so melodic, so well written! The songs flow together so well!! It will be on repeat!! I absolutely love it!! Great job!!
Like · Reply · 28 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson She might! You never know.
Like · 1 · 4 minutes ago
View more replies

Hi, Brian! I loved your remix of Delirious Love on Neil Diamond's 2005 12 Songs LP - how did that come about and is there any other song of his that is a favorite? Also want to say I love "South American!"
Like · Reply · 11 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Neil Diamond called me and asked me to do it. I went to his studio and recorded background vocals. Then he asked me to be on The Tonight Show with him and I did that as well. It was fun!
Like · 1 · 5 minutes ago

Hi Brian. Will you ever perform in concert any of your great vocal songs from Van Dyke's "Orange Crate Art" album?
Like · Reply · 10 minutes ago · Edited

Brian Wilson No, no "Orange Crate Art."
Like · 1 · 7 minutes ago

[rab2591]

Are you planning on finishing and releasing "The Suite"?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Which Suite? I have several.
Like · a few seconds ago

WELL now this just gets more interesting

Thanks for posting these Wrightfan!

[Wrightfan]

Are you planning on finishing and releasing "The Suite"?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Which Suite? I have several.
Like · a few seconds ago

WELL now this just gets more interesting

Thanks for posting these Wrightfan!

Found that interesting as well. Why do I have this feeling that when he goes, they're going to find like 500 written, but not recorded songs?

Oh, and there's the reference to rock n' roll album again 

[Dudd]

Do you own a boat

Elegant.

Thanks, Wrightfan!

[Wrightfan]

HE ANSWERED MY QUESTION!   (The one about why he recorded In the Back of My Mind in the 70's, to which the answer basically was "because I wanted to"  

Tried so many times. Glad to have one.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

How do you know when a song or album needs more work or is good as is? As a songwriter my biggest weakness is not knowing when to stop tinkering, so any advice is appreciated
Like · Reply · 12 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I usually know when I play the songs back through the speakers and that's when I can tell which ones need more work.
Like · 3 minutes ago

FINALLY got answered, but don't think I worded mine right lol

[Larry Franz]

Are you planning on finishing and releasing "The Suite"?
Like · Reply · 8 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Which Suite? I have several.
Like · a few seconds ago

WELL now this just gets more interesting

Thanks for posting these Wrightfan!

Found that interesting as well. Why do I have this feeling that when he goes, they're going to find like 500 written, but not recorded songs?

I asked that question during four of these Q&A sessions and made it pretty clear which suite I was asking about. Never got an answer. Now he answers with a question! Well-played, Brian. 

[Wrightfan]

That's the Q&A. Was expecting this one to be more stock but we had a few interesting answers here. Interested to know about NY dates as he said he will be there a couple of times (and only Jones Beach has been announced.)

[SMiLE Brian]

How do you know when a song or album needs more work or is good as is? As a songwriter my biggest weakness is not knowing when to stop tinkering, so any advice is appreciated
Like · Reply · 12 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I usually know when I play the songs back through the speakers and that's when I can tell which ones need more work.
Like · 3 minutes ago

FINALLY got answered, but don't think I worded mine right lol

Billy, you need to ask him to guest on one of your albums next time!

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I'll ask him in person one day

[SMiLE Brian]

I want a 40 minute ding-dang jam.

[Debbie Keil-Leavitt]

How do you know when a song or album needs more work or is good as is? As a songwriter my biggest weakness is not knowing when to stop tinkering, so any advice is appreciated
Like · Reply · 12 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I usually know when I play the songs back through the speakers and that's when I can tell which ones need more work.
Like · 3 minutes ago

FINALLY got answered, but don't think I worded mine right lol

Billy - I thought that was your question.  Did I remember it from a previous Q&A when it wasn't answered?  So many questions, so little time.

[coco1997]

"The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry"

Well that all but confirms "Proud Mary" for the rock 'n roll album. 

[Mikie]

"The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry"

Well that all but confirms "Proud Mary" for the rock 'n roll album. 

I really hope he keeps his promise. Maybe add a Buddy Holly song and maybe an Elvis song......Carl Perkins......Jerry Lee Lewis.......

[Mikie]

Q. Hi Brian, now that Blondie is back on board, will you do any deep cuts from his time with the Beach Boys, like Holland's Funky Pretty?
A. Yeah!

Now that would really make my day!!

[Mikie]

Q. Are their any songs of yours you'd like to re-record?
A. I'd like to re-record "Let Him Run Wild." I didn't like the vocal.

Somebody needs to remind him that he already did re-record the song. And both versions sound just fine!

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

How do you know when a song or album needs more work or is good as is? As a songwriter my biggest weakness is not knowing when to stop tinkering, so any advice is appreciated
Like · Reply · 12 minutes ago

Brian Wilson I usually know when I play the songs back through the speakers and that's when I can tell which ones need more work.
Like · 3 minutes ago

FINALLY got answered, but don't think I worded mine right lol

Billy - I thought that was your question.  Did I remember it from a previous Q&A when it wasn't answered?  So many questions, so little time.

Yeah last two times I was at work when it happened.  I was at work today but on break

[Autotune]

"The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry"

Well that all but confirms "Proud Mary" for the rock 'n roll album. 

I really hope he keeps his promise. Maybe add a Buddy Holly song and maybe an Elvis song......Carl Perkins......Jerry Lee Lewis.......

John Fogerty = Proud Mary. Version #678.

[baseball95]

Q. Hi Brian, now that Blondie is back on board, will you do any deep cuts from his time with the Beach Boys, like Holland's Funky Pretty?
A. Yeah!

Now that would really make my day!!

Hold on Dear Brother and Funky Pretty ??   

Here's hoping! Now that Blondie is gonna be on every date I feel like they can do deeper songs that require more rehearsal.

[mikeddonn]

What about "Hard Times".  That would be awesome!

[JK]

"The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry"

Well that all but confirms "Proud Mary" for the rock 'n roll album. 

Hopefully with some slap-bass, as requested by Rocker.

Thanks a bunch for the transcription, Wrightfan!

[Rocker]

"The music of John Fogerty, Little Richard and Chuck Berry"

Well that all but confirms "Proud Mary" for the rock 'n roll album. 

Probably "Proud Mary", "Keep a knockin'" (he did this in some concerts a few years ago) and "Johnny B. Goode".

Hopefully with some slap-bass, as requested by Rocker.

Thanks a bunch for the transcription, Wrightfan!

 

[Mikie]

Q. Hi Brian, now that Blondie is back on board, will you do any deep cuts from his time with the Beach Boys, like Holland's Funky Pretty?
A. Yeah!

Now that would really make my day!!

Hold on Dear Brother and Funky Pretty ??   

Here's hoping! Now that Blondie is gonna be on every date I feel like they can do deeper songs that require more rehearsal.

I wish but kinda doubt he'd do "Funky Pretty"; he's more likely to do "Hold On Dear Brother" because he did it recently.

[joshferrell]

Brian,how is a song birthed in your mind when you begin composing?Do you hear certain instruments 1st or does a melody come in that you like?Is it an inspiration or a story you think of?When I heard you were doing Gerswhin Reimagined I knew you were th...See More


please tel me that this sentence didn't end with "The Bomb" or "The Shiz" lol...

[bonnevillemariner]

Hi, Brian! I loved your remix of Delirious Love on Neil Diamond's 2005 12 Songs LP - how did that come about and is there any other song of his that is a favorite? Also want to say I love "South American!"
Like · Reply · 11 minutes ago

Brian Wilson Neil Diamond called me and asked me to do it. I went to his studio and recorded background vocals. Then he asked me to be on The Tonight Show with him and I did that as well. It was fun!
Like · 1 · 5 minutes ago

Where might I find this remix?  I listened to the track called "Delirious Love" on 12 songs on Spotify and there is no trace of Brian.