Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Bruce Johnston
17 snips
Jan 3, 2025 
Bruce Johnston, renowned for his work with the Beach Boys, shares captivating insights from his storied career. He dives into the magic of song intros, analogizing them to 'doorbells' that welcome listeners. Reflecting on the vibrant 1950s music scene, he recalls the birth of surf music and its cultural significance. Johnston shares amusing anecdotes about the Rip Chords and Beach Boys performances while discussing the spontaneous nature of songwriting. He also highlights the unmistakable bond between surfing and music, illustrating how they shaped artistic lives.
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First Encounter with the Beach Boys
- Johnston first heard the Beach Boys recording in 1964 at a Columbia Records session, observing their close-mic technique.
- He was there with Terry Melcher, working on copying Beach Boys' style for other artists.
Hey Little Cobra Production
- Johnston co-produced Hey Little Cobra with Terry Melcher, adding his signature "shut them down" vocals using a trash can.
- He gave away his artist royalties, leading to his first official gold record for production.
Pet Sounds and the Beatles
- Johnston visited London in 1966, doing interviews and connecting with Keith Moon and Kim Fowley.
- John and Paul listened to Pet Sounds in his hotel suite, praising the album, which helped boost its success in the UK.