Pray For Surf interviewed David Beard on the new "Under God" CD
Pray For Surf interviewed David Beard of Endless Summer Quarterly
Endless Summer Quarterly editor David Beard proudly displays the new Carl Wilson conceptual tribute CD "Under God." photo credit: Courtesy David Beard/photo by Kevin Smith
Pray For Surf ~ David, this is not the first ESQ bonus CD but possibly the most intimate - Did you anticipate that when the idea for this tribute first came to mind?
David Beard: No. I knew it would be special because Carl Wilson is special. There was no way that I could have foreseen God's love working through Carl and me at the same time and revealing the honest validity of the Holy Spirit in my life. It’s funny, because I say that, and I realize I have so far to go. I love having Christ as my savior and God as my guide.
PFS ~ Why is it that so many Beach Boys fans talk about having a spiritual experience when they listen to their music and what role did Carl play in making that spirituality authentic?
DB: There's no way that I can answer this. The Beach Boys have billions of fans. Each, and every one of us, connect differently to the music. I will say that I think so many fans do make the connection because Brian and the Boys sound so great together, and it's that sound that reaches us on a very ethereal level. Carl's voice is -- when you get down to it -- magical in itself; angelic. The obvious songs to mention here are "Heaven" and "God Only Knows," but for me, it's "All This is That," if we're talking specifically about a "spiritual connection." Although in a strange way, songs like "Feel Flows," "Full Sail" and "Long Promised Road" encompass a unique connection for me.
PFS ~ How did you determine which performers would be asked to contribute a song?
DB: I invited all of the original Beach Boys and their respective children, except Christian Love because it didn't even occur to me. Randell Kirsch, who's now in the Beach Boys traveling show with Christian, suggested that Christian sing on his recording. The most difficult aspect of putting it together was the song placement, which took about four months. The other difficult task that I encountered was pulling tracks. I pulled two for very different reasons. And, although they were pulled it wasn't easy to do it. I love all of the artists that I've had the pleasure to know since getting involved in ESQ. That includes every member of the Beach Boys all the way through to the managers and publicists. They all work very hard. Each of them gives (in their own way) time to ESQ.
PFS ~ Did you provide any guidelines for those submitting a tune?
DB: I said, "It is for Carl." I knew it was important to represent all of Carl's styles. Whether it's rocking with the tempo of something like "Darlin'," or maybe ballad-like -- similar to "Heaven." So there was really two concepts that I was working on at the same time: A spiritual journey; and, a true representation of Carl's musical styles. And I feel I was able to accomplish that. The only thing I didn’t want on the compilation was “live recordings.” As a result, one song that was submitted was a live performance, and as a result, didn’t feel right.
PFS ~ How did Justyn Wilson's track become the title of the project?
DB: To me, as I stated in ESQ, it's obvious. Justyn is Carl's son. The lyrics (and title) were direct inspirations from Carl's life lessons to Justyn. I am going through a complete re-awakening stage with my Christianity right now, so when Justyn explained his recording to me I knew Carl was present in the CDs direction, and that God would guide my hand through the Holy Spirit.
PFS ~ Under God communicates on so many levels - Please comment on how it is:DB: He continues to be present in my life, as well as everyone who ever listened to him, knew him, met him and heard him sing.
- ...A tribute to Carl Wilson -
DB: I don’t believe in coincidences. I feel that everyone’s contribution was exactly what it was meant to be.
- ...A variety of Beach Boys sounds and styles -
DB: This is where the concept aspect of the CD was so important. I literally wanted Carl on the CD, singing and speaking. I also knew that I wanted him to be the guide during the listening experience. And he is. Listen to what Carl is saying, his words speak for themselves.
- ...a spiritual message from Carl himself -
DB: My journey has just begun. I have received a small handful of e-mails and letters about how much they have enjoyed the CD and how God is active in their respective lives. I feel, and I know this is not a stretch, that music heals us, and I truly believe that this new compilation can save someone.
- ...An important stage in or statement of your own spiritual journey -
PFS ~ You wrote that Under God is "an inspiration to prayer itself." What does that mean to you?
DB: Music inspires us. It can inspire us to dance, pray, worship, etc. God inspires many of us too, but music seems to have longer reaching grasp than God. There are so many people out in the world today who say something like, "I am spiritual, but not religious." I have trouble understanding this statement. Here's why: If you're a spiritual being you wouldn't need to say it because people would know it. Carl was spiritual. Brian is spiritual. Dennis, in his own way, was spiritual. And they prayed together. Interestingly enough, they weren't known for their religious convictions. But, for anyone who knew Carl, it never mattered. So I still have a "disconnect" when people try to explain the difference. It's as though they (in all honesty) have no idea who they are on a spiritual level, because they (whoever they are) feel the need to disassociate themselves with religion. I am Episcopalian. More importantly, I am a Christian (of Christ). That's my religion. I feed my spiritual being through my involvement in the choir and my relationship with God. The answer to your question is this: I was moved to prayer during the process of the compiling the CD and constantly reminded of Carl. This brought me closer in my relationship with God. Keep in mind I have a long way to go, because a spiritual journey is never ending.
PFS ~ Some of the tracks "share a very deliberate message." Would you share your reflections on:
DB: "You'll Always Be There" -- Tim and Steve from Spihunt. What a great sound and feel. This song is about having God in our lives always, and in this case, Carl Wilson's presence. I think Jerry Schilling (in his introduction) really stated it well – Carl Wilson is a "life force."
"I Remain Faithful" -- Philip Bardowell's moving track that represents being connected (at all times) with Christ as your savior, being received into God's kingdom, growing your faith and further understanding the Holy Spirit.
"Take Your Place" -- A phenomenal song from the ultra-talented Tom Jacob. Tom wrote this specifically for Carl. Tom is a beautiful human being. He lost his father and older brother to cancer, so he understands loss and commitment to faith.
"When I Get to Heaven" -- Randell Kirsch is an outstanding musician and composer. God's working in his life. Randell and I prayed together over the phone. He's amazing.
PFS ~ David, some of us are interested in your "transitional decision" to grow in your faith in God and the Holy Spirit ... What sparked this action? What are you learning? Where is this path heading?
DB: The transition in my life that I mentioned in ESQ is a 12-year marriage separation. That's all I will say. I have a five-year-old boy, Ethan. He is wonderful. The church that I attended in my junior high school and high school years (St. John's Episcopal) had a youth group reunion just after my spouse and I decided to go our separate ways. I found myself back in the church that I attended some 22-plus years ago. I saw many familiar faces, etc. I rejoined the church the following week. A week later, I was in the choir. I have no problem saying that without God in my life I'm not realizing life's full potential. I want, in the long run, to become a person that even my ex-wife can rely on. That will be tough. I know I can accomplish it. In the meantime I am learning fellowship, trueness of heart, inspiration and God's love. I need God in my life because I know I can't do it alone. I have surrendered my life to Him. I pray that the path I am on right now is heading to His Kingdom, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
PFS ~ Anything else we should know about Under God?
DB: Get a copy, because it's great music and it might help you if you find yourself in troubled times. I have to thank all the artists who gave of their time and energy. And, my close friend Daniel E. Houck who engineered the project and co-wrote “Don’t Say it’s Over” with me. He is so talented as a musician, but producing was a new experience for him, and I feel his hand was guided by Carl’s spirit. I mean, listen to the results. And I want to thank Mark London for bringing the two collectible covers of the new edition to life. He’s an amazing talent.
We are all connected. We are all equal in God's eyes. We are all Royals.
Endless Summer Quarterly
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