Interview: Wyatt Funderburk of Sail On (a Beach Boys Podcast & the Beach Boys Tribute Band)

Pray For Surf: A Conversation with Wyatt Funderburk of Sail On (a Beach Boys Podcast & the Beach Boys Tribute Band)

"Sail On is the most booked Beach Boys Tribute in the world! "

PHIL>>> Wyatt, share the story of how the band came together and what it took to achieve this status.

WYATT>>>   It was early 2017 I believe.  Most of us were in an original group called the Explorers Club at the time, and we met Matt Thompson who approached us with the idea of a new group dedicated to the music of The Beach Boys.   I was hesitant because I didn’t see it being a viable success and was unsure of how it would come across.  Thanks to everyone’s huge respect for the source material and dedication to the details, it is something we are all very proud of. It’s been a lot of work but a lot of fun.

PHIL>>> In your career, you've covered songs across the musical spectrum ... What was it about the music of The Beach Boys that captivated everyone in the band?

WYATT>>>  I can only speak for myself, but the Boys have been my favorite band since I was a teenager so it was a no brainer for me.  There’s no other group I’d want to be a tribute to.

PHIL>>> The band makes it look easy but what does it take to replicate so well the sound we hear on their recordings (vocals and instrumental tracks)?

WYATT>>>  \It starts with our musical director and arranger Mike Williamson.  He translates the recorded songs into our current performances and we all put in a lot of practice playing and singing together to try and do justice to the amazing sounds of those records.

PHIL>>> The show is non-stop music but several times before moving to the next song, we hear the voices of The Beach Boys. What is the purpose of having the audience listen to Brian, Carl, others, talk about their music?

WYATT>>>   We perform the songs (almost fully) in chronological order and want to give some context to the story we are telling.  Also we need a break to drink water and take a breath.  :) 

PHIL>>> You move effortlessly from one Top Forty hit to another, but you also drop in a few deep-cuts or lesser known songs from The Beach Boys catalogue. Which songs does the band like playing? Are post-Pet Sounds songs more difficult? Got a favorite? 

WYATT>>>    We have tried a lot of non-hits but not many of them go over well with the general public.  I really loved playing “Heroes and Villains” but unfortunately, no one knew it and it wasn’t received well.  We always play “Sail On Sailor” because not only is it our namesake but we really love the message of the song.  

PHIL>>> What is the message Sail On wants most to share with the audience?

WYATT>>>   The Beach Boys music has a lot of love in it.  It’s about perseverance, overcoming your fears, and being true to yourself.  It’s also just a ton of fun.

PHIL>>> Sail On is also a podcast - the "number one Beach Boys audio program on the web."

• What prompted you to launch a podcast devoted to The Beach Boys?
• WYATT>>>   I had the idea about 10 years ago and spent a few years just making notes and keeping my ideas organized.  When we started the tribute band I figured it would be a good opportunity to tie in the podcast and I just gave it a go.  

• Why do you think your podcasts have drawn so many listeners?
• WYATT>>>   I’d like to think it has to do with several things.  We are incredibly consistent.  The audio quality, the expertise of my production team, the fan-driven aspect, it’s all something I wanted from the start and hopefully that’s why fans enjoy it. 

•  What do you see in the future, when the originals are no longer touring/recording? What do you sense music fans will expect from live performances? Beach Boys focused podcasts?
• WYATT>>>  I get that question a lot and I have no clue honestly… Mike Love will probably be on stage much longer than me.  (Let’s hope so.). I’m going to keep doing what I'm doing as long as I’m enjoying it.  The rest will sort itself out.

PHIL>>> One more thing you'd like us to know . . .

WYATT>>>   Take good care of your feet!

Thanks for having me, Phil.