Brian Wilson describes his songwriting process as “coming from the heart” in resurfaced footage following his death. The Beach Boys co-founder has passed away at the age of 82, with the news shared on X by his children on Wednesday (11 June). Footage recorded in 2006 for the 40th Anniversary edition of Pet Sounds shows the singer, who wrote hits such as Surfin' USA, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows, expressing his belief that good songs “come from deep inside the soul”. Speaking to record producer George Martin, he said: “I believe that songwriting is an unconscious thing. I don’t believe anyone can concentrate on music and write music, it comes from a higher place, I'm almost sure of that.”

Musician, who suffered from mental health problems, wrote and produced the 1966 album Pet Sounds – seen by many as the greatest album of all time

A hitmaker elevated and burdened by the label of genius, he transcended the breezy surf genre to create complex harmonies and intricate soundscapes in the studio.