Giles Martin on the Beatles, 15 Things You Didn't Know About Pet Sounds, and the Future of Music

Giles Martin, the son of the legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, has been at the forefront of music production for over two decades. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones. In 2015, he was tasked with the daunting task of remixing the Beatles' classic album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" for its 50th anniversary. The album was a critical and commercial success, and Martin's work was praised by fans and critics alike.

In addition to his work with the Beatles, Martin has also produced a number of other notable albums, including the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" and Jeff Lynne's "ELO." He is also a successful film composer, having scored films such as "Yesterday" and "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years." He has also written several books on music production, including "The Art of Record Production" and "Sound Waves: The Life and Work of Sir George Martin."

In this interview, Martin talks about his work on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," his thoughts on the future of music, and his favorite Beatles song. He also shares some of his favorite memories of working with his father.

15 Things You Didn't Know About "Pet Sounds"

1. The album was originally titled "Dumb Angel."
2. The album was recorded in just over two months.
3. The album features more than 100 musicians.
4. The album was a commercial failure when it was first released.
5. The album has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time.
6. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
7. The album was ranked number 2 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
8. The album was voted the greatest album of all time by the British public in a 2004 poll.
9. The album was the inspiration for the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
10. The album was the first to use the Mellotron, an early electronic keyboard.
11. The album was the first to use the theremin, an electronic instrument that is played by waving one's hands in the air.
12. The album was the first to use the sitar, an Indian stringed instrument.
13. The album was the first to use the tabla, an Indian percussion instrument.
14. The album was the first to use the harpsichord, a keyboard instrument that was popular in the Baroque period.
15. The album was the first to use the Moog synthesizer, an early electronic synthesizer.

The Future of Music

What do you think the future of music holds?

Giles Martin: I think the future of music is very exciting. There are so many new technologies that are emerging, and they are giving musicians new ways to create and share their music. I think we are going to see a lot more innovation in the way that music is produced and consumed.

Do you think that the way that we listen to music will change in the future?

Giles Martin: I think that the way that we listen to music is already changing. We are seeing more and more people streaming music online, and I think that this trend will continue. I also think that we will see more people using virtual reality and augmented reality to experience music.

What advice would you give to young people who want to get into the music industry?

Giles Martin: I would tell them to follow their passion. If you love music, then you should pursue a career in it. There are so many different ways to get involved in the music industry, so don't be afraid to explore different options. And don't be afraid to fail. Failure is a part of life, and it's often through our failures that we learn the most.

My Favorite Beatles Song

What is your favorite Beatles song?

Giles Martin: That's a tough question. I love all of the Beatles' songs, but if I had to choose one, I would say "Strawberry Fields Forever." I love the melody, the lyrics, and the production. It's a really special song.

Working with My Father

What was it like working with your father on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"?

Giles Martin: It was an amazing experience. My father was a brilliant producer, and I learned so much from him. He was always open to new ideas, and he always encouraged me to experiment. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him on such a iconic album.

What was your favorite memory of working with your father?

Giles Martin: I have so many great memories of working with my father. One of my favorites is when we were working on "Strawberry Fields Forever." We were trying to get the perfect sound for the Mellotron, and we experimented with different settings for hours. Finally, we got the sound that we wanted, and it was a really magical moment.