The Sonic Vision of Brian Wilson: How Pet Sounds Shaped Aaron of Three To One

For Aaron, the guitarist of Three To One, musical inspiration doesn’t just come from riffs and solos—it comes from emotion, texture, and the fearless pursuit of something greater than what’s been done before. One of his biggest influences in this regard? Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, and specifically, the groundbreaking 1966 album Pet Sounds.

The Genius Behind the Sound

Pet Sounds isn’t your typical pop album. It’s a deeply introspective, meticulously crafted masterpiece born from the mind of Brian Wilson—a man who saw music not just as entertainment, but as a canvas for honesty, vulnerability, and innovation. Wilson pushed the boundaries of what studio recording could do, layering unconventional instruments, complex harmonies, and emotional storytelling to create something timeless.

For Aaron, that level of creativity changed everything.

The Impact on Aaron’s Approach

Aaron didn’t just listen to Pet Sounds—he studied it. The way Brian constructed each track like a sonic puzzle inspired him to think differently about songwriting. Instead of focusing solely on guitar tones and rock rhythms, Aaron began to focus on arrangements, moods, and layers—crafting songs that feel like experiences rather than just tracks.

In his work with Three To One, you can hear echoes of that influence. Whether it’s a moment of unexpected harmony, a shift in tempo that catches you off guard, or the use of subtle background elements to support a lead melody, there’s a Wilson-like intentionality to the way Aaron builds his parts. The guitar may be the instrument in his hands, but Pet Sounds gave him the perspective to treat the whole song like the instrument.

A Legacy of Emotion

What struck Aaron the most was how Pet Sounds wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable. Brian Wilson poured raw feeling into that record—confusion, longing, wonder—and that resonated deeply. Aaron’s own writing often touches on the complexities of emotion, from the disillusionment of “BlackBall” to the self-reflection in “Haunted.” That sense of unfiltered sincerity owes much to Wilson’s influence.

A Loss That Hits Home

Brian Wilson’s passing is going to be a hard one for the band. His work didn’t just inspire a sound—it inspired a mindset. For Three To One, especially Aaron, Wilson represented the idea that music can be more than just songs; it can be a sanctuary, a challenge, a lifelong pursuit. Losing someone who shaped that belief is deeply personal.

But even in grief, there’s gratitude. Brian Wilson gave musicians everywhere a new way to see their art—and for Three To One, that vision will never fade.

Want to hear how Pet Sounds echoes through modern rock? Check out Three To One’s latest releases at threetooneband.com and listen closely—you just might catch a little Brian Wilson between the distortion and the drive.