As fans enthusiastically commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pearl Jam’s groundbreaking third studio album, Vitalogy, this year, a close friend and collaborator of the band, Brett Eliason, joined Loudwire Nights to reminisce about his unique experiences while working alongside Pearl Jam. His insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the creative process that shaped one of rock’s most iconic albums.

For an in-depth exploration of this conversation, be sure to listen to the full interview in the player located near the end of this article.

Brett Eliason, who has served as an engineer, producer, and mixer for numerous influential bands, shared intriguing anecdotes about the extensive rehearsals Pearl Jam conducted during their soundchecks. He explained how the tracks that ultimately comprised Vitalogy were predominantly developed during their concert tours, which was a distinct approach compared to traditional studio recording.

“You could really witness these songs evolving on the road,” Eliason remarked during his conversation with Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong on December 6. “It was a fascinating process, as instead of being a tightly-knit group in a studio environment solely focused on recording, the band was allowing their music to develop organically through their touring experiences.”

Eliason also highlighted a critical practice enforced by Pearl Jam’s manager, Kelly Curtis, prior to the band embarking on a new album project.

“Before entering the studio, [Kelly would] insist that the band go out and tour, even if it was just a few shows,” Eliason recalled. “This approach was incredibly beneficial. Performing the songs live allowed the band to fine-tune them. They could iron out any issues and capture that authentic energy that only live performances can provide — and so, Vitalogy was deeply infused with that live essence.”

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Another significant shift in the creation of Vitalogy, as compared to earlier albums like Ten and Vs., was Eddie Vedder’s newfound role in the studio. For the first time, he took up the guitar and collaborated closely with his bandmates.

“Ed really embraced the guitar and started playing alongside the band,” Eliason noted, emphasizing the impact of this change. “This was a monumental shift, as some of the remarkable tracks on Vitalogy emerged from Ed’s contributions as a guitarist and songwriter. He reached a level of comfort and confidence that prompted him to showcase his talent in this way.”

Key Highlights from Brett Eliason’s Discussion on Loudwire Nights

• Unique Aspects of Eddie Vedder’s Vocal and Guitar Style: “He has an internal rhythm that resonates through his melodies; pay attention to his right hand on the guitar, which beautifully aligns with the melody and sets the tone.”
• Mixing Live Albums vs. Studio Albums: “The process of mixing a live album like Live on Two Legs is vastly different from a studio album like Vitalogy. It’s all about capturing the right performances infused with genuine energy.”
• His First Experience Mixing a Live Pearl Jam Show in NYC: “The band had been whisked away by the record label for dinner and business discussions. When I asked the house engineer about getting a line check done, I jokingly called out for a drummer. To my surprise, Ginger Baker from Masters of Reality stood up and asked, ‘Will I do?’”

Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Brett Eliason appeared on Loudwire Nights on December 6; the show is available for replay online here. Tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET via the Loudwire app, or check your local radio station for availability. You can also listen to past interviews on-demand.