Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #172 Boy with Apple

How do camaraderie and music come together beautifully?In this captivating episode of Surprise Cast, we dive into a riveting conversation with the Swedish band, Boy With Apple. Known for transcending musical boundaries, Boy With Apple takes the listener on a dynamic journey through their unique sound influenced by dizzying elements of shoegaze and dream pop. Yummy!
Band members Tim, Zara, and Saga, share their roles and creative contributions to the band. As they share insights into their songwriting processes, the band discusses the importance of improvisation and the organic growth of their songs. The conversation takes listeners through a behind-the-scenes look at some of Boy With Apple's beloved tracks like "Strawberry Boy" and "Ice Age" and two other great tracks from their latest album, Attachment. 
In addition to music, the episode explores the members' personal anecdotes and thoughts on inspiration, creativity, and the challenges of being artists. The band shares about their strong friendship, how they manage conflict, and the cathartic experience of performing live shows. 
This is a fruitful episode!Follow Boy with Apple: https://varorecords.bandcamp.com/album/attachment
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Surprise Cast #171 Maud Anyways

How does Maude handle challenging setbacks in life?In this riveting episode of Surprise Cast, we take an emotional journey into the life of Maude Anyways. Broadcasting from near Paris, she shares her deeply personal stories and insights into her music career, blending vulnerability and strength in equal measure. You'll be impressed!
Maude reminisces about her childhood filled with challenges, including the pain of her father's abandonment and the solace she found in music from a young age. She shares the transformative power of music, inspired by legends like David Bowie and Slowdive, and talks about how her emotional experiences have shaped her artistic journey. 
We get a glimpse into Maude's creative process and her battle with self-esteem, which resonates through her album, Impermanent Lane, released in 2023. She shares her inspirations for memorable songs that are interesting and add colour to the episode. 
With tremendous honesty and courage, Maude's story enlightens listeners on the empowering relationship between art and personal growth. This episode is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Nothing she says is absurd!Follow Maudy Anyways: https://maudanyways.bandcamp.com/Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/"Ana" song courtesy of: mobygratisFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #170 Electronic Cafe (Andy McNab/Mark Wibrow)

How do friends make an impact on the music scene?I engage in a fun conversation with Andy and Mark from the hit YouTube program, Electronic Cafe. This episode offers an insightful journey into the world of music appreciation, collecting, and podcasting. Listen closely as they discuss their long-standing friendship, love for vinyl, and the creation of their video feature, EC, where they delve into the intricacies of music discussions and interviews with major artists in the industry, such as Gary Numan :). 
They also discuss the importance of diversifying content with unique storytelling and interviews that go beyond typical music journalism, creating a platform where artists can share their personal stories and connect with their audiences. They do this with great connectivity!
So, grab a good drink, have a seat, and enter the Electronic Cafe. They'll greet you at the doors with a friendly smile and plenty of love for all kinds of music!Follow Electronic Cafe: https://www.youtube.com/@electroniccafemusic
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Surprise Cast #169 Tom Lugo (Panophonic/Stellarscope)

What is Tom's life diary all about?I host an enlightening conversation with Tom Lugo, a versatile artist whose talents span music and martial arts. He shares his extraordinary life journey, detailing how his troubled childhood and unique experiences have shaped him into the resilient and creative person he is today.
Tom, the mastermind behind Patetico Recordings, delves into his musical sphere, which blends genres like shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and alternative rock. As a musician, Tom's work often challenges norms and pushes boundaries, resulting in a rich, multi-textured sound that's both mesmerizing and extremely thought-provoking. 
Beyond music, Tom is recognized in the martial arts community, holding a phenomenal reputation as a skilled competitor and compassionate instructor. He shares how martial arts have provided him mental muscle and resilience, mirroring his challenging yet rewarding path in music. Impressive!
If you seek inspiration from a life that defies the odds and a personality that continues to push against artistic boundaries, this episode is a must-listen. You will feel the light and the dark, and how both of these elements intersect with tremendous beauty. Follow Tom: https://pateticorecordings.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #168 Mark Rolfe(The Slow Return/Lorna)

How does an artist reinterpret John Williams' music in a captivating manner? 
In this warm hearted episode of Surprise Cast, we journey into the world of music, memory, and creativity with the talented musician and composer, Mark Rolfe. Spanning a wide array of topics, this episode takes listeners on a journey through the important themes of family, nostalgia, and the everlasting power of music. He provides listeners with an intimate view of how these early experiences shaped his understanding of community and connection—elements that resonate deeply within his music today. And he does it with such thoughtfulness!Listeners are then introduced to Mark’s musical influences, particularly the lesser-known band, The Spinners UK, and the impact their folk music had on his formative years. Mark shares heartwarming anecdotes of discovering music's power and the artists that ignited his passion, providing a sense of discovery and wonder that still informs his creative process.
Central to this episode is a sharp reflection on the legendary composer John Williams and the profound effect his iconic scores have had on Mark's musical journey. Through engaging discussions, Mark reveals how Williams’ compositions (E.T. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hook and Superman), especially for Star Wars and other renowned films, have inspired him both personally and professionally. The episode concludes with insights into Mark's latest project—his inspired reinterpretations of John Williams’ scores in his album series "Ode to Star Wars." Here, he offers listeners an extraordinary glimpse into his meticulous creative process and his ability to merge classical orchestration with modern, ethereal elements, leaving us with a greater appreciation for the art of musical storytelling. He truly understands the musical force!Follow Mark Rolfe: https://www.facebook.com/markrolfe1975
https://www.instagram.com/markrolfemusichttps://markrolfe.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #167 Chris Gilliland (A Tribute to OMD Part 3)

How do OMD albums make us feel?Welcome to this enlightening episode of Surprise Cast, hosted by W and Oregon native Chris Gilliland (This Wreckage). Together, we delve into the world of OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), a Liverpudlian band that has profoundly impacted our lives through their distinctive blend of synth-pop and new wave. In this episode, we share our personal experiences and insights on three of OMD's albums: 'The Pacific Age', 'Sugar Tax', and 'Liberator'.
We explore the albums' experimental nature, their dynamic soundscapes, and the memories tied to OMD’s evolving music presence in our own lives. Candidly, we discuss the hits and minor misses per album. 
Finally, we share recommendations of music and complementary music podcast channels. The episode not only celebrates OMD’s influential legacy but also entices the podcast listeners to explore related musical landscapes. Tune in as we honor OMD’s role in shaping our musical tastes and personal histories. Enjoy our podcast souvenir!Follow This Wreckage: https://chris-thiswreckage.blogspot.com/
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P.C.E! #3 - Depeche Mode

What kind of energy do you get after a DM show?We leap into the vibrant and lasting impact of Depeche Mode through the lens of live concert experiences. This episode features engaging discussions with two special guests: Shannon Hemmett, a musician from Vancouver, Canada, who is part of the bands Leathers and Actors; and Jason Rogers, an environmental protection professional from Georgia, who shares a passionate side-hobby of writing about music and movies.
The conversation opens up a nostalgic journey as each speaker shares their first encounters with Depeche Mode's iconic tunes and how these songs became an intrinsic part of their musical DNA. Listeners are treated to vivid narratives of live performances, with Shannon describing an unforgettable close-up experience during the Delta Machine tour and Jason sharing a personal transformation and community moment at the same tour years later. I recount my transformative seventh-grade concert experience during the Music for the Masses tour, emphasizing the electrifying atmosphere. 
This episode is a tribute to music's timeless power to inspire, connect, and create lasting memories, with Depeche Mode at the heart of the conversation. We just can't get enough of them, can we?Follow H.I. Art on the Edge, P.C.E! and Surprise Cast. Follow: https://www.actorstheband.com/
https://www.leatherstheband.com/
Follow: https://letterboxd.com/members/
 

Surprise Cast #166 David Newton (The Mighty Lemon Drops/Thee Mighty Angels)

How do talent and kindness come together so effortlessly?
We dive into a friendly conversation with the talented guitarist/songwriter/producer David Newton, best known for his role in the post-punk band, The Mighty Lemon Drops.
The discussion kicks off with a trip down memory lane as David reminisces about his first festival experience, the Rock Against Racism carnival in London, where he saw The Clash perform. How incredible! Listen to him speak about an important festival in Pasadena, CA, called The Cruel World Festival. 
Adding depth to the conversation, the episode touches on David's personal journey, including his early start in music, the support (and sometimes skepticism) from family, and his career trajectory from DIY beginnings to global recognition. 
Furthermore, the episode explores the collaborative efforts within the music industry, the enduring friendships among various bands, and the Mighty Lemon Drops' unique legacy. He kindly analyzes music from albums such as Uptight, Laughter, and Ricochet. So fun! 
If you've ever been captivated by the indie music revolution or are curious about the life of a musician with a stalwart career, this episode is not to be missed. Grab a good drink, sit back, and enjoy the journey into the world of David Newton and the enduring impact of his work. His sweet words are infectious and never sour. Follow The Mighty Lemon Drops: https://www.themightylemondrops.com/mld/
https://www.facebook.com/themightylemondrops
 

Surprise Cast #165 Stephen Patman (Chapterhouse)

How does Stephen sprinkle magic into his craft and tell such compelling stories?We dive into the vibrant past and present of the legendary band Chapterhouse with the talented composer and producer, Stephen Patman. This conversation unspools the band's origins, formed in Reading, England, where friendships were forged through shared musical tastes and different home lives.
Listen as Stephen recounts the first demos recorded in a quirky studio that would lead to the band's significant milestone—playing with Spacemen 3. These demos, now part of a newly released four-track EP, through Sonic Cathedral Records, embody the raw energy and teenage spirit that would shape Chapterhouse's unique sound. The episode also touches upon the intense personal experiences that influenced Stephen's artistry and resilience, detailing the difficult childhood that music helped him navigate. Discover the evolution of the '90s iconic album "Whirlpool" and the challenges encountered with "Blood Music," including reflections on the band's dynamic and the external pressures faced. How amazing!
This honest episode offers a heartfelt conversation that celebrates resilience, the power of music, and the enduring legacy of a band within the shoegaze/dreampop genre. Your ears will be immersed in the poignant stories and musical craft that merge together Stephen Patman and Chapterhouse's enduring journey. Time to get sucked in!

Surprise Cast #164 David Gedge

How do you celebrate and honor a 40 year journey?Join me for an in-depth conversation with David Gedge, the iconic lead singer and songwriter of The Wedding Present and Cinerama, as he reflects on his incredible experiences in the indie music scene.We delve into the band's formation in 1985, their upcoming anniversary tour spanning the UK, Ireland, and beyond. He also shares his involvement in a new musical, 'Reception', his annual festival 'At the Edge of the Sea' in Brighton, and the challenges and excitement of touring North America after seven years.
Rediscover the influence of John Peel and how his radio program shaped David's musical tastes during his teenage years. Listen to candid anecdotes about working with producer Chris Allison on the album 'Bizarro' and the lasting impact of hit tracks like "Take Me." He also opens up about his meticulous work ethic, the influence of his childhood, and how those factors continue to shape his music today.
If you're a fan of indie rock or intrigued by the artistic process behind one of the UK's most impactful artists, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a music industry stalwart who has remained at the helm of creativity for decades. What got him here? The way he values hard work, pays attention to detail, and his ability to pace himself in a marathon career!