Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #155 Paige K. Parsons (Photographer)

How do art and compassion collide?In this heartwarming episode of Surprise Cast, we dive into the world of photography and empathy with acclaimed photographer Paige K. Parsons. Broadcasting from her home in Palo Alto, California, Paige shares her unique journey from the tech hub of Silicon Valley to capturing the soulful essence of musicians and live performances through her sharp lens. She reflects on her stable upbringing and the influences that have shaped her positive outlook and artistic journey, challenging the notion that great art must stem from adversity.
The episode also highlights memorable anecdotes from her illustrious career, including her unexpected encounters while photographing iconic bands (The Cure) and festivals, her collaborations with fellow artists like The Twilight Sad and Mahogany, and her role as a photographer at legendary venues like The Fillmore.
Tune in to hear Paige's reflections on empathy, vulnerability, and the importance of focusing on love and connection. This episode is a testament to life, art, and the power of seeing the world through an empathic lens--one that is extremely sharp and rarely out of focus!Follow Paige K. Parsons: https://parsons.org/Follow and Subscribe to Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyFollow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #154 A Deeper Heaven (Marc Wheeler)

How does one overcome adversity? In this motivating episode of Surprise Cast, I welcome special guest Mark Wheeler, a musician (A Deeper Heaven) whose life story is as intriguing as his dreamy music. Mark opens up about his turbulent yet inspiring journey, marked by his roles as a peacemaker in a family grappling with emotional challenges and his transformation into a self-reliant artist.Music's transformative power is at the heart of this discussion. Mark reflects on the influence of various genres and artists throughout his life, recounting his first concert experiences and the profound impact of bands such as The Smiths, Jesus and Mary Chain, NIN, Nirvana, and The Cure. He emphasizes how music has been not only a creative outlet but also a crucial support system during life's most arduous times, including the devastating loss of his daughter. It's deeply inspiring!Let's get straight to the point. The episode explores themes of mental health, grief, triumph, and healing. Mark's f-i-r-e never goes out, no matter the setback!
Follow A Deeper Heaven: https://adeeperheaven.com/
Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #153 Mark Robinson (TeenBeat Records/Unrest/Air Miami)

What does it mean to exude indie spirit?Join us in this engaging episode of the Surprise Cast  Edge, as I sit down with Mark Robinson, the frontman of the band Unrest and founder of Teen Beat Records In an intimate  conversation, Mark shares his journey, from starting a fanzine in grade school to establishing himself in the indie music scene. Listen as we discuss Unrest's iconic album, 'Perfect Teeth,' celebrating its 32nd anniversary, and dive into the creative process behind its production, including the crucial decisions about sequencing and song selection. Wait for the big surprise about one of their hit songs!
Mark opens up about his past health scare and how it sparked a renewed passion for living life to the fullest, echoed in his readings from the book 'Briefly Perfectly Human' by Alua Arthur. He reflects on what has shaped his musical journey, from childhood memories intertwined with music to the influential connections formed with other bands and studios throughout his career. Wait until you hear about our appreciation for Brian DePalma's films.  
Fans of Unrest will appreciate Mark's honest recollections about creating 'Perfect Teeth,' the impact of television on his music inspiration, and his experience collaborating with the legendary 4AD label, designer Chris Bigg, and more. 
Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of life, music, and the industry from the perspective of an indie music veteran who continues to innovate and inspire. Mark's independent spirit is alive and kicking and will continue to endure for decades. A class act with plenty of bite left in him. Follow Teen Beat Records: https://teenbeat.net/
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Surprise Cast #152 The Popinjays

How important is music and mental health? Join us on Surprise Cast for an engaging and somewhat nostalgic podcast episode as I connect with Wendy and Polly of The Popinjays, a band that played a significant role in the musical journey back in the '90s. In this captivating conversation, the duo shares their memories of making infectiously catchy albums like "Flying Down to Mono Valley" to tackling pressing social issues like mental health, suicide prevention, and the art of photography. You'll be educated!
Prepare to be captivated as they delve into their rich history, sharing stories about unexpected life detours, the vibrant '90s London music scene, and their cherishable memories of touring with my favourite band of all time, Kitchens of Distinction. This conversation certainly sparkles and shines just like their music. Vote Popinjays!

Surprise Cast #151 Ciara Lawless, Sinéad Smyth, Sarah Wiers: The Resilient Spirit of Ireland

What does it mean to be Irish? In this riveting episode of Surprise Cast, we embark on an enlightening journey into Ireland's rich culture and essence through a roundtable discussion with three remarkable guests: Sarah Weirs, a passionate musician from Loughrea, County Galway; Sinead Smyth, a talented visual artist from Carndonagh, County Donegal; and Ciara Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Roscommon in western Ireland. Together, they delve into the profound connections to their Irish heritage. Amazing!The episode explores the significance of the Irish flag, reflecting on the cultural landscapes that shaped them, the resilience of the Irish spirit, and the deep sense of community that thrives across the island.The artists navigate topics covering Ireland's historical challenges, the influence of past and present, and the role of storytelling and listening in building connections. Filled with personal stories, rich cultural insights, and a deep appreciation for the Irish spirit of community and creativity, this episode serves as an ode to the vibrant and enduring nature of Irish culture. You'll be easily charmed!Music included: Ciara Lawless, Sarah Wiers, The Chieftains, Ultan Conlon, and Oisin LeechFollow Ciara Lawless: https://www.instagram.com/ciaralawlesshq/
Follow Sinead Smyth: https://sineadsmyth.com/
Follow Sarah Wiers: https://linktr.ee/sarah.wiers.official?Follow Ultan Conlon: http://ultanconlon.com/
Follow Oisin Leech: https://www.oisinleech.com/
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Surprise Cast #150 Etienne Quartey-Papafio (Whitelands)

What does it mean to be self-aware?We go into the inspiring world of music with special guest Etienne Quartey-Papafio from the band Whitelands.Etienne, a rhythm guitarist, singer, and songwriter, shares his unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in both Ghana and London. He unveils his musical journey and the cultural influences that have shaped his artistic expression. Discover how Etienne, along with his band Whitelands, navigates the dynamic music scene in London amidst evolving cultural landscapes.  
The conversation takes an intimate turn as Etienne discusses his experiences with ADHD, sharing how this condition has both challenged and enhanced his creativity. 
Explore the themes and inspirations behind Whitelands' latest album "Nightbound Eyes Are Blind to the Day," highlighting the significance of patience in song development and the band's journey from recording in a Catholic school to touring with renowned acts like Slowdive.Amazing!Tune in to be inspired by Etienne's story and the harmonious blend of his Ghanaian roots and London experiences that continue to shape his songwriting. Oh yeah, his EQ gets a grade A in my book!Follow Whitelands:  https://whitelands.bandcamp.com/
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Extra music courtesy of Three Quarter Skieshttps://threequarterskies.bandcamp.com/
 

Surprise Cast #149 Quietly Into the Night

Why is friendship important to a band's success? In this engaging conversation, the band Quietly Into the Night shares their journey through music, discussing individual roles, influences, and the collaborative spirit that defines their sound. They reflect on childhood memories that shaped their musical tastes, the importance of live performances, and their plans for creating new music. The discussion also touches on the significance of making mistakes in the creative process and the joy of creating music together. With a mix of personal narratives and sharp insights, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the passion and dedication behind their art. This conversation serves as an engaging exploration of the inner workings of a band just discovering their voice and audience. But, at its core is their long-standing friendship and mutual love for music, which speaks volumes. Loudly!Follow Quietly into the Night: https://quietlyintothenight.link.cam/
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Surprise Cast #148 C Duncan

Join us for an insightful episode as we leap into the dynamic world of Scottish musician C. Duncan, also known as Christopher Duncan. Celebrated for his unique blend of musical genres and artistic prowess, he shares an intimate look into his life and creative process.
In this episode, we explore Christopher's journey from his upbringing in a musically talented family to his evolution as a distinguished artist. He reflects on the impact of his parents, both professional string players, and discusses how his upbringing and interactions shaped his artistic style. Christopher also shares cherished childhood memories, including his first musical inspirations from Radiohead and Bjork and how they shaped his musical landscape. The episode also touches on broader themes such as dealing with dyslexia and its influence on his music. Gotta love his honesty!
We discuss the creation of his latest album, "It's Only a Love Song," which has received tremendous acclaim from music critics. Christopher discusses the personal and professional collaborations that brought this project to life, including working with his amazing parents on the string arrangements. Pay close attention to his his complimentary words toward Bella Union founder, Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), and how much he appreciates being on the label.
From whimsical tales of his two schnauzers to navigating the challenges of life as a musician, Christopher offers listeners a blend of humor, warmth, and wisdom. Tune in to hear about his current projects, inspirations, and who C. Duncan is today. Don’t miss this comprehensive exploration of music and creativity. Talk. Talk. Talk. It’s what we do in the best way possible.Follow C Duncan:https://www.cspaceduncan.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

P.C.E! #1 - The Cure in Concert

What makes a Cure concert special?In this debut episode of P.C.E. (Post Concert Energy), my special guests—Darren Revell and Danielle Hennes—and I explore the captivating energy of The Cure. Darren, the creator of Big Sonic Heaven Radio, and Dani, the DJ host of the Kaleidoscape show on Big Sonic Heaven Radio, share their deep connections to the band and recount unforgettable shows. Tune in to relive The Cure's iconic concert moments and engage in spirited debates about their musical catalog in this heartfelt exploration of one of the most beloved bands in alternative rock history. This is our love letter to The Cure. Follow Big Sonic Heaven Radio:https://www.bigsonicheaven.com/
Follow The Cure:https://www.thecure.com/
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Surprise Cast #147 Jess Chalker

What does courage mean to you? In this deeply moving episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Jess Chalker, an artist whose journey of self-discovery and resilience has had a strong impact on fans around the world.
Throughout the episode, she opens up about the personal battles she fought to find her voice as a writer and artist, grappling with the lows of depression and nostalgia while being away from home. She honestly discusses her near-death experiences and how confronting mortality deepened her appreciation for life. What an incredible story!She also shares stories from her childhood as a Jehovah's Witness and the subsequent journey of rebuilding her life after leaving the faith—a journey marked by strength and independence. Her reflections on meeting significant people during her travels, the spirit of cities like Los Angeles, and connecting with diverse cultures are interwoven with tales of growth and transformation.Let's not forget about Jess's debut album, 'Hemispheres,' a work that emerged from her experiences, balancing significant life changes and expressing profound emotions. Listeners will gain insight into several songs, grasping the bittersweet yet hopeful narratives interwoven with memorable musical influences.This episode is a beautiful blend of music, the struggles and triumphs of personal growth, and the enduring spirit of hope and optimism. Just hit play, don't fight it...you'll thank me!Follow Jess Chalker:https://jesschalker.bandcamp.com/album/hemispheres
https://www.jesschalker.co/
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