Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #214 Massage

Dear Alex, Andrew, and Gabi:Here's a little secret. I've been wanting to chat with you for a long time. I'm so thrilled the desire came to fruition. Look at how deep we went!I embraced our conversation from Halloween memories to deep questions about art, music, and the creative life. I felt that there was a nice balance that mixed light, nostalgic banter with thoughtful discussion inspired by Brian Eno quotes, along with responsibilities and love for parenting. Good stuff!
The band talked through the making of the dazzling new album Coaster, with behind-the-scenes detail on a few tracks. You peppered that part of the conversation with tremendous depth and detail. 
As I mentioned in the interview, a shout-out to DJ Jake Rudh for leading me to the Massage waters—a place that is warm and beautifully indie. You truly are a band of friends who know how to create that wonderful spark of imagination, which leads to dazzling results, just like a Tim Burton film.Follow Massage: https://www.instagram.com/massagetheband/
Music included in the podcast:Nirvana: https://www.nirvana.com/#/Harry Nilsson: https://harrynilsson.com/
Read aloud books by Brian Eno and Brene Brownhttps://www.brian-eno.net/
https://brenebrown.com/about/
 
 

Surprise Cast #213 Ultan Conlon

To my friend, Ultan!
I loved our intimate conversation about music, life, and the new album Only!
Thank you for sharing your entertaining stories--from playing with Jackson Brown and opening for John Fogerty, to a near-miss with a Paramount placement song on a Netflix movie — and how those moments shaped your career in some capacity. 
The conversation dug into craft: songwriting as the true "currency" of music, ideas for breaking the sameness (Rick Rubin's idea), and the completion phase of a record — knowing when to stop refining and let the work go--not always easy for an artist. You spoke practicality about running a small coffee trailer in rural Ireland as a social creative reset, balancing multiple live projects, and the realities of touring and record promotion. I love that you're in search of staying fresh with new ideas. 
Thank you for talking about some of your sweet tunes, the intimate mixing choices that made your voice more intimate, and your approach to being vulnerable on record. And like a good Paul Thomas Anderson film, your music always keeps my interest at a high level. Cheers, for always being so delightful and genuine!Follow Ultan Conlon: https://ultanconlon.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyAdditional music by John Douglas (Trashcan Sintras): https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023
 
 

Surprise Cast #212 The Goods

Dear Rob,It was a real pleasure having you on Surprise Cast. I loved our talk about your supportive parents, early garage bands, formative concerts with your father, and your amazing new album. The episode dug into Oakland’s music life — the good, the rough edges, and the small venues that matter — and also highlighted your tremendous respect for Dandy Boy Records and label founder Bobby Martinez as a grassroots champion for a new jangle-pop/indie revival. He certainly does incredible work!
Central to the interview was a deep look at The Goods’ new album Don't Spoil the Fun, including the story behind the album cover, the long, songwriting and recording process, a period of losing and regaining your voice, and the decision to strip some tracks back to basics. I love how you can hear the faint Influences from band such as The Posies, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub and 60s British pop thread throughout the record, but still claim your own unique sound. You're quite adept at writing such beautiful melodies. 
Overall, I thought our conversation was candid, warm-hearted, and optimistic that will appeal to fans of sparkling power-pop, jangly indie, and anyone curious about the craft behind such a heartfelt record. Thanks for delivering the podcast goods!Follow The Goods: https://www.instagram.com/the_goods_music/
Follow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists
Other music included in the podcast by:https://greenday.com/
 

Surprise Cast #211 Halou

Dear Ryan and Rebecca,Many thanks for joining me on Surprise Cast. I enjoyed our chat. You traced your paths from childhood — eastern Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Marin —in an interesting way. I loved hearing about your musical influences, including Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, and Skinny Puppy--so many bands that I love!It was cool learning how Halou formed in the early '90s and listening to your reflections on the music scene, gender dynamics in the industry, life in Santa Cruz, and what being authentic means to you. 
The conversation turned to craft and creativity: Ryan, you explained your hands‑on, attention to detail approach to making music, and Rebecca, you described how you found emotional entry points for lyrics and how your voice has changed and matured over time. 
 Keep up the great work. I feel "Wiser" whilst listening to your music!Follow Halou: https://www.halou.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyArtists included on the podcast:Yellowman: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC84S9jo6JOt7mNKGxBgSXQQ
Skinny Puppy: https://skinnypuppy.com/
 

Surprise Cast #210 The Cords

Dear Grace and Eva,In this episode, I welcomed you for a lively return to Surprise Cast. The conversation began with playful Halloween icebreakers and costume memories before discussing the band’s recent UK tour, memorable onstage moments, and the variety of bands you played with, including indie legends Camera Obscura. Amazing!
The bulk of the episode focused on your sparkling self-titled debut album. You had mentioned producers Jonny Scott (Chvrches) and Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit) gave the two of you creative freedom while providing important suggestions (better snare parts, cymbal choices, etc.). You kindly described the songwriting process, preference for short, punchy, punky songs. It really is a special album!
I loved that you two geeked out on musical equipment and explained how you prepare for shows, connect with fans at merch, and stay grounded despite growing attention. Your parents did a beautiful job instilling terrific values in you. You touched on charities and benefits you played for, the labels behind the release (Skep Wax and Slumberland), and plans to record more and tour (including hopes to play the U.S., with visa and cost hurdles). Let's make it happen! Keep up the hard work. You have so much left in the creative tank!Follow The Cords: https://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg%3D%3D
Follow Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/
Follow Slumberland Records: https://slumberlandrecords.com/
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Surprise Cast #209 Maps (James Chapman)

Dear James,I'm thankful that you returned to Surprise Cast for a third time; that means a great deal to me. I had a wonderful time celebrating the spirit of Halloween, as well as enjoying an old Maps tune and your new album, 'Welcome to the Tudor Gate'. 
You explained how the project began — moving into a new house near a "creepy" old inn, vintage photographs (from dad) that conjured spooky imagery, and a decision to build a continuous, soundtrack‑style journey in chapters. What a great concept! I know the new/old album will serve as both a seasonal listening experience and an album suitable for any time of year.
Thank you for keeping listeners and me updated on the ongoing work of Maps, including mixing and production projects, and for sharing your plans to continue evolving while remaining true to your incredible sonic electronic DNA. You're always a breath of fresh air, continuing to make music that matters and soothes the soul. Follow Maps: https://thisismaps.com/
Follow Mute Records: https://mute.com/
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Surprise Cast #208 Jonathan Rach (photographer/film writer)

Dear Jonathan,I loved our chat on Surprise Cast. Thank you for making it authentic and intimate. I learned a great deal about your craft regarding being a photographer and film writer--two things that you're quite good at doing.It was cool to learn about your path from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, early work with concert promoters, and long and collaborative relationship with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.  
You provided wonderful insight into live performance and stage design including concept sketches for the NIN 'Self-Destruct' tour. Thank you for sharing your personal reflections on touring with Trent, capturing the exhaustion and intensity of long runs, and why collaboration is essential to ambitious live shows. Who can forget your hilarious story about Andy Warhol?
The conversation also dove into identity, fear and courage — how your fluid sense of self helped you fit into intense creative communities and how you learned to move past fear to take the images you felt were important. So interesting! Keep up the inspirational work. Your eye for high art is one-of-a-kind. Follow Jonathan: https://jonathanrach.com/
Follow Nine Inch Nails: https://www.nin.com/Episode music includes by Vitamin Piano Series: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-piano-tribute-to-nine-inch-nails/1000955308Episode also includes music by Nine Inch Nailshttps://music.apple.com/us/album/hesitation-marks-deluxe-version/655150306
 

Surprise Cast #207 The Boo Radleys

Dear Sice and Tim,It was a fun, engaging, and relaxed conversation on Surprise Cast. I loved our playful icebreaker topics about childhood memories of Halloween traditions and horror movie favorites--and the Tigger outfit!It was cool hearing you reflect candidly on the making of the 1995 album, "Wake Up!" and its aftermath. Hearing you two recall studio tensions between ambition and execution, and how the radio-friendly song, "Wake Up, Boo" reshaped your career positively and negatively. 
Your announcement of the upcoming tour, new music plans, and a new single was shared with great enthusiasm. It was easy to pick up on the gratitude you feel toward long-time fans. Overall, the episode included some real personal moments, studio anecdotes, and a great invitation to revisit some of the most glorious alternative pop music. You've made some giant steps in your long career, and here's to many more!Follow The Boo Radleys: https://www.thebooradleys.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music included:Johnny Mathis: https://johnnymathis.com/wp2/New Order: https://www.neworder.com/
 

Surprise Cast #206 Sugar for the Pill

Dear Stefanos,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on Surprise Cast for the third time. You're a great songwriter and bassist for the band. I had a wonderful time discussing many interesting topics with you.  I loved hearing about your influences, such as Nirvana, Ride, Depeche Mode, The Chameleons, and Interpol, also your musical upbringing in Greece, and how specific songs affected you during different phases of your life. Our conversation went into the making of the album 'Luv', including the decision to pursue a rougher, more textured rhythm section and fuzzier guitars, and Vanna’s expanded and gorgeous vocal lines. We talked about the album artwork from Typical Organization (the bright pink vinyl and interactive sleeve that shifts color), and the do-it-yourself spirit behind the band's music video.
Thank you for sharing your gratitude for the label support from Shelflife Records, as well as the challenges of bringing the band’s live show abroad, personal concerns about AI in music and your hopeful plans for singles in 2026 and a new album by 2027. Exciting!
It was an intimate and warm conversation, my friend. Your heart is filled with love—as it always expresses with so much creativity and colour. Follow Sugar for the Pill: https://linktr.ee/SugarForThePill
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music by...The Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/
Interpol: https://www.interpolnyc.com/
Aphrodite's Child: https://vangelis.online/themes/thestoryofaphroditeschild

Surprise Cast #205 Minaxi

Dear Minaxi,What a great time I had speaking with all of you on Surprise Cast. I really enjoyed our conversation about technology, collaboration, and the making of your superb album, 'Z of A'. I loved how we opened up our discussion about artificial intelligence, its creative limitations, and accountability. It was interesting to hear the varying opinions. 
Thank you for allowing me to use the educational framework to pose questions. You all handled them with great precision and aplomb. Diving into Z of A was so much fun. I loved hearing your personal takes on key album tracks, along with the behind the scenes in terms of stereo staging, instrumental voicings, etc. 
I'm excited about your future creations.  Keep making the music you believe in and let the work speak for itself. Your musical intelligence will always be admired. Follow Minaxi: https://minaxitheband.com/
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