Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #182 Philip Ekström (The Mary Onettes)

What does it mean to live creatively and authentically?Philip Ekström from the band The Mary Onettes broadcasts from his hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. He shares insights into his life and music, offering listeners a rich tapestry of personal ideas and artistic thoughts. The episode explores his life as an artist and a highly dedicated father. Philip shares thoughtful reflections on his upbringing, deep love for literature, The Sundays, and physics. Get ready for some inspiring insights from a gentleman who seems to have his ears and eyes open to life's possibilities. Follow The Mary Onettes: https://themaryonettes.bandcamp.com/track/eyes-open-feat-maja-milner
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify*Extra music courtesy of The Frank and Walters and The Sundays. 

Surprise Cast #181 Pete Paphides

Did you know that Pete is more than just a music journalist?He shares insights that extend beyond his profession, delving into his Greek heritage and how it has shaped his life and career. Pete reflects on his dynamic relationships with friends, formative musical influences, and his childhood experiences that imbued him with emotional intelligence and resilience. Enjoy some very poignant insights from a gentleman that is filled with enriching philosophies on life. Follow Needle Mythology: https://needlemythology.com/
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Surprise Cast #180 The Julies

What is the importance of lifelong friendship, faith, and music?I sat down with Chris Newkirk and Alex Yost from the alternative indie band, The Julies. We explore the dynamic blend of 80s post-punk, 90s shoegaze, and other influences that shape their unique sound. They share personal narratives about their roles in the band, their creative processes influenced by deep-rooted faith, and a shared love for timeless music, particularly The Cure. Appreciate how they discuss the impact of family and friendship. This is a compelling episode filled with the essence of the healing and transformative power of l-o-v-e. Feel the weight of their Philly authenticity!Follow The Julies: https://thejulies.bandcamp.com/track/black-metalFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #179 Newmoon

How many great shoegaze/alternative bands come from Belgium?Enjoy my second conversation with Newmoon's front man, Bert Cannaerts! We discuss profound themes from Ethan Hawke's book, 'Rules for a Knight,' guiding conversation on inner conflict, kindness, humility, and pride through metaphorical reflections on wolves and knights. So fun!This episode is filled with heartfelt dialogue and tremendous honesty. Bert's answers are quite stellar!Follow Newmoon: https://linktr.ee/newmoontheband
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Surprise Cast #178 Mina Tindle

What makes Mina's story so extraordinary?I have a heartfelt conversation with the talented singer-songwriter Mina Tindle, who joins me from the beautiful part of France. She opens up about her creative journey, personal inspirations, and the compelling experiences that have shaped her art. We explore her childhood memories, the influence of her family, her collaborations with her husband, Bryce Dessner of the indie band, The National, new songs, and motherhood.Enjoy her emotional truth and feel a heartbeat that resonates with confidence and artistic integrity!Follow Mina Tindle: https://www.minatindle.com/Follow Bryce Dessner: https://brycedessner.com/
Follow The National: https://www.americanmary.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify"Hairpin Turns" by The National

Surprise Cast #177 Kirsty Almeida & Matt Owens

How do Kirsty and Matt bring such harmony to our ears!
We leap into the creative journey with special guests, Kirsty Almeida and Matt Owens. Matt, with his roots in jazz and a passion for innovative compositions, softly and intelligently shares his perspectives behind the new work for the album, "Keys". Kirsty, known for her authentic vocals and highly creative spirit, discusses her integral role in the album, infusing it with her angelic voice and emotional weight. The conversation touches on her contributions to the album, and the stories and emotions that guided their creation as a unified team.  Get a better sense of their collaboration and how they strike the perfect balance that allows them to capture such energy. This episode is rich and insightful. It's a harmonious blend of amazing craftsmanship, friendship, and wonderful spontaneity. What gifts they provide that are natural and quite impactful!Follow Kirsty Almeida: https://www.instagram.com/kirstyalmeida/
Follow Matt Owens: https://www.mattowens.co.uk/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify. 
 

Surprise Cast #176 Sister Ray Davies

How much pleasure does making music bring to Adam's life?We travel to Alabama to engage in a heartfelt conversation with the talented musician Adam Morrow. He's known for his involvement in his current project Sister Ray Davies, and shares sharp insights into his musical journey, the importance of community, appreciation for U2, and the profound influence of his upbringing in Alabama. Wait, there's more...
Adam shares his passion for impactful lyrics and the genres he loves, including shoegaze and dream pop, all while emphasizing the significance of creating music that connects with listeners. He delves into his experiences touring globally and the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, his supportive family, and the positive role they played in fostering his musical aspirations. Let's not forget about his respect for Sonic Cathedral Records and Nat Cramp. 
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Adam's artistic vision, the challenges and joys of being a musician today, and his hopes for future touring endeavors. He's easy to root for because of his enduring and easy-going spirit!Follow Sister Ray Davies: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies/Follow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
 

Surprise Cast #175 Steve Queralt (Ride)

How does Steve's journey inspire you?
This episode is an intimate exploration of Steve's experiences from his roots in a working-class family to reaching the far corner of the world due to his success as Ride's longtime and outstanding bass player. 
Steve unveils stories from his recent European tour with Ride and the release of his sensational debut solo album, 'Swallow.' Hear exclusive tracks from the new album, showcasing the rich textures and immersive soundscapes that define his solo work. Discover how touring and travel have sculpted his life and music, and gain insights into the creative process behind his latest work. A fascinating discussion unfolds as he discusses the joys of travel, the importance of collaboration, Sonic Catherdral Records, fatherhood, and the importance of creating music that both resonates deeply and stands on its own.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Ride or new to Steve Q's solo endeavor, this Surprise Cast episode promises a digestable blend of conversation, music, and thoughtful introspection. Yummy to the ears!Follow Steve Queralt: https://stevequeralt.bandcamp.com/album/swallowFollow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
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Surprise Cast #174 Coming up Roses

What's happening in London, England, that has music lovers buzzing?I reconnect with the talented band Coming Up Roses, exploring the unique experiences and shared journeys that define their shoegaze/dreampop/indie music. Consisting of Darius Oon on guitar, Emily Sera on bass and vocals, Caleb Blake on drums, and Charlie Wilson on guitar, the band delves into their personal and collective inspirations, the resilience required to pursue artistic dreams, and how their muscular chemistry fuels their creative process. The discussion transitions into profound territory as each member shares personal stories of fear, courage, and the ways music provides solace and expression. We go deep!
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Coming Up Roses' motivation to bridge cultures through music, their creative process in crafting their latest songs, and the personal experiences that shape their upcoming album, "How Did We Fall So Far?" 
Tune into this episode filled with humor, sincerity, and the blooming spirit of Coming Up Roses!Follow Coming up Roses: https://cominguprosessg.bandcamp.com/album/how-did-we-fall-so-farFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Surprise Cast #173 - Snowcuffs

What makes Snowcuffs' music melt the heart?We dive into an engaging conversation with Stephanie and Neil from the band Snowcuffs, emerging from the vibrant Chicago music scene. Discover the roots that shape their sound, including Stephanie's Greek-American heritage and Neil's mixed Thai and Catholic upbringing, reflected in their unique musical expression. So cool!
The discussion explores their approach to songwriting, the influences of iconic bands like Nirvana, The Beatles, and Smashing Pumpkins, and the dynamic interplay between personal identity and artistic output. Stephanie and Neil delve into the process behind their EP "Sink Down," revealing the moments of creative flow that characterized their several of their songs. The way they express their love and passion for music is crystal clear and meaningful. Follow Snowcuffs: https://snowcuffs.bandcamp.com/Follow Surprise Cast:Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify