Surprise Cast

Dear Marina,What a journey you've been on between Japan, USA, and the UK!Thank you for sharing your visual and emotional inspirations behind your music, including your passion for lights, sunsets, nostalgia, and big, lofty dreams. It was great to hear in the interview how memories and imagination shape such a big part of who you are as a songwriter. It was fun to hear about your most recent live experiences, and how building a community of engaged and connected audience members is important to you. You explained how "Snow Heat" was completely intentional, and the unique release of it in different versions. What a treat for your fans. At the end of the conversation, the listeners should gain a better understanding of your strengths, persistence, and vulnerability--which makes this episode so rich and deeply personal. Follow Marina Yozora: https://linktr.ee/marinayozora
Additional music byOne Dove: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57415475118
Hazel English: https://hazelenglish.com/
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Hello Ian,I loved learning about your journey from the Sneaker Pimps era to your solo project, teaching in France, and writing. Thank you for sharing your influences on your working methods. I loved it when you said that artistic work is often a "conduit" rather than a choice. I appreciate that you shared your introversion, especially your years of sobriety. I loved learning about the inspirations behind your latest album, Re: Gen X, which offers a fascinating take on society's approach to slow change. We hit on numerous topics that listeners will enjoy. Keep putting your visit in the air like John Bender. I appreciate your punk-spirited optimism. Follow The Noise Who Runs:www.facebook.com/thenoisewhoruns
www.instagram.com/thenoisewhorunsPhoto courtesy of: https://lucielogier.com/accueil-1
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Dear Darling Buds,Muchas gracias for a lively and wide topic conversation. 
Thank you for discussing the challenges and strengths of each person in the band. It was fascinating to hear about dyslexia, stage fright, and how those experiences shaped your approach to your craft as musicians. I loved hearing more about the band's early albums including 'Crawdaddy' and 'Erotica'. It was a real treat to hear how the gorgeous new album 'same sun | same sky' came about. This episode offers an intimate and upbeat of longtime friendships, memory, and wonderful musical craftsmanship. Your indie pop tunes will continue to stay fresh for decades.
Follow The Darling Buds: https://thedarlingbuds.bandcamp.com/album/same-sun-same-skyFollow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Dear Dave,It made me smile to speak with you about your work as an author and entertainment journalist. Thank you for sharing your memories of being at the Toronto International Film Festival when 9/11 happened. What a story! I also enjoyed retracing your journey through John Hughes’ films and appreciated hearing how deeply you admire his craft. I love that we both hold such reverence for his oeuvre. It was fascinating to learn more about your work at TCM and your herculean efforts to ensure that Hollywood’s classic films continue to receive the attention and recognition they richly deserve. Your book, 50 Movie Nights, beautifully captures the contributions of so many celebrities. Thank you, too, for sharing snippets from your interviews with Paul Rudd, Topher Grace, Kyra Sedgwick, and Jason Bateman. So much fun!I know Surprise Cast listeners will appreciate your personal anecdotes, film recommendations, and deeper understanding of what makes a film a classic. Your love and dedication to film preservation and conversation will continue to open the curtains for so many people who want to discover cinema's magic.Follow Dave Karger: https://www.instagram.com/davekarger/
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dave-karger/50-movie-nights/9798894142210/?lens=running-press-group
https://www.tcm.com/
Additional Music by:Lick the Tins - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lick_the_Tins
Jack Hallam - https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Movie-Themes-Jack-Hallam/dp/B00AY75A0OMax Steiner - https://www.classicalcalifornia.org/articles/max-steiner
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Dear Shane,What an absolute pleasure it was having you on Surprise Cast for another deep and thoughtful conversation.I loved hearing about your strong liking for Sigur Rós and how their shows reframed your thinking about space and sound. I still have yet to see them. Thank you for taking a deeper dive into your work as an educator. I loved the story you shared about turning lemons into lemonade regarding a difficult teaching moment. Quite inspiring. The backstories to 'Traces' and some of the album's themes were just pure ace. Thank you for describing the creative process behind some of the most beautiful tracks. Such a wonderful collaboration with Maud Anyways on "Pride" and album artwork by Rachel Benjamin.  You also nailed it with your choices for The National tunes. Keep connecting the dots to the truth of who you are--which is a beautiful and authentic human being!Follow Sea of Days: https://linktr.ee/seaofdays
Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Dear David, It's not often I open up a show by talking about skipping class back in high school. It's only fitting for this interview.  Welcome back to Surprise Cast!Thank you for reflecting on the band's early years, C86 sound, and how The Mighty Lemon Drops arrived at the beautiful post punk sound. It was cool to learn about some of the recording process with producer Stephen Street, and how songs evolved in the studio. I especially loved learning about the touring logistics and life on the road. The 40th anniversary of 'Happy Head' deserves all of the excitement from fans. Thanks for uncorking a wonderful conversation with me. Just like the MLD music, you have that youthful spirit and energy. Follow David Newton: https://www.instagram.com/theemightyangel/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/themightylemondrops
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Hello Jon,Pleasure sitting down with you for a good chat on Surprise Cast. I loved hearing about your journey from a unique Mormon childhood in England. Fascinating. Thank you for talking about your time with post-punk band, Siouxsie and the Banshees. I LOVED the tales on how you joined the band, studio and touring memories. Thank you for taking my ears behind the scenes of songs such as "Peekaboo" and more. How amazing that you got to collaborate with Stephen Hague and John Cale. Discussing your collaboration with Sinead O' Connor and long time friendship with Jah Wobble was absolutely a treat to hear. I appreciate the deep dive you went into regarding the making of the 'Automatic Paradise' album. It was cool to learn about the lo-fi spontaneity and organized structures that helped shape some fabulous tunes. You two created an incredible atmosphere. Thank you for the ear opening stories and thoughtful reflections. Keep chasing after the rich sound and creative collaborations. You're quite good at it. Follow Jon Klein: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonklein/
Follow Jah Wobble: https://jahwobble.com/Follow Siouxsie and the Banshees:https://linktr.ee/siouxsieandthebansheesFollow Shameless Promotions: https://shamelesspromotionpr.com/Photo courtesy of @petermcdonnellphotography
 
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Hello Mary!
Thank you so much for joining me to talk about music, creativity, and Maniacs milestones. I loved hearing your personal reflections and about the people you appreciate in the music business such as Alison Krauss. 
How amazing that you got to be a guest on stage with Billy Bragg for one of my favourite songs of his! It was also fascinating to learn about the “three V’s” of your life. And let’s not forget our stroll down memory lane while talking about John Lombardo and the Natalie Merchant era.
I know the 45th anniversary show will be memorable for everyone attending. I’m looking forward to hearing the new recordings and seeing the vinyl reissues emerge.
Thank you again for your warmth and wonderful sense of humor. It's always lovely chatting with you. Follow Mary Ramsey: https://www.instagram.com/yesmaryramsey63/
Follow 10,000 Maniacs: https://maniacs.com/
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Dear Adam and Jamie,It was great having you on Surprise Cast back in May.
I loved our conversation about your UK tour with Chapterhouse—what a “special” experience! It was fascinating to learn about the concept behind the new album, which is clearly inspired by *Holy Island* and its incredible, nuanced history. The music captures the place's atmosphere beautifully. I also enjoyed hearing about that two- to three-week burst of writing inspiration. And I can’t argue with your great taste in music: U2, Slowdive, Ride, Talk Talk, and My Bloody Valentine. Your long standing friendship continues to fuel your creativity and gives you the confidence to try new things without being intimidated by the process. The “Experimental process” seems to be a good friend of yours.Follow Sister Ray Davies: https://linktr.ee/sisterraydavies
Follow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
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Dear Daniel,So nice to have you on Surprise Cast. Who knew we'd have so much in common, starting with our love for movies that shaped us, including E.T. and Superman. I loved hearing about the amazing Nirvana concert. What an experience for you. Thank you for walking me through your journey from college radio and CMJ to launching your well-respected company, Force Field. I can't believe Sufjan Stevens, Ariel Pink, and Panda Bear were your early clients.It was interesting to learn more about what makes you a trusted partner for artists. Thank you for explaining the day-to-day of tour pressing, album rollouts, and other aspects of your all-consuming job. Your Joan Baez story put a smile on my face. Keep protecting your clients with that amazing shield of yours. All those business victories will continue to pay off big time!Follow Force Field PR: https://www.forcefieldpr.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or XAdditional music by:https://chapterhouseofficial.com/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmOk-H-VrObMeMYqPITpH5W2qjMIirKdm