Surprise Cast #57 Andy Diagram(Pale Fountains/James/Spaceheads)

Welcome to this special edition of the Surprise Cast, where we are incredibly honored to host a figure whose musical genius has adorned the soundscape of some of the most influential bands over the past few decades. Today, we are joined by none other than Andy Diagram, affectionately known in the music world as Andy Trumpet. This conversation is broken up into 3 parts: Family/Childhood experiences, friendship(s), and the body of work!

Andy's journey through the realms of music has seen him infuse his remarkable trumpet and electronica skills into a variety of genres, leaving an indelible mark on each. His unique sound first captivated audiences during his time with the Pale Fountains and later with the band James, particularly noted for their iconic album "Sound," which became a beacon of their legacy in 1992. Andy's presence on stage, characterized by his enthusiastic, confident, and spirited demeanor, not only elevated the band's performances but also left an unforgettable impression, including a memorable show at The Warfield in San Francisco in 1992.

In this episode, Andy shares insights into his upbringing in a tiny flat in central London, his close-knit family, “We had to learn how to live with each other in a small space” and the early musical influences that shaped his career. He discusses the dynamics of friendship and collaboration within bands like the Pale Fountains, “we were sort of like a little gang...we’d share clothing and styling tips...” and James, “there’s a sort of improvising thing...where everyone sort of gets together and plays together and the music emerges.” emphasizing the importance of community and shared creativity. Andy also delves into his improvisational approach to music, his experimental work with Spaceheads, “it’s my creative outlet...it’s where I can do the things, which I can’t do in the James becasue it’s such a big band.” and the challenges and rewards of maintaining a collaborative spirit in a large band.

Join us as we explore Andy's thoughts on creativity, the evolution of his sound, and the enduring legacy of his music. We wrap up with a look at what's next for Andy, including upcoming James’ tours and new compilation of early releases/box set from Spaceheads. This intimate conversation offers a deep dive into the life and work of a pioneering musician who continues to push the boundaries of what music can be. “Not another bloody trumpet bit.” Oh yes! And we love him all the more for it!

Follow Andy:
https://andydiagram.com/

https://www.facebook.com/andydiagramtrumpet

https://wearejames.com/

https://andydiagram.bandcamp.com/track/masks

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