Surprise Cast #84 Kerry Boettcher (Jetstream Pony)

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Surprise Cast! Today, we are thrilled to have Kerry Boettcher, the talented bass guitarist and backing vocalist of the indie-pop band Jetstream Pony, visiting our studio. This episode is divided into three intriguing segments where we delve deep into Kerry's life, from her impactful childhood experiences to her unique musical journey with indie darlings, Jetstream Pony. 

 In the first part of our conversation, Kerry opens up about her childhood in Queens, New York, and how her family’s frequent moves around the tri-state area shaped her early experiences. She shares poignant memories, including her love for the Peanuts comic strip ("I absolutely loved The Peanuts, I had a Snoopy electric toothbrush") and the challenging dynamics at home due to her mother’s struggles with depression and addiction. Kerry reflects on how these experiences impacted her, from her school life to her eventual understanding of her mother’s condition and its lasting effects. ("My mother slept all day and left my sister and I to our own devices"). 

Moving into the second segment, we explore the concept of “friendtorships” – friendships that transcend into mentorships, helping one grow both personally and professionally. She highlights key figures in her life who have played significant roles in her musical journey, including the legendary John Peel ("he'd be at the top of the list"), her bandmate Sean ("if it wasn't for Sean encouraging me..."), and her close friends Anna Moulson ("runs Melting Vinyl...I was chasing her with my demo tape"), and Chris Tomsett ("he introduced me to a lot of really great bands"). These individuals have not only inspired her but also encouraged her to pursue her passion for music, even after a long hiatus.

 In the final segment, we dive into her musical career with Jetstream Pony. She discusses the band’s unique sound, which blends indie pop, post-punk, dream pop, and alternative, and shares her role in the band, from playing bass to contributing lyrics. ("I've been working on my bass sound for years"). We listen to and analyze two of Jetstream Pony’s tracks, “Behind the Eyes” ("It was originally a Turbocat song and repurposed it for JP") and “Into the Sea,” gaining insights into the inspirations and stories behind these songs. She also talks about the collaborative process within the band and the joy of performing live.

Kerry reveals exciting news about Jetstream Pony’s upcoming second LP, set to be released in late 2024. She shares the band's plans for recording and hints at potential tours, including a hopeful visit to the United States. Let's keep our fingers crossed. 

We conclude the episode with a fun segment where she shares her favorite albums and participates in a quick fire round of questions, offering a light-hearted glimpse into her personality. Fun answers!

Join us for this intimate and inspiring episode as we uncover the rich tapestry of Kerry's life, her musical journey, and the power of Jetstream Pony's music. Tune in and let her candid words melt your heart just like Snoopy's lovable personality.  

Follow Jetstream Pony:
https://jetstreampony.bandcamp.com/music

https://x.com/jetstream_pony

https://www.instagram.com/jetstream_pony/

https://www.youtube.com/c/JetstreamPony

https://www.facebook.com/jetstreamponyband/

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