Surprise Cast #77 Stephen Lawrie (The Telescopes)

Welcome to today's episode of Surprise Cast, where we delve into the fascinating journey of The Telescopes' legendary frontman, Stephen Lawrie, the creative force behind the band. Formed in 1987, The Telescopes quickly became known for their unique blend of shoegaze, psych rock, noise pop, and more. Stephen's passion for music is evident in every recording, whether it's the raw energy of the early works or the more contemplative, noisy, melodic, and ambient textures of recent releases.

In today's episode, Stephen shares insight into his creative process and the evolution of The Telescopes' sound. He reflects on the significance of "Growing Eyes Becoming String" and "Editions," as they serve as a time capsule, capturing rare moments and new unreleased tracks that offer fans a deeper understanding of the band's artistic trajectory. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Stephen as he takes us through his life as a musician and the enduring legacy of The Telescopes, a band whose magic resonates across generations.

Stephen also opens up about his childhood experiences and the impact they had on his music. From the brutal schooling system ("I started to see hypocrisy...I got hit with everything") to his parents' divorce, and the loss of his dog, Stephen's early life was filled with disillusionment and questioning of authority ("you have to do this...why?...because I said so...I started questioning it"). These experiences fueled his rebellious spirit and shaped his approach to music.

In the second part of the episode, Stephen discusses the people who have helped him along the way. He highlights the influence of a family friend who introduced him to the basics of songwriting ("like the oldest rocker in town...he was very encouraging") and Richard Formby , who played a crucial role in shaping the band's sound in the early days ("he used to stay at my house...conversations went on all night"). Stephen also touches upon the challenges and constraints faced during the production of various albums, including the second album ("ended up being more like a Talk Talk album") which was heavily influenced by the studio environment and the push from Creation Records. 

The conversation then shifts to recent works, including the album "Growing Eyes Become String," which began its journey in 2013 ("invited out in Berlin by Anton Newcombe") but faced numerous challenges before its release in 2023. Stephen provides insights into the making of the album and the unique recording process that involved going into the studio blind and working under extreme conditions ("no equipment in the studio...built some sound proofing bits...lost a bit of time doing that")

Listeners will also get a chance to hear tracks from the albums, including "Get Out of Me" ("various forces...kind of obstacles in my mind at that time") from "Growing Eyes Becoming String" and "Second Darkness" from "Editions." Stephen shares the stories behind these tracks, offering a glimpse into the creative mind of a musician who has always pushed the boundaries of his art. 

"The most profound things are the simplest" - He's got his eye on the musical prize!

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