Surprise Cast #83 John Andrew Fredrick (The Black Watch)

In this captivating episode of Surprise Cast, I sit down with the multi-talented John Andrew Fredrick, a true Renaissance man known for his work as a musician, writer, and professor. The conversation unfolds in three enlightening parts: impactful childhood moments, influences, and body of work, offering an exciting glimpse into the life and mind of this incredibly versatile artist.

The episode begins with an exploration of John's family life and childhood experiences. He shares a poignant story about a significant hardship he faced as a child—breaking his leg severely and being bedridden for a year. ("Intensely lonely, intensely troubling experience") This challenging period, however, turned into a transformative experience that shaped his artistic soul and self-reliance. John reflects on how his parent’s decision to limit his television time ("only an hour and a half a day") spurred his love for reading ("my second or third word after mama and dada was book!") and music, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Next, the discussion shifts to mentorship and the influences that have shaped John's career. While he acknowledges the absence of direct mentors in the competitive music scene of Santa Barbara, he credits his artistic development to the "esoteric" and "ethereal" influences of his extensive vinyl collection. He also recounts his friendship with Pat Fish of the Jazz Butcher, highlighting the impact of their acoustic tours and shared musical journey. ("he became a close friend of mine"). He also shares his love for The Beatles ("nobody really competes with them") and goth-rock band, The Cure. 

In the final segment, he delves into his work with The Black Watch, discussing the creative process behind their latest album, "The Morning Papers Have Given Us The Vapors." He candidly shares the inspirations and challenges of songwriting, emphasizing his preference for self-reliance and individual creativity over collaboration.

Did you know that John is a big proponent of a specific sport and cineman? He shares his incredible love for tennis ("I had a very expensive backhand"), his admiration for filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson, and his humorous take on the concept of writing partners. Guess what his favourite Kubrick film is...you may be surprised. You'll learn a little bit about his feelings on being adopted. ("I never wanted to know anything about my birth parents").

The episode wraps up with a fun lightning round, revealing his quirky preferences and candid thoughts on various topics. This engaging conversation not only showcases John's artistic journey but also offers valuable insights into the resilience and passion that drive his creative pursuits. Join us for an intimate, humorous, and thought-provoking episode with John, where we explore the intersections of his art, love for sports, and the relentless pursuit of creativity both on and off the court of life. W-i-n-n-e-r!

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