Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #163 Jem Kelly (Part 1)

Are your ears geared up for this special interview?In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted journey of musician Jem Kelly. Renowned for his work with new wave bands The Wild Swans/The Lotus Eaters and other musical collaborations, Jem vividly explores his life, music, and cycling.
He shares captivating anecdotes about his early days playing guitar and the creative processes that have come to define his artistry. His unique ability to blend the storytelling with the cerebral in his music comes to life as he revisits his history with The Wild Swans, his collaborations, and how they leveraged his innate talent.
We also explore the cultural significance of Liverpool's iconic Eric's Club, where Jem experienced the bustling music scene of the 80s, witnessing legendary bands and his growth as an artist. This episode promises a deep dive into the world of Jem Kelly — an artist with an uncompromising devotion to his craft and one helluva storyteller -- nothing seems to deflate his enthusiasm for life. Follow Jem: https://x.com/BrotherPlukkerFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #162 Jetstream Pony

What's that saying about birds of a feather?
I chat with the eclectic and talented members of Jetstream Pony to dive into their latest musical explorations. Listeners are treated to an analysis of their sparkling new album, Bowerbirds and Blue Things, exploring its innovative departure from Jetstream Pony’s established sound while still staying true to their core style. Shaun, Beth, Kerry, and Tom candidly share the challenges and joys of writing lyrics and pushing the boundaries of their usual musical recipe. It's a winning formula!
The conversation also touches on the impact of social media in the music industry, with Tom discussing the balancing act of reaching new audiences through platforms like TikTok while managing the time-consuming demands of digital promotion. Never easy!
Discover how Jetstream Pony continues to evolve and captivate fans with their dynamic performances and infectious music. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the JP style, this episode promises an engaging and hilarious ride with one of today's most intriguing bands that flock together with plenty of indie giddy-up and never exhibiting a high horse attitude!Follow Jetstream Pony: https://jetstreampony.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #161 Shapes Like People

How does a married couple make it sound so easy?In this spirited episode of Surprise Cast, we enter the world of Shapes Like People, a band intertwined by their music and a deep, personal connection between its members, Carl and Kat Mann.  Join us as we explore the unique dynamics of this remarkable duo, who effortlessly support each other in their creative journey. Our friendly guests share their personal encounters with these challenges, offering a glimpse into the vulnerabilities and triumphs of their musical endeavors.
As the discussion unfolds, listeners are treated to insights on the songwriting process, where mundane conversations can blossom into profound lyrical narratives. The band members candidly share their methods, discussing how melodies are born and lyrics are crafted across scattered pages, evolving into the songs we hear on their latest album, "Ticking Haze."--which is a must own!
Join us for an inspiring journey with Shapes Like People, where music, love, and life's endless stories converge, promising an auditory experience as heartwarming as it is enlightening. They certainly know how to bring out the best in one another!Follow Shapes Like People: https://shapeslikepeople.bandcamp.com/album/ticking-hazeFollow Surprise Cast:Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and SpotifyFollow H.I. Art on the Edge: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #160 Tim Hill

How would you describe artistic innovation?Join us for an introspective and enlightening episode featuring Tim Hill, a multifaceted musician, visual artist, and director hailing from Canada. Known for his distinctive style that intertwines sound, visuals, and storytelling, Tim shares his journey from a dynamic childhood marked by frequent relocations to becoming a recognized figure in the realms of music and visual artistry.
He shares his creative process, drawing connections between his experiences and his art, while also discussing the impact of renowned artists like Gary Numan, OMD, and Brian Eno on his work.
Our conversation explores Tim's artistic philosophy, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faces as both a visual artist and musician. He discusses insights into his unique approach to capturing sounds across genres like ambient and electronic music, and how he incorporates both sound and sight to craft immersive experiences for audiences.
This episode is an invitation to discover the deep depth and breadth of Tim Hill's creative endeavors, as he continues to push boundaries. He is the true aural architect!

Surprise Cast #159 Kimberly Adamis Fongheiser

Are you ready to zoom in on this special guest? My talented and insightful interviewee, Kimberly Adamis Fongheiser, joins us for this episode. In this deeply engaging conversation, we leap into Kimberly's personal experiences and sharp perspectives, offering listeners a unique blend of passion, art, empathy, and resilience. 
The conversation shifts to Kimberly's multifaceted identity, including her upbringing in the culturally rich backdrop of the Bay Area, where she navigated her Mexican-Italian heritage amidst family challenges, including her parents' divorce. She honestly discusses the impact of these experiences on her personal growth and how they informed her understanding of family dynamics.In addition, art and photography have been major pillars in Kimberly's life, serving as essential tools for expression, creativity, and healing. She shares the joys and struggles of her artistic journey, underscoring the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone to innovate and grow creatively. It's great to know that Kimberly can view mistakes as wonderful opportunities for personal growth. It's all about adjusting her lens on life in a positive direction, which is quite inspiring! Follow Kimberly: https://www.kimberlyadamis.com/
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Surprise Cast #158 Soundwire

How would you define musical chemistry?In this engaging episode of the Surprise Cast, I welcome two pivotal members of the band Soundwire, Simon and Peter, to discuss their musical journey and the evolution of their unique sound. We talk about their early school experiences and the influential role that music played in their lives. The episode delves into the foundational years of Peter and Simon's friendship, strengthened by their love for punk and goth music, and their admiration for bands such as Joy Division and Depeche Mode, as well as musical influencers like John Peel. Listeners are also taken behind the scenes of Soundwire's recent album, 'Collider', which is described as a propulsive, energetic force with layers of sound that compel the listener on an aural voyage. Simply said, it's gorgeous! Strap in for the ride and appreciate their musical friendship more than ever. It's quite infectious on cosmic proportions. Follow Soundwire: https://soundwiremusic.bandcamp.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and Podbean, Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #157 Tracey Beehive (Voice of the Beehive)

How has this Queen Bee nourished her musical soul?
In this captivating episode, we are joined by Tracey Beehive, the singer-songwriter of the renowned indie band Voice of the Beehive. She takes us on an inspiring journey through her life's milestones, both musical and personal.
Tracey opens up about her music career, including the recent re-release of Voice of the Beehive's acclaimed album Honey Lingers. She discusses the band's dynamics, the creative process behind some of their most beloved songs, and the joy of reuniting with band members for indelible performances. Her infectious energy and passion for music shine through the microphone as she reflects on the influence of her musical heroes from London and how the city became a pivotal place of transformation for her. You'll see that our love for common is very similar.  
Beyond music, Tracey reveals intimate details about her upbringing, from her move from London back to Laguna Beach to her parents' devastating divorce, which deeply impacted her adolescence. She shares candid insights into how these life experiences shaped her as both an artist and an individual, maintaining her authenticity and vulnerability throughout the conversation. I appreciate her courage!
The episode also explores Tracey's current passion for teaching young children, where she integrates creativity and art into her lessons, fostering a love for culture in her students. 
This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of life's challenges, triumphs, and the healing power of creativity. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of music and art on personal growth. You'll be stung by her candid words in the best possible way. 

P.C.E! #2 - Eddie Murphy

"My mother says I never talked in my own voice"DVG and I reminisce about a legendary comedy event - Eddie Murphy's "Raw" tour at the Oakland Coliseum on November 6, 1987. We share personal anecdotes from attending the iconic tour as teenagers, recounting the excitement of seeing Murphy in his stand-up element. 
Listeners are treated to some movie recommendations and humorous reflections on the cultural impact of Murphy's performances, making this episode both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a celebration of comedy's lasting legacy. Join us for the laughs!

Surprise Cast #156 Waves Crashing

Here's another great band from the Pacific Northwest!Welcome to this episode where we delve deep into the vibrant music world with the dynamic band, Waves Crashing. I sit down with band members Bryce, Zach, and Josh - from Seattle and Olympia, Washington - to talk about their musical journey and their latest album 'Effection.'
Listen in as the band members share their connections to influential albums that shaped their childhoods, discuss their creative processes, and reveal how the grunge era influenced their music. 
Dive into the gripping narrative behind their album "Effection". Get an insider’s perspective on some spine-tingling songs, exploring their thematic focus on personal growth, societal reflections, and the universal battle against anxiety. 
Join us as we explore the life of a band on the road, hear about their pre-show rituals, and understand the group dynamics that keep Waves Crashing on an upward trajectory. Look out for details about their upcoming shows. Time to dive in and get your ears wet. Feel their positive effection they have on one another!

Surprise Cast #155 Paige K. Parsons (Photographer)

How do art and compassion collide?In this heartwarming episode of Surprise Cast, we dive into the world of photography and empathy with acclaimed photographer Paige K. Parsons. Broadcasting from her home in Palo Alto, California, Paige shares her unique journey from the tech hub of Silicon Valley to capturing the soulful essence of musicians and live performances through her sharp lens. She reflects on her stable upbringing and the influences that have shaped her positive outlook and artistic journey, challenging the notion that great art must stem from adversity.
The episode also highlights memorable anecdotes from her illustrious career, including her unexpected encounters while photographing iconic bands (The Cure) and festivals, her collaborations with fellow artists like The Twilight Sad and Mahogany, and her role as a photographer at legendary venues like The Fillmore.
Tune in to hear Paige's reflections on empathy, vulnerability, and the importance of focusing on love and connection. This episode is a testament to life, art, and the power of seeing the world through an empathic lens--one that is extremely sharp and rarely out of focus!Follow Paige K. Parsons: https://parsons.org/Follow and Subscribe to Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyFollow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube