Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #152 The Popinjays

How important is music and mental health? Join us on Surprise Cast for an engaging and somewhat nostalgic podcast episode as I connect with Wendy and Polly of The Popinjays, a band that played a significant role in the musical journey back in the '90s. In this captivating conversation, the duo shares their memories of making infectiously catchy albums like "Flying Down to Mono Valley" to tackling pressing social issues like mental health, suicide prevention, and the art of photography. You'll be educated!
Prepare to be captivated as they delve into their rich history, sharing stories about unexpected life detours, the vibrant '90s London music scene, and their cherishable memories of touring with my favourite band of all time, Kitchens of Distinction. This conversation certainly sparkles and shines just like their music. Vote Popinjays!

Surprise Cast #151 Ciara Lawless, Sinéad Smyth, Sarah Wiers: The Resilient Spirit of Ireland

What does it mean to be Irish? In this riveting episode of Surprise Cast, we embark on an enlightening journey into Ireland's rich culture and essence through a roundtable discussion with three remarkable guests: Sarah Weirs, a passionate musician from Loughrea, County Galway; Sinead Smyth, a talented visual artist from Carndonagh, County Donegal; and Ciara Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Roscommon in western Ireland. Together, they delve into the profound connections to their Irish heritage. Amazing!The episode explores the significance of the Irish flag, reflecting on the cultural landscapes that shaped them, the resilience of the Irish spirit, and the deep sense of community that thrives across the island.The artists navigate topics covering Ireland's historical challenges, the influence of past and present, and the role of storytelling and listening in building connections. Filled with personal stories, rich cultural insights, and a deep appreciation for the Irish spirit of community and creativity, this episode serves as an ode to the vibrant and enduring nature of Irish culture. You'll be easily charmed!Music included: Ciara Lawless, Sarah Wiers, The Chieftains, Ultan Conlon, and Oisin LeechFollow Ciara Lawless: https://www.instagram.com/ciaralawlesshq/
Follow Sinead Smyth: https://sineadsmyth.com/
Follow Sarah Wiers: https://linktr.ee/sarah.wiers.official?Follow Ultan Conlon: http://ultanconlon.com/
Follow Oisin Leech: https://www.oisinleech.com/
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Surprise Cast #150 Etienne Quartey-Papafio (Whitelands)

What does it mean to be self-aware?We go into the inspiring world of music with special guest Etienne Quartey-Papafio from the band Whitelands.Etienne, a rhythm guitarist, singer, and songwriter, shares his unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in both Ghana and London. He unveils his musical journey and the cultural influences that have shaped his artistic expression. Discover how Etienne, along with his band Whitelands, navigates the dynamic music scene in London amidst evolving cultural landscapes.  
The conversation takes an intimate turn as Etienne discusses his experiences with ADHD, sharing how this condition has both challenged and enhanced his creativity. 
Explore the themes and inspirations behind Whitelands' latest album "Nightbound Eyes Are Blind to the Day," highlighting the significance of patience in song development and the band's journey from recording in a Catholic school to touring with renowned acts like Slowdive.Amazing!Tune in to be inspired by Etienne's story and the harmonious blend of his Ghanaian roots and London experiences that continue to shape his songwriting. Oh yeah, his EQ gets a grade A in my book!Follow Whitelands:  https://whitelands.bandcamp.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTubeFollow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
Extra music courtesy of Three Quarter Skieshttps://threequarterskies.bandcamp.com/
 

Surprise Cast #149 Quietly Into the Night

Why is friendship important to a band's success? In this engaging conversation, the band Quietly Into the Night shares their journey through music, discussing individual roles, influences, and the collaborative spirit that defines their sound. They reflect on childhood memories that shaped their musical tastes, the importance of live performances, and their plans for creating new music. The discussion also touches on the significance of making mistakes in the creative process and the joy of creating music together. With a mix of personal narratives and sharp insights, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the passion and dedication behind their art. This conversation serves as an engaging exploration of the inner workings of a band just discovering their voice and audience. But, at its core is their long-standing friendship and mutual love for music, which speaks volumes. Loudly!Follow Quietly into the Night: https://quietlyintothenight.link.cam/
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Surprise Cast #148 C Duncan

Join us for an insightful episode as we leap into the dynamic world of Scottish musician C. Duncan, also known as Christopher Duncan. Celebrated for his unique blend of musical genres and artistic prowess, he shares an intimate look into his life and creative process.
In this episode, we explore Christopher's journey from his upbringing in a musically talented family to his evolution as a distinguished artist. He reflects on the impact of his parents, both professional string players, and discusses how his upbringing and interactions shaped his artistic style. Christopher also shares cherished childhood memories, including his first musical inspirations from Radiohead and Bjork and how they shaped his musical landscape. The episode also touches on broader themes such as dealing with dyslexia and its influence on his music. Gotta love his honesty!
We discuss the creation of his latest album, "It's Only a Love Song," which has received tremendous acclaim from music critics. Christopher discusses the personal and professional collaborations that brought this project to life, including working with his amazing parents on the string arrangements. Pay close attention to his his complimentary words toward Bella Union founder, Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), and how much he appreciates being on the label.
From whimsical tales of his two schnauzers to navigating the challenges of life as a musician, Christopher offers listeners a blend of humor, warmth, and wisdom. Tune in to hear about his current projects, inspirations, and who C. Duncan is today. Don’t miss this comprehensive exploration of music and creativity. Talk. Talk. Talk. It’s what we do in the best way possible.Follow C Duncan:https://www.cspaceduncan.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

P.C.E! #1 - The Cure in Concert

What makes a Cure concert special?In this debut episode of P.C.E. (Post Concert Energy), my special guests—Darren Revell and Danielle Hennes—and I explore the captivating energy of The Cure. Darren, the creator of Big Sonic Heaven Radio, and Dani, the DJ host of the Kaleidoscape show on Big Sonic Heaven Radio, share their deep connections to the band and recount unforgettable shows. Tune in to relive The Cure's iconic concert moments and engage in spirited debates about their musical catalog in this heartfelt exploration of one of the most beloved bands in alternative rock history. This is our love letter to The Cure. Follow Big Sonic Heaven Radio:https://www.bigsonicheaven.com/
Follow The Cure:https://www.thecure.com/
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Surprise Cast #147 Jess Chalker

What does courage mean to you? In this deeply moving episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Jess Chalker, an artist whose journey of self-discovery and resilience has had a strong impact on fans around the world.
Throughout the episode, she opens up about the personal battles she fought to find her voice as a writer and artist, grappling with the lows of depression and nostalgia while being away from home. She honestly discusses her near-death experiences and how confronting mortality deepened her appreciation for life. What an incredible story!She also shares stories from her childhood as a Jehovah's Witness and the subsequent journey of rebuilding her life after leaving the faith—a journey marked by strength and independence. Her reflections on meeting significant people during her travels, the spirit of cities like Los Angeles, and connecting with diverse cultures are interwoven with tales of growth and transformation.Let's not forget about Jess's debut album, 'Hemispheres,' a work that emerged from her experiences, balancing significant life changes and expressing profound emotions. Listeners will gain insight into several songs, grasping the bittersweet yet hopeful narratives interwoven with memorable musical influences.This episode is a beautiful blend of music, the struggles and triumphs of personal growth, and the enduring spirit of hope and optimism. Just hit play, don't fight it...you'll thank me!Follow Jess Chalker:https://jesschalker.bandcamp.com/album/hemispheres
https://www.jesschalker.co/
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Surprise Cast #146 Patrick Fitzgerald

How do Patrick's artistic skills help me understand more about myself?This episode features a heartfelt and meaningful conversation with Patrick Fitzgerald, the legendary frontman of Kitchens of Distinction/Stephen Hero. He discusses his journey through heartbreak, creativity, and healing. As Patrick reflects on his artistic path, you'll learn about the music that molded his childhood. He also opens up about the challenges he faced while creating albums and shares insights into his creative process and how it has evolved.Delve into Patrick's latest Stephen Hero album, "Convalescence," and how it reflects his current outlook on life as he continues to create emotionally resonant music. The episode also highlights Patrick's collaboration with the Scottish label Last Night from Glasgow (Ian Smith) and the artistic impact of significant life events, such as his kidney transplant and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Plenty to unpack!Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring discussion with an authentic artist whose lyrics resonate deeply with both old and new fans, especially me. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener of Patrick's work, this episode promises to provide wonderful insights into the muscle of music and how it can heal and transform. To the power of 1...alwaysFollow Patrick Fitzgerald:https://patrickfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/
https://x.com/#!/stephen_hero
https://www.youtube.com/user/stephenheroband
https://www.facebook.com/stephen.hero.3/

Surprise Cast #145 Christie Goodwin

What does it take to become a stalwart music photographer?
Enjoy my chat with the legendary music photographer, Christie Goodwin. This episode takes you through a fascinating career journey, shedding light on her unique experiences and perspectives as she captures some of the most iconic musicians of our time.
We begin with a warm introduction, diving into Christie's early experiences and discovering her passion for photography. From receiving her first camera at 14 to her early struggles and the persistence that defined her career, we learn about the impactful moments that shaped her photography journey. Amazing!
She shares her experiences photographing music legends like Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, AC/DC, Taylor Swift, and Nick Cave, offering listeners a backstage pass into the world of music photography. She highlights the challenges and joys of capturing the raw energy of live performances and the intimate moments of artists behind the scenes. Incredible!
This episode is more than just a look into Christie's career—it's an exploration of art, passion, and the relentless pursuit of snapshotting moments that resonate. For anyone interested in photography, music, or the combination of the two, this episode is an easy click on the play button and a dazzling lens into someone's vision that is crystal clear and incredibly focused.
Follow Christie Goodwin: https://www.christiegoodwin.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube*music courtesy of Back in Black and Lisa Mitchell. 

Surprise Cast #144 Louise Trehy

What makes Louise Trehy such a unique musician?
I engage in a yummy conversation with Louise, a renowned artist known for her impactful journey from the dreampop 4ad band Swallow to the indie group Strata Florida. Listeners are invited to explore Louise's unique approach to music, her inspirations, and the profound themes of time and nature within her latest album, "Sleep of Apples."
The conversation touches upon the influence of legendary bands like Cocteau Twins, the evolving landscape of the music business, and the essence of authenticity in art as Louise discusses her past work with Swallow and her current project. 
Take a bite out of this episode to experience Louise's warmth and gain insight into her introspective journey of creativity and personal growth. Her words are as honest and sweet as a basket of Fuji apples!Follow Strata Florida: https://www.stratafloridaband.com/index.html
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