Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #247 Andrew Sherriff (Chapterhouse)

Dear Andy,
Thank you again for such an open, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation on Surprise Cast. It was an absolute blast hearing you reflect on Chapterhouse’s journey, from the whirlwind of the Whirlpool 35 UK tour to rediscovering the joy of simply playing music together again after such a long hiatus. Amazing!
I loved how grounded your perspectives remained throughout the conversation, whether discussing sold-out shows, reconnecting with longtime fans, or sharing appreciation about Rachel Goswell or shoegaze band, Sister Ray Davies. Hearing the stories about working with Robin Guthrie, experimenting with tape tricks and production techniques, and handling the pressures surrounding the albums Whirlpool and Blood Music offered such a fascinating glimpse into the band’s evolution. Plus, I LOVED gaining more insight into some of your most precious songs. 
There’s a real energy and buzz around Chapterhouse right now, and it was exciting to hear firsthand how much you’re enjoying the experience again. Please don't get off the "roller coaster ride". I'm lovin all of the twists and turns. All the best to you and the band's continued success on the road and with the next chapter ahead.Follow Chapterhouse: https://chapterhouseofficial.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, YouTubeFollow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram or X

Surprise Cast #246 Brian Futter (Catherine Wheel/Good Day Father)

Dear Brian,
I wanted to say thank you for the incredible scope of our conversation!
I appreciated learning your extraordinary arc as a musician. It was cool to learn about Catherine Wheel's wild early break, the unexpected momentum of “Black Metallic” landing on K-Rock radio station, and vivid memories of touring life. You did a wonderful job articulating your stories about childhood influences (Beatles, Hendrix) to the neighborhood guitar shops. I'll never forget your memorable story about preparing for your first electric guitar. Amazing! It was interesting to hear about your creative collaboration with Tanya Donelly with the Good Day Father outfit--not to mention some of the stories behind the wonderful songs. Thank you so much for cranking out an insightful, thoughtful, and authentic conversation with me. Huzzah!Follow Good Day Father: https://gooddayfather.bandcamp.com/
Follow Catherine Wheel: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatherineWheel/
Follow Surprise Cast:Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #245 Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe/Ministry/Pigface)

Dear Chris,
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you about your work with Fini Tribe, Ministry, and beyond. You brought incredible energy and insight to the conversation, and I truly enjoyed hearing about your journey—from the streets of Edinburgh to the studios in Chicago.
I especially appreciated learning about your early choral experiences and your influences, from David Bowie to Buzzcocks, Can, Throbbing Gristle, and John Peel. Your experimental approach—loops, film sampling, and bedroom production—was fascinating to hear about, and your attention to detail is impeccable.
The story behind the Fini Tribe compilation and everything that went into its release was particularly compelling. I also really connected with your perspective on creativity—this idea of “compulsion” over inspiration is something that will stay with me. Keep up the high level of artistic expression!Follow Chris Connelly: https://chrisconnelly.com/
Follow Fini Tribe: https://chrisconnelly.bandcamp.com/album/the-sheer-action-of-the-fini-tribe-1982-1987
Other podcast music courtesy of:David Bowie: https://www.davidbowie.com/
Buzzcocks: https://www.buzzcocks.com/
 

Surprise Cast #244 Brontës (Amelia Haldane)

Dear Amelia,
I was delighted to “fly” digitally to Glasgow to speak with you. I really enjoyed our conversation about the self-titled album, life as a drummer, the band’s origins, and so much more.
It was fascinating to hear about the album’s creation—from the stripped-down songwriting sessions to the fast, collaborative studio process. I was also excited to learn that you worked with one of my favourite photographers, Stephanie Gibson. As you said, “We all had such a nice day… we were all having a really good time… she’s just amazing.” Such kind words.
Thank you again for sharing your positivity and passion throughout our conversation. You spoke about your personal stories and influences in a way that was both insightful and engaging. Your female strength and presence are truly admirable.Follow Brontës: https://linktr.ee/brontesFollow Last Night from Glasgow: https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/
Follow Stephanie Gibson(photographer): https://www.instagram.com/slg_photog/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #243 Chris Brokaw & Tanya Donelly

Dear Chris and Tanya!
I’m excited to share our special episode of Surprise Cast. Our conversation felt warm, wide-ranging, and simply fun!
I especially enjoyed hearing about the beginnings of your musical journeys—your early inspirations, formative concerts, activism, and the collaborations that helped shape your paths. At the heart of the episode is your new EP, The Undone is Done Again. It’s a deeply thoughtful project, sparked by a shared interest in medieval music, and the result is striking: a seamless merging of past and present that feels genuinely fresh and meditative. I think your fans will appreciate its uniqueness.
Overall, the conversation is filled with heartfelt reflection and moments of real honesty. You two have a  super-connected partnership. Collaboratio tua creativa valde admirata est!Music courtesy of:https://www.kissonline.com/
http://www.thompsontwinstombailey.co.uk/
Follow Chris and Tanya: https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-undone-is-done-again
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #242 Railcard

Dear Ian, Rachel, and Allison,
I had a blast chatting with you. Thanks a million for sharing such personal stories, from “almost” being a musician for The Sisters of Mercy to living in the same place as Vincent van Gogh, and the history behind your lovely grandmother. I really appreciate your thoughtful insights into what art means to you and how it shapes your role as musicians.
It was especially fun discussing the s/t album, Railcard, and hearing more about the band’s history and your deep approach to songwriting. What stands out most to me is the breadth of your experiences, which clearly contributes to the infectious music you create--not to mention an everlasting friendship. Follow Railcard: https://railcardband.bandcamp.com/
Music Courtesy of...The Sisters of Mercy: https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/
Trashcan Sinatras: https://trashcansinatras.com/
Follow Surprise Cast Episodes: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #241 The Blue Herons

Hello, Gretchen and Andy!Thank you for returning to Surprise Cast. I really enjoyed how diverse and fun our conversation was—covering music, collaboration, and your sparkling new album, Demon Slayer. You both have such a natural chemistry that carries into your work in a way that feels effortless.
I especially loved hearing the stories about Marty Willson-Piper and the secret Copenhagen show with Dean & Britta—what great confidence boosters!
You also navigated the quotes from J. White, J. Mitchell, and R. Rubin so well. It gave me a deeper appreciation for your influences and the intentionality behind the new album. The way you broke down specific songs really highlighted how far you’ve pushed your creativity. Amazing!
I also appreciated the insight into the visuals and album art—the bold colours really stand out. Congratulations on signing with Shelflife Records. Thank you for always bringing such engaging energy to our conversations—just like your gorgeous, addictive music.Follow The Blue Herons: https://theblueherons1.bandcamp.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, and/or YouTubeAdditional music by: Belly: https://bellyofficial.com/homeFields of the Nephilim: https://www.fields-of-the-nephilim.com/#/
Mojave 3: https://mojave3.bandcamp.com/
 

Surprise Cast #240 Jeffrey James Horan

I’m so glad we had the chance to talk about your life as a musician. If it weren’t for my girlfriend suggesting we go to Biscuits and Blues that night, I don’t think we would have connected.
I really enjoyed hearing about your childhood growing up in the Bay Area and how you were surrounded by the sounds of the blues from such a young age. It was especially cool to learn about your early touring experiences and your collaborations with musicians like John Lee Hooker Jr. Listening to your stories about your music and creative process gave me a deeper appreciation for what you do. Impressive. 
Wishing you all the best as you continue chasing your dreams and sharing that soulful gift. It’s truly inspiring.Follow Jeffrey James Horan: https://www.jeffreyjameshoran.com/Additional music by: https://johnleehookerjr.com/
https://johnleehooker.com/
https://fatsdominoofficial.com/
 

Surprise Cast #239 Neal & Melissa McCullough

Dear Neal and Melissa,It brought a huge smile to have you both on Surprise Cast! Together, you unpacked what it truly means to work as designers and illustrators—the daily grind, highs, lows, and everything in between. It was great learning about the Willis Wonderland Foundation pop-up book and the backstory of discovering Hand Drawn Creative in 2009. I absolutely loved hearing how comics, post-punk music, and posters have shaped your visual language. We share quite a bit in common when it comes to appreciating great music. I know listeners will thoroughly enjoy hearing about your lives as illustrators. Thank you for bringing the Irish charm, kindness, and memorable stories!Follow Hand Drawn Creative: https://handdrawncreative.co.uk/Music courtesy byThe Teardrop Explodes: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCIM22kwWk_IeaEXty-6z1AQ
Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/
Echo and the Bunnymen: https://www.bunnymen.com/
Charlie Parker: https://charlieparkermusic.com/Miki Berenyi Trio: https://mikistuff.com/
Jonathan Richman: https://jonathanrichmantour.com/
Follow Surprise Cast on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #238 Sky Patterns

Greetings, Paul!It was a pleasure to have you on Surprise Cast for an in-depth conversation about your life as a musician!Thank you for retracing your formative influences such as Chameleons, Talk Talk, and others. It was cool to learn about how these bands helped inform your approach to rhythm, melody and recordings. I loved your stories about The Pixies and Charlatans--fascinating and fun!
Our podcast listeners will get a detailed walk-through of your songwriting process: starting songs from a single synth note, experimenting with rhythm and texture, prioritizing dynamics and space, and the lyrical choices that capture mood and ambiguity. You're quite good at capturing these aspects as you allow your songs to breathe. I appreciated hearing more about your production and thematic concerns behind the unique album, 'Night Call'. I particularly gravitated to the story behind "the in-betweens". Very observational, you are! I'm happy that your music and work continues to reach people's hearts and minds. Keep experimenting over traditional formula--it brings out the very best in your creative spirit.Follow Sky Patterns: https://skypatterns.runasp.net/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube