Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #218 Trillion

Dear Steve, Tara, and Luke — this was an engaging conversation about your Sydney shoegaze/indie project and the fantastic new album Feel Alright. I loved that we started with light icebreakers and then moved into deeper topics. 
We discussed the creative influences that shaped your sound from My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless to Simon & Garfunkel, Jesus and Mary Chain, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie and The Cure. All amazing musicians! We peeled back the layers of Feel Alright — exploring impactful tracks from the album. Thank you for explaining how the songs evolved: demos shared weekly, live-testing arrangements, collaboration across geography, and the magic that happens when band chemistry clicks in rehearsal or the studio. Quite interesting. 
I believe listeners will appreciate hearing about the nuances of your live performances, how the band approaches sequencing of songs and concert setlists, personal recommendations that include tv shows, films,.and charities. You hit the jackpot in terms of your kind and thoughtful participation on the Surprise Cast show. Follow Trillion: https://linktr.ee/trillionsydneyFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music included by My Blood Valentine: https://mybloodyvalentine.org/
 

Surprise Cast #217 Helen Millington

Hello Helen!I warmly welcome you as my special guest on Surprise Cast.Thank you for joining me from across the pond to discuss everything from Halloween icebreakers and favorite films (Kubrick, The Shining, and more) to how music, cinema, and books have helped you get through dark periods in your life.
The episode includes personal stories of childhood depression, early therapy, a later bipolar diagnosis, and how creative outlets—especially music and film—became lifesavers. You described your parents and influential teachers who fostered incredible curiosity and wonder.
Listeners will have a chance to explore your remarkable work as a photographer, including your early love of film cameras, transition to mirrorless and DSLR gear, go-to lenses for gigs, workflow for shooting and editing live shows, and the excitement of receiving your photos.
Many thanks for your honesty and deep reflection. You brought your life and work into sharper focus, which made the experience truly enjoyable. Follow Hellen Millington: https://www.instagram.com/helsmillphotography/Other music included:https://www.instagram.com/thestonerosesofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/realbabybird_/
https://chameleonsband.com/home
 

Surprise Cast #216 Peter Duggal / Wolfgang Flür

Dear Peter and Wolfgang,The time we spent together on Surprise Cast flew by quickly. Thank you for taking the time to be on the podcast feature. I loved chatting with you about a decade of friendship, collaboration, and the making of the new album, 'Times'. Hearing about how your partnership evolved was quite interesting. It's quite evident that you two hold each other in such high regard. I greatly appreciated how you two responded to Jeff Tweedy's quotes from his amazing book. Getting your take on being a songwriter versus being an artist, the creative process, and accepting challenges was fascinating. 
Thank you for walking the listeners and me through specific examples from the new album to highlight certain points. I loved hearing about how certain songs were assembled together based on sketches or synth/bass ideas. I'll never forget the Andy McCluskey story!
Congratulations on your amazing collaboration and chemistry. I love that you two embrace mistakes and see them as creative gifts. You confront doubts and obstacles with a head-on approach. You also bring such complementary strengths to the creative table, which result in melodic storytelling, arpeggiated soundscapes and textures, and the endless pursuit of musical curiosity. Truly amazing!Follow: https://www.instagram.com/wolfgang_fluer/
https://www.peterduggal.com/
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Surprise Cast #215 Ed Mazzucco (Shelflife Records)

Dear Ed,I learned so much about your life in just over an hour. Thank you for being a proud owner of Shelflife Records and being on Surprise Cast!I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, which moved from early childhood experiences, life in New York City, and running an amazing indie label. It was great to hear about your favorite games, formative films, and early musical obsessions (Depeche Mode, OMD, etc.), along with precious family memories deeply connected to your appreciation for your father's storytelling.You reflected on family influences, the loss of your parents, and how those experiences shaped your creative life. The conversation traced the origin of Shelflife Records in the mid‑1990s, its DIY beginnings (fanzines, hand‑assembled CDs), early breakthroughs with international acts, and the label’s evolution into a vinyl-focused imprint known for high‑quality packaging and artist care and attention to detail. So cool!I liked your dad's mantra, "if you're going to do it, do it right." Well, it's pretty clear you live by such words of wisdom. Keep running one of the more thoughtful labels in today's music scene. Follow Shelflife Records: https://shelfliferecords.bandcamp.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyMusic included by Close Lobsters, Lavender Blush, Soft Science, Whimsical, Submotile (Shelflife)Non - label tracks by: https://duranduran.com/https://omd.uk.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@officialhenrymancini
 

Surprise Cast #214 Massage

Dear Alex, Andrew, and Gabi:Here's a little secret. I've been wanting to chat with you for a long time. I'm so thrilled the desire came to fruition. Look at how deep we went!I embraced our conversation from Halloween memories to deep questions about art, music, and the creative life. I felt that there was a nice balance that mixed light, nostalgic banter with thoughtful discussion inspired by Brian Eno quotes, along with responsibilities and love for parenting. Good stuff!
The band talked through the making of the dazzling new album Coaster, with behind-the-scenes detail on a few tracks. You peppered that part of the conversation with tremendous depth and detail. 
As I mentioned in the interview, a shout-out to DJ Jake Rudh for leading me to the Massage waters—a place that is warm and beautifully indie. You truly are a band of friends who know how to create that wonderful spark of imagination, which leads to dazzling results, just like a Tim Burton film.Follow Massage: https://www.instagram.com/massagetheband/
Music included in the podcast:Nirvana: https://www.nirvana.com/#/Harry Nilsson: https://harrynilsson.com/
Read aloud books by Brian Eno and Brene Brownhttps://www.brian-eno.net/
https://brenebrown.com/about/
 
 

Surprise Cast #213 Ultan Conlon

To my friend, Ultan!
I loved our intimate conversation about music, life, and the new album Only!
Thank you for sharing your entertaining stories--from playing with Jackson Brown and opening for John Fogerty, to a near-miss with a Paramount placement song on a Netflix movie — and how those moments shaped your career in some capacity. 
The conversation dug into craft: songwriting as the true "currency" of music, ideas for breaking the sameness (Rick Rubin's idea), and the completion phase of a record — knowing when to stop refining and let the work go--not always easy for an artist. You spoke practicality about running a small coffee trailer in rural Ireland as a social creative reset, balancing multiple live projects, and the realities of touring and record promotion. I love that you're in search of staying fresh with new ideas. 
Thank you for talking about some of your sweet tunes, the intimate mixing choices that made your voice more intimate, and your approach to being vulnerable on record. And like a good Paul Thomas Anderson film, your music always keeps my interest at a high level. Cheers, for always being so delightful and genuine!Follow Ultan Conlon: https://ultanconlon.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyAdditional music by John Douglas (Trashcan Sintras): https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023
 
 

Surprise Cast #212 The Goods

Dear Rob,It was a real pleasure having you on Surprise Cast. I loved our talk about your supportive parents, early garage bands, formative concerts with your father, and your amazing new album. The episode dug into Oakland’s music life — the good, the rough edges, and the small venues that matter — and also highlighted your tremendous respect for Dandy Boy Records and label founder Bobby Martinez as a grassroots champion for a new jangle-pop/indie revival. He certainly does incredible work!
Central to the interview was a deep look at The Goods’ new album Don't Spoil the Fun, including the story behind the album cover, the long, songwriting and recording process, a period of losing and regaining your voice, and the decision to strip some tracks back to basics. I love how you can hear the faint Influences from band such as The Posies, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub and 60s British pop thread throughout the record, but still claim your own unique sound. You're quite adept at writing such beautiful melodies. 
Overall, I thought our conversation was candid, warm-hearted, and optimistic that will appeal to fans of sparkling power-pop, jangly indie, and anyone curious about the craft behind such a heartfelt record. Thanks for delivering the podcast goods!Follow The Goods: https://www.instagram.com/the_goods_music/
Follow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists
Other music included in the podcast by:https://greenday.com/
 

Surprise Cast #211 Halou

Dear Ryan and Rebecca,Many thanks for joining me on Surprise Cast. I enjoyed our chat. You traced your paths from childhood — eastern Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Marin —in an interesting way. I loved hearing about your musical influences, including Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, and Skinny Puppy--so many bands that I love!It was cool learning how Halou formed in the early '90s and listening to your reflections on the music scene, gender dynamics in the industry, life in Santa Cruz, and what being authentic means to you. 
The conversation turned to craft and creativity: Ryan, you explained your hands‑on, attention to detail approach to making music, and Rebecca, you described how you found emotional entry points for lyrics and how your voice has changed and matured over time. 
 Keep up the great work. I feel "Wiser" whilst listening to your music!Follow Halou: https://www.halou.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyArtists included on the podcast:Yellowman: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC84S9jo6JOt7mNKGxBgSXQQ
Skinny Puppy: https://skinnypuppy.com/
 

Surprise Cast #210 The Cords

Dear Grace and Eva,In this episode, I welcomed you for a lively return to Surprise Cast. The conversation began with playful Halloween icebreakers and costume memories before discussing the band’s recent UK tour, memorable onstage moments, and the variety of bands you played with, including indie legends Camera Obscura. Amazing!
The bulk of the episode focused on your sparkling self-titled debut album. You had mentioned producers Jonny Scott (Chvrches) and Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit) gave the two of you creative freedom while providing important suggestions (better snare parts, cymbal choices, etc.). You kindly described the songwriting process, preference for short, punchy, punky songs. It really is a special album!
I loved that you two geeked out on musical equipment and explained how you prepare for shows, connect with fans at merch, and stay grounded despite growing attention. Your parents did a beautiful job instilling terrific values in you. You touched on charities and benefits you played for, the labels behind the release (Skep Wax and Slumberland), and plans to record more and tour (including hopes to play the U.S., with visa and cost hurdles). Let's make it happen! Keep up the hard work. You have so much left in the creative tank!Follow The Cords: https://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg%3D%3D
Follow Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/
Follow Slumberland Records: https://slumberlandrecords.com/
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Surprise Cast #209 Maps (James Chapman)

Dear James,I'm thankful that you returned to Surprise Cast for a third time; that means a great deal to me. I had a wonderful time celebrating the spirit of Halloween, as well as enjoying an old Maps tune and your new album, 'Welcome to the Tudor Gate'. 
You explained how the project began — moving into a new house near a "creepy" old inn, vintage photographs (from dad) that conjured spooky imagery, and a decision to build a continuous, soundtrack‑style journey in chapters. What a great concept! I know the new/old album will serve as both a seasonal listening experience and an album suitable for any time of year.
Thank you for keeping listeners and me updated on the ongoing work of Maps, including mixing and production projects, and for sharing your plans to continue evolving while remaining true to your incredible sonic electronic DNA. You're always a breath of fresh air, continuing to make music that matters and soothes the soul. Follow Maps: https://thisismaps.com/
Follow Mute Records: https://mute.com/
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