Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #206 Sugar for the Pill

Dear Stefanos,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on Surprise Cast for the third time. You're a great songwriter and bassist for the band. I had a wonderful time discussing many interesting topics with you.  I loved hearing about your influences, such as Nirvana, Ride, Depeche Mode, The Chameleons, and Interpol, also your musical upbringing in Greece, and how specific songs affected you during different phases of your life. Our conversation went into the making of the album 'Luv', including the decision to pursue a rougher, more textured rhythm section and fuzzier guitars, and Vanna’s expanded and gorgeous vocal lines. We talked about the album artwork from Typical Organization (the bright pink vinyl and interactive sleeve that shifts color), and the do-it-yourself spirit behind the band's music video.
Thank you for sharing your gratitude for the label support from Shelflife Records, as well as the challenges of bringing the band’s live show abroad, personal concerns about AI in music and your hopeful plans for singles in 2026 and a new album by 2027. Exciting!
It was an intimate and warm conversation, my friend. Your heart is filled with love—as it always expresses with so much creativity and colour. Follow Sugar for the Pill: https://linktr.ee/SugarForThePill
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music by...The Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/
Interpol: https://www.interpolnyc.com/
Aphrodite's Child: https://vangelis.online/themes/thestoryofaphroditeschild

Surprise Cast #205 Minaxi

Dear Minaxi,What a great time I had speaking with all of you on Surprise Cast. I really enjoyed our conversation about technology, collaboration, and the making of your superb album, 'Z of A'. I loved how we opened up our discussion about artificial intelligence, its creative limitations, and accountability. It was interesting to hear the varying opinions. 
Thank you for allowing me to use the educational framework to pose questions. You all handled them with great precision and aplomb. Diving into Z of A was so much fun. I loved hearing your personal takes on key album tracks, along with the behind the scenes in terms of stereo staging, instrumental voicings, etc. 
I'm excited about your future creations.  Keep making the music you believe in and let the work speak for itself. Your musical intelligence will always be admired. Follow Minaxi: https://minaxitheband.com/
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Surprise Cast #204 Jem Kelly

Dear Jem,I'm elated that we had the opportunity to chat. I really enjoyed hearing your reflections on so many interesting topics!We covered your experience of fatherhood and the important relationship with your son, which included how parenting reshaped priorities, lessons about supporting a sensitive teenager, navigating education, "failure" as a learning milestone, and how to balance encouragement with letting a child find their own path. I greatly respect this approach :).  
It was fascinating to hear your honest thoughts on how technology and AI impact creativity and education. You described AI as a powerful tool for research and music production but also warned about its risks: the danger of bypassing critical thinking, the potential decline of humanities studies, and the social and political forces shaping how knowledge is shared. 
Thank you for pulling back the curtains with your stories behind The Wild Swans. You provided honest accounts of the inspiration behind the album, recording details, and gigs. You explained the origins of the B-side “Holy Holy,” its distinctive drum sound, and why certain production choices were made — which were quite ear-opening to hear. I loved hearing your memories about music videos, including "Young Manhood" and "Bible Dreams". 
This conversation was deep, thoughtful, and warm. You brought the English charm, which added variety to the table. You delivered sharp observations and opinions with Jem Kelly passion. Thanks for keeping the spirit of humanity alive!Follow Jem Kelly: https://x.com/BrotherPlukkerMore Wild Swans: https://www.paul-simpson.co.uk/
 

Surprise Cast #203 Ian Bickerton (Balloon)

Dear Ian,Thank you for coming back to Surprise Cast!I truly enjoyed our chat about music, family, and the creative process behind your magnificent work. It was wonderful to hear about your sharp reflections on journalism and songwriting. I also appreciated hearing your perspective on the significance of Robert Redford's work. I didn't realize All the President's Men had such an impact on you, but that makes complete sense considering your love for journalism. Our conversation about fatherhood was fascinating. You candidly opened up memories of raising your children, the role your parents played in molding your values, and the sweetness of singing with your son. I loved hearing such pride in your voice. We dug into the magnificent 2024 album, Gas 'N' Air, including the album cover, recording process, and standout songs. You articulated reflections so clearly, which made the learning of the album even more ear-opening. You deserved all of the glowing comments from critics and fans!
Thanks again for taking the listeners and me on a wonderful storytelling experience. It felt so intimate and warm, just like one of your Balloon songs!Follow Ballon: 
https://www.patreon.com/Balloontheband
https://balloontheband.bandcamp.com/
https://balloontheband.com/
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Surprise Cast #202 Tim Keegan

Dear Tim,I'm glad we finally connected and had a conversation about music and life on Surprise Cast.The discussion covered Jeff Tweedy's (Wilco) ideas about focusing on verbs rather than nouns, the importance of process, and the creative “lightning bolt” moments that happen when inspiration meets preparation. You shared your past struggles as a young musician, how parenthood and teaching influenced your work, and why you prioritize being a decent person over fame. Very admirable. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on your latest album, Vide Grenier, the joy of recording with trusted collaborators, and the pride you take in completing a record you're happy with.Thank you for sharing your gentle and insightful voice with the world - it will always feel quite soothing!Follow Tim Keegan: https://www.instagram.com/meekgiant/
https://linktr.ee/timkeeganmusic
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Surprise Cast #201 Chris Bigg

Dear Chris,It was an exhilarating experience to have you on Surprise Cast! I loved learning about your upbringing in Brighton, family life, deep musical influences, and how dyslexia affected your life in both positive and negative ways.We discussed your formative years at art college and your extraordinary friendship with Vaughan Oliver and 4AD, along with behind-the-scenes stories from key album cover projects (Wolfgang Press, Throwing Music, Modern English, Kim Deal, Unrest, and Lush). I enjoyed hearing about your collaborations and conceptual ideas for album covers. From one former teacher to another, it was a pleasure learning why you fell in love with teaching and how you've built a strong classroom community where students feel comfortable being themselves.The podcast audience can look forward to a warm, honest conversation about your creative process, memorable stories, and key insights for music fans, graphic artists, and educators. You always have a way of making the ordinary extraordinary!.Follow Chris Bigg: https://www.chrisbigg.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifySome podcast music courtesy of Lush, Unrest, Belly, Harry Nilsson, and Piroshka:https://4ad.com/artists/l https://piroshka.bandcamp.com/album/love-drips-gathershttps://harrynilsson.com/
 

Surprise Cast #200 Vox (Chameleons)

Dear Vox,Thank you for participating in the Surprise Cast show. Our intimate conversation about life on the road, creative rebirth that manifested during Covid, and your sharp perspective on self-awareness/personal growth was such an honor to hear. I loved listening to your musical influences, including T-Rex, The Fall, and The Beatles. Hearing your relationship to Manchester and how other cities shaped you was quite interesting. Thank you for opening up about family influences, including your mother's love of literature and your father's sporting nature. I greatly appreciated hearing your in depth analysis of the new album, 'Arctic Moon'. You provided insight into collaborations with other band members, production, and song highlights. It sounded like wonderful chemistry!
I'm grateful for your openness about mental health, vulnerability, and the healing process. Keep sharing your voice and truth--there are many old and new Chameleons' fans that appreciate it!Follow Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/home
Follow: https://metropolis-records.com/
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Other podcast music contributions include The Fall https://thefall.org/
 

Surprise Cast #199 Highspire

Dear Highspire,Our episode did a solid job discussing the band's arc--from your Philly roots and many-year hiatus to the creation of your awesome new album, 'Crushed'. A must own!I enjoyed learning about your cinematic influences, including Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. Our talk delved into music influences such as My Bloody Valentine, Stone Roses, The Charlatans, and more. You spoke candidly about tremendous personal obstacles that reshaped your vision for your craft: lineup changes, setbacks,  career transitions, and the pandemic in 2020. 
I enjoyed hearing your analysis of your new album, including amazing songs that tackle themes of repetition, haunting, and identity. By the way, the album is quite intimate and sonically rich. 
Thank you again for the heartfelt storytelling and behind-the-scenes accounts of your friendship and songwriting. You've taken grief, resilience and produced something that is a great comeback. Now that's what I call gifted and talented. Follow Highspire: https://highspire.bandcamp.com/music
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Surprise Cast #198 David Calkins

Dear David,I had such a wonderful time connecting with you. We explored many important topics such as cultural trauma, family history (what a story), and of course, your everlasting love for music and business.  Hearing your personal reflections on how 9/11 affected you in both a positive and negative manner was quite interesting. Listening to your vulnerable story about being adopted and how it informed your approach to fatherhood was spellbinding. I know the listeners will get a kick about your love for bands such as The Cure, The Police, Chicago, Dead Can Dance, Peter Gabriel, and the mighty U2.  
Finally, hearing about your life as an entrepreneur, starting up Discology in Reno, was a blast. Your store's eclectic stock (vinyl, CDs, laserdisc, cassettes, and more) makes it all the more special. 
I believe listeners can hear the emotional, candid conversation that pulls together amazing confessions and great storytelling. You have a way of reminding us why music and the human connection truly matter. Follow Discology: https://discologyreno.com/
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Podcast music included:- Slowdive (Crazy for you)- Piano Covers (With or Without you)- Mark Rolfe (Burying the Dead)

Surprise Cast #197 Marina Yozora

Dear Marina,I'm grateful for our conversation. Thank you for joining me on Surprise Cast. I had a great time discussing topics with you. It was fun learning about how you were raised across multiple countries and the story behind your name. All of these things inform your artistic perspective. I enjoyed listening to your early musical memories, chanting along in your father's car and finding your energy by listening to musicians such as Vanessa Carlton and Britney Spears. It was interesting to learn about evolving from acoustic songwriting to dipping your feet into the pool of dreampop/shoegaze music. Thank you for giving the listener an analysis of your gorgeous songs. Fun!
Thank you for being candid about your creative output and the paradoxes that accompany it, including the blend of exploration and perfectionism. Your attention to detail, reflections on culture, and honesty will continue to serve you well in your music career. Authenticity is the name of your game, never commercial compromise!Follow Marina: https://linktr.ee/marinayozoraFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and Spotify*Music included in this episode by Daughter and Six Pence None the Richer