Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #126 Alonso Duralde/Christy Lemire (Breakfast All Day)

Enjoy my conversation with renowned film critics Alonso Duralde and Christy Lemire in this engaging episode of Surprise Cast. The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the intricacies of film criticism and the strong chemistry between longtime colleagues. We dive into the essence of film criticism, exploring how they craft their reviews with intelligence and accessibility. She also shares her journey from sorority life at SMU to becoming a co-host of the well-loved series, 'Breakfast All Day.' At the same time, Alonso reminisces about his early days at Vanderbilt and his deep-rooted love for cinema.
The two also discuss their passion and inspirations, touching upon an influential critic like Roger Ebert and the challenges they face in separating personal biases from professional critique. In addition, they share their favorite seasonal films and offer insights into Oscar potential films. 
Discover the unique preparation that goes into each episode of 'Breakfast All Day', along with the personal anecdotes and life lessons that have shaped their lives. Whether it's navigating the impact of powerful cinema, sharing their connections to film, or the delightful banter that highlights their deep and tightly threaded friendship, this episode offers a captivating listen for film enthusiasts. Lights! Camera! Action!
 

Surprise Cast #125 Sinéad Smyth

In this friendly episode of the Surprise Cast, we swim inside the world of art and personal identity with exceptional artist Sinéad  Smyth. Hailing from the scenic peninsula of Inishowen in Donegal, Sinéad's art uniquely captures landscapes and seascapes as places of memory and deep connection. Her work vividly celebrates these natural environments, reflecting their nurturing influence on the human spirit.
Throughout the conversation, Sinéad offers a clear and thoughtful window into her life and artistry, sharing poignant personal stories and insights. She recounts her childhood growing up during the Troubles in Ireland, exploring how her parent's influence and the natural landscape of Inishowen shaped her artistic vision and personal beliefs. Additionally, she discusses the profound impact of literature, particularly Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.The episode also navigates Sinéad's challenges, including her recent battle with breast cancer. The discussions reveal how her experiences have infused her works with new color palettes and themes, incorporating elements of self-love, healing, and reflection. Further enriching the episode, the collaboration between Sinéad  and musician Oisin Leech is highlighted, including her artwork for his album cover, 'The Cold Sea,' and its role in enhancing the music's emotional landscape.
Don't miss this episode as we explore themes of loss, healing, conflict resolution. Step inside her classroom of amazing kindness, intelligence, and creativity. It's really easy to feel Sinéad's endless warmth and Irish charm. 

Surprise Cast #124 The Primitives

In this special episode of Surprise Cast, we leap into a delightful conversation with Paul Court and Tracy Tracy from the iconic alternative indie pop band, The Primitives. Known for their shimmering melodies and distinct sound, The Primitives have left an indelible mark on the music scene for almost 40 years!
Excitingly, listeners are transported into a lively discussion as Paul broadcasts from Coventry and Tracy joins from the vibrant city of Barcelona. The two reflect on their musical journey, touching on significant milestones, including their initial formation, breakthrough tracks like "Crash," and the unique experiences of recording albums such as "Lovely," "Pure," and "Galore." It's a beautiful stroll down memory and detail lane. 
Using Rick Rubin's quotes, the conversation unveils fascinating insights into their creative processes, tackling subjects like the completion phase of their music, influences, and the sometimes daunting impact of AI on the arts. With anecdotes about encounters with other renowned musicians such as Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds and Peter Gabriel, behind-the-scenes stories of recordings, videos, and live tours, the listener gets a real sense of their history and approach to their impeccable craft. 
This conversation is a deep dive into what makes The Primitives such a special band revealing the human element behind the music, their stories of resilience, and the excitement surrounding the band's future endeavors. Nothing seems to be slowing them down. Their sound still crashes with pure pop perfection!Follow The Primtives:https://linktr.ee/theprimitives?
https://www.facebook.com/ThePrimitivesOfficial
https://x.com/PRIMITIVESband
https://www.youtube.com/@theprimitives
 
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Surprise Cast #123 Lotte Kestner

Join us for an intimate conversation with the incredibly talented Lotte Kestner (Ormonde, Trespassers William), known for her ethereal voice and captivating songwriting. In this episode, we explore her musical journey and enter her world as a musician and mother living in Redmond, Washington.
She shares her sharp insights on embracing vulnerability in her lyrics, motherhood, loss of some hearing, and the ongoing dance between her personal and creative life. She opens up about her musical influences, her experiences growing up in a traditional family, and balancing her artistic aspirations with parental responsibilities.
We also listen to and discuss some of Lott's remarkable songs, including her rendition of Trashcan Sinatras' "Earlies," and Trespassers William's "Alone," highlighting her unique ability to bring new life and authenticity to the songs she touches.
Filled with incredible honesty and introspection, this episode unveils the heart and soul of Lotte Kestner, offering listeners a profound look into her creative process and life's themes that inspire her work. Tune in for a special episode that explores the joys and struggles of creativity and parenthood in a raw and inspiring dialogue. Being vulnerable, creative, and authentic are just some of her superpowers...she's also really good at pushing through life!Follow Lotte Kestner:https://www.facebook.com/lottekestner
https://lottekestner.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lottekestner/
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Surprise Cast #122 Daniil Levshin (Blankenberge)

In this friendly episode of Surprise Cast, I welcome Daniil Levshin, the talented guitarist and synth player from the renowned shoegaze/dreampop band, Blankenberge. It's been two years since our last conversation, and a lot has changed since then. Join us as Daniil shares insights into his musical journey, the creative process, and life in Serbia, where he resides with his wife, Iana Guselnikova, the band's vocalist.
The episode jumps into Daniil's passion for creating music, discussing how the band has evolved over the years. He reveals details about Blankenberg's latest projects, including their new song "New Rules" and the exciting upcoming album set to release in 2025. Discover how Daniil combines synthetic sounds with dreampop/post rock melodies and shoegaze aesthetics to forge Blankenberg's unique sound. 
Listeners will gain a glimpse into Daniil's life beyond the music scene as he shares his experiences living in Serbia, trips to the underground record store, and his connection to his roots in Russia. Learn about his admiration for bands like Metallica, Slowdive, Depeche Mode, and The Cure, and his artistic ventures in creating album artwork and music videos. He also touches on the joys of maintaining a connection with fellow musicians like his good friend, Antonio Zelada from Automatic Music, and the band Resplandor. Enjoy this heartfelt and inspiring episode filled with music and cultural exploration. You should be able to feel Daniil's kindness and his excitement for Blankeberge's future. I certainly am. *don't forget about the trivia ? :). Follow Blankenberge:https://www.blankenbergeband.com/
https://www.instagram.com/blankenbergeband/
https://www.youtube.com/blankenbergeband
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Surprise Cast #121 Vaughn George

In this engaging episode, we walk into the vibrant world of Vaughn George, a renowned name in the electronic and synth-pop music scene. Vaughn shares his profound appreciation for these music genres as a fan and educator on his popular YouTube channel. With a blend of insightful analysis and humorous commentary, he dissects albums and offers tutorials, making complex music concepts accessible to new and seasoned listeners.
The episode starts interestingly as Vaughn talks about his love for Estonia. He passionately extols the virtues of this technologically advanced nation, free from many of the problems facing western countries today. From its rich history and friendly populace to its affordable living, Estonia holds a special place in his heart. 
Vaughn also opens up about his personal and professional journey, discussing his insights from industry giants like David Bowie. His thoughts on the controversial role of AI in music and his struggles with self-competition provide listeners with a deeper understanding of his artistic philosophy based on the work of Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer. 
Adding to the rich tapestry of this episode, Vaughn reminisces about his association with the legendary British photographer Brian Griffin. He shares poignant memories, highlighting Griffin's influence on his life and work. What a friendship, indeed! Vaughn's vulnerability and honesty in these moments offer a touching glimpse into his world.
As the conversation draws to a close, Vaughn reveals his upcoming projects for 2024 and beyond. He discusses his piano and microphone shows featuring Depeche Mode interpretations, offering a sneak peek into his creative process. For fans and new listeners alike, this episode provides a captivating exploration of Vaughn George’s multifaceted life and career. Like Bowie, he "speaks with such wisdom". He's all about v-i-b-e and doesn't sound like any other artist out there. 
Follow Vaughn George:https://www.vaughngeorge.com/
https://www.youtube.com/vaughngeorge
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Surprise Cast #120 SWiiMS & Simon Leclerc

Welcome to another entertaining episode of Surprise Cast! This one brings together the talented members of the Toronto-based band, SWiiMS, alongside DJ extraordinaire and music aficionado Simon Leclerc from DKFM Radio. 
Simon shares his experiences in the music industry and his passion for curating playlists for his DKFM show, 'Melomania Safety Zone'. The discussion explores the nuances of song sequencing and the impact of "context" on musical experiences, drawing insights from Rick Rubin's special philosophies.
The band members, Mai Diaz Langou, Cian O'Ruanaidh, and Colin Thompson, share personal stories about their musical inspirations, favorite concerts, and the interesting dynamics within SWiiMS. They discuss the creative process behind their music, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and maintaining momentum in their projects. Their friendship is strong!
Looking ahead, SWiiMS is gearing up for an exciting live performance at the Baby G in Toronto on November 23rd, alongside other talented bands. The band members express their enthusiasm for live shows, their dedication to delivering high-octane performances, and their plans for future projects. Exciting!
The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions and recommendations from each guest, offering listeners a glimpse into their interests. Tune in to discover cool new music, and gain insights into the creative minds of SWiiMS and Simon Leclerc. You'll be enchanted by their respect for one another and endless love for music. Great chemistry, indeed!Follow SWiiMS:https://www.swiimsmusic.com/
Follow Simon Leclerc:https://decayfm.com/members/simon-leclerc/
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Surprise Cast #119 Stephen Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras)

Welcome to this friendly episode of Surprise Cast! I enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Stephen Douglas, the talented and kind drummer from the renowned indie band, Trashcan Sinatras.
Listeners will be taken on a journey to Stephen's musical beginnings, as he recounts his formative experiences, from tapping along to records in his youth to playing in a cramped room with a drum kit. He describes the nuances of drumming, his preference for hi-hats, and certain sticks whilst playing.
The episode also explores the dynamics of band life, shedding light on the joys of working alongside his bandmates, including his brother John. Stephen reflects on the band's success, the significance of their body of work, with a focus on the sparkling album, 'I've Seen Everything' + 'The Perfect Reminder' book (fantastic!) and the attention to detail that defines their music.
Our conversation ends with a fun segment, featuring icebreaker questions, drummer jokes, and a playful challenge involving guessing a mystery album.
Tune in to this episode for an engaging mix of music, life experiences, and wholesome laughter, as Stephen shares his journey and perspectives with the listeners in such a warm and inviting manner. His words land with charming and perfect pop!
Follow Trashcan Sinatras:https://trashcansinatras.com/
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Surprise Cast #118 Meadowlake

Welcome to another dazzling episode of Surprise Cast! Today, we dive deep into the musical world of Meadowlake, the talented band hailing from the Netherlands. Join us as we explore their latest album, "Where the Mountain Meets the Sea," a breathtaking journey through soundscapes inspired by the natural beauty of Topanga, California. It's truly a stunning body of work. 
As we delve into their artistic journey, we begin with some light-hearted icebreaker questions that reveal personal insights about the band members. I appreciate how deep they go with their connections. 
The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of their childhood memories and how these experiences have shaped their music. Tjeerd shares his positive upbringing and the supportive environment provided by his parents, while Yarno recounts his musical influences and the impact of his father's music collection. Olivia opens up about her father's unique taste in music and the profound effect of her mother's passing on their art, highlighting themes of grief, loss, and resilience. A testament to the human spirit. 
The episode also features an engaging discussion on Meadowlake's creative process, guided by insights from Rick Rubin's book, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being." The band members reflect on experimentation, inspiration, and the lightning bolt moments that spark their creativity. They discuss their journey to sunny California, where they recorded their album live, embracing imperfections and capturing raw, authentic sound.
Join us for an unforgettable episode that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the power of music, and the heartfelt connections that Meadowlake creates through their art and, most importantly, their friendship. This episode will make you smile because it's easy to root for all three musicians. They're hardworking and kind.Follow Meadowlake:https://meadowlake.bandcamp.com/album/where-the-mountain-meets-the-sea
https://www.facebook.com/meadowlakeband
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Surprise Cast #117 Ben Easton (Deary)

Welcome to another exciting episode of Surprise Cast. In this episode, we enter the mesmerizing world of Deary, a London-based band that has been captivating the hearts and minds of music lovers globally with their unique blend of dream pop, shoegaze, trip hop and indie melodies. Our special guest, Ben Easton, provides an insightful look into the band's journey, sound, and creative process.
Currently residing in Kingston, just outside of London, he shares his experiences and inspirations as a musician. From his admiration for Nick Cave ("probably the best performer I've ever seen") to his formative years growing up in Kent, Ben reflects on the influential moments that have shaped his musical journey. He discusses the importance of perseverance and the pivotal role family and personal experiences play in his life and music.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into Deary's creative process, exploring the essence and spontaneity of their music. Ben elaborates on the band's latest work, including their upcoming EP 'Aurelia', and the evolution of their sound. He shares anecdotes about the band's live performances and the dynamics of working alongside Dottie, his creative partner. ("She's phenomenal")
Listeners will also gain insights into the broader music community, including the role of Sonic Cathedral, a label that has fostered a sense of community and support for emerging bands like Deary. Ben highlights the invaluable contributions of individuals like Simon Scott (Slowdive/Three Quarter Skies) who has been instrumental in mastering Deary's work, ("he brings to our music...an inherent knowledge of the sonic sphere"). 
In the spirit of sharing and discovery, Ben offers recommendations for music, books, and films that have inspired him, including the dystopian novel 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. The episode concludes with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions, revealing fun and personal tidbits about Ben.
Join us as we explore the sonic depths with Ben Easton, gaining a deeper understanding of the artistry and passion that drives Deary's music. Tune in and discover why this band is poised to inspire and connect with fans for many years to come. The role of the "fixer" helps solidify him as one highly talented musician that understands the marriage of emotion and music!Follow Deary:https://deary.bandcamp.com/album/dearyhttps://linktr.ee/dearyband
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