Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #133 RYLI

Did you know that San Francisco is going through a massive indie/jangle pop resurgence? In this fun episode, we peek inside the world of the indie band, Ryli, featuring Rob, Yea-Ming, Luke, and Ian. 
Yea-Ming shares about the band's origins, revealing how a suggestion from Bobby Martinez at Dandy Boy Records inspired them to embrace the Mazzy Star sound, which eventually led to the formation of Ryli. The band members reflect on their diverse musical influences, the merging of their backgrounds, and their excitement for their upcoming record in 2025. So exciting!
Throughout the episode, the members highlight the importance of creativity, collaboration, and remaining true to their artistic vision. They discuss the challenges of balancing multiple musical projects and how their joint experiences enrich Ryli's music. We also explore thoughtful themes of vulnerability, criticism, and authenticity that punctuate their journey. 
The episode also covers the band's creative process, insights into their songwriting, and the making of their catchy track and video "I Think I Need You Around." The insightful dialogue touches on how the band navigates the music industry landscape, deals with social media, and the excitement of bringing their disciplined sound from studio to stage.
Listeners are left with a great taste of Ryli's philosophical approach to music, glimpses into their dynamic and lovable camaraderie, and a forward-looking anticipation of their soon-to-be-released album. With a breath of great experience and ears for melodies and hooks, it's easy to understand why they'll be a big contributor to the indie scene that's truly thriving in the Bay Area. Follow Ryli: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/track/i-think-i-need-you-around
https://linktr.ee/rylithebandFollow Dandy Boy Records:https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/
 
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Surprise Cast #132 The Cords

Can you say effervescent? I welcome Grace and Eva Tedeschi, the talented duo behind the indie pop band The Cords Hailing from Greenock, Scotland, Grace and Eva bring their splashy charm to our conversation as they discuss their wholehearted dedication to creating music.
The episode leaps into their exciting journey of recording their forthcoming debut album, shedding light on their most recent gigs, including a remarkable performance in England. They share humorous insights into their childhoods, heavily influenced by music from an early age, and reveal their musical inspirations and experiences, such as attending a special Cure concert. 
Listeners are given a glimpse into the sisterly dynamics that fuel their creativity, as they discuss the inception of The Cords and the influences that shaped their sound. Navigating the challenges of social media, we discuss the importance of setting boundaries while staying connected with fans and the music community.
The conversation also delves into the intricacies of songwriting, the power of drumming, and the experiences that inform their lyrics--just ask their dog. Bo.  As the band prepares to release their new album in collaboration with Slumberland Records and Heavenly Creature Records, Grace and Eva express their excitement for upcoming performances, including a notable appearance at the Madrid Pop Fest in 2025. Woo-hoo!
Throughout this warm and candid talk, the episode captures the core of what drives The Cords: a passion for music, family support, and an unwavering commitment to just being themselves. In a world that is filled with darkness, subject your ears to the sounds of indiepop de-light. It'll make you giggle and dance with delight- something Grace and Eva know quite a bit about. Oh yea, can you feel their unbreakable chemistry?Follow The Cords:https://thecordsband.bandcamp.com/album/favourite-timehttps://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band/
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Surprise Cast #131 Mary Lattimore

How does one play the harp so beautifully? I sit with renowned harpist Mary Lattimore for an in-depth conversation about her musical journey and creative processes. From her humble beginnings influenced by her harpist mother to her present-day accomplishments, Mary shares insights into her life and career as a musician.
Listeners are invited to explore Mary's recent experiences, including a successful tour across Europe and the UK, where she found joy in connecting with new audiences and visiting unfamiliar places. As a seasoned session musician, she talks about her work on film scores, collaborating with friends, and the satisfaction of balancing her artistic endeavors with personal contentment--not sure how she does it all. 
The episode jumps into the inspirations and challenges of Mary's artistry, highlighting her dedication to creating layered soundscapes that surface to the mind. Highlights include her reflections on the importance of "authenticity" in performance, the impact of her classical training, and the significance of collaboration—illustrated through her work with musical icon Neil Halstead of the dreampop band, Slowdive.
A special segment discusses Mary's unique perspective on vulnerability and courage, drawing inspiration from contemporary thought leaders on the subject. Her candid anecdotes about life on the road, handling stage fright, and the joys of improvisation provide a window into the vibrant world of a modern harpist.
Tune in to discover stories behind Mary's albums, "Silver Ladders" and "Rain on Road," and get a glimpse of her upcoming projects and aspirations for 2024 and beyond. This conversation offers a compelling look into the heart and soul of Mary Lattimore's work, which certainly tugs at the heart strings. 

Surprise Cast #130 Ken Sweeney (Radio Documentary Maker)

Who is one of the best radio documentarians in the world? Welcome to an exclusive episode featuring Ken Sweeney, a renowned radio documentary maker, and writer who shares his high-voltage energy and journey in creating the award-winning radio documentary about the Scottish indie band Trashcan Sinatras. Ken explains his unique approach to documenting the band's fascinating history.This episode covers Ken's in-depth making of the documentary, from working with the Trashcan Sinatras’ band members to recording personal conversations and performances that add a rich, authentic layer to the documentary's narrative. He also shares touching anecdotes about the band’s resilience through bankruptcy, the joy of rediscovering their fanbase through modern technology, and insights into their timeless, emotionally impactful music from albums such as Cake, I've Seen Everything, A Happy Pocket and Weightlifting.
Join us for a passionate conversation that not only dives into Ken's connections with the bands he documents (R.E.M, The Go-Betweens) but also highlights the importance of bringing forward stories from the peripheral but deeply influential corners of music history. Expect an engaging discussion on creativity, the magic of radio documentary storytelling, and the adamant pursuit of truth in journalism and human connection.
Tune in to explore the blend of music and art and how these elements merge in Ken's remarkable storytelling, which is just as grand as a TCS tune. Turn up the volume and feel his endless search of finding the "human story". Pure Gold!Follow Ken Sweeney:https://linktr.ee/Kensweeney?ltsid=e51fe49a-8131-435b-ab6c-137f42441f9b
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Surprise Cast #129 Sean Eden (Luna)

In this exhilarating episode of the Surprise Cast, the listeners are treated to a fun conversation with Sean Eden, the guitarist and composer renowned for his work with Luna. Known for his wizardry on the guitar strings, Sean brings his extensive experience crafting hypnotic soundscapes. He shares engaging and humorous stories from his vibrant past.
Broadcasting from the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, the episode deepens into Sean's admiration for iconic guitarists (Tom Verlaine, Jimi Hendrix), mixing personal anecdotes with insight into his unique atmospheric playing style that has dazzled listeners worldwide.
Sean reminisces about his formative years growing up in Ontario, Canada and his artistic endeavors that took him from theater in North Carolina to the vibrant music scene in New York City. He honestly shares tales of collaboration, the challenges of the music industry, and his creative inspirations, offering a glimpse into the life of a musician navigating the complexities between art, audience, and personal growth. 
The episode also explores Sean's perspective on iconic venues and memorable performances. Listeners are invited on a narrative journey enriched with Sean's reflections on living a creatively fulfilled life amid distractions and the balancing act between discipline and spontaneity.
Tune in to hear Sean discuss new projects, collaborations, and candid reflections on his life in music, discovering a nuanced understanding of what it means to live on the edge of high art. You'll enjoy the musical personality in him. Humble. Charming. Funny...and "in the moment"!Follow Sean Eden:https://www.seaneden.com/
https://lunamusic.com/
 

Surprise Cast #128 Antonio Zelada(Resplandor)

What words come to mind when you hear the name Antonio Zelada? In this episode of Surprise Cast, I engage in a warm-hearted conversation with the extraordinary musician Antonio, known for his work with Resplandor. The episode delves into his vast contributions to the shoegaze music scene, his role as a driving force behind the Automatic Noise Festival, and his experiences running the Automatic Records label.
The episode also covers intimate aspects of Antonio's life, including his honest reflections on fatherhood, the cherished moments with his son, and the challenges of balancing family with his musical career. His stories reveal his growth as both an artist and a father, highlighting how these roles inform and fuel his artistic endeavors.
Additionally, the discussion touches on his collaborative efforts with notable producer Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), his sensational interactions with the goth/alternative band The Cure, and Antonio's aspirations for new projects. 
Get ready to be touched by his charm, warmth, and love for music. It's infectious. 

Surprise Cast #127 Night Crickets

In this compelling episode of Surprise Cast, we go deep into the artistic journey of Night Crickets, a band formed during the introspective period of the COVID-19 pandemic by Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes), Darwin Meiners (multi-instrumentalist), and David J(Bauhaus/Love & Rockets). Known for their innovative fusion of dark alternative and uplifting experimental pop, they bring a dynamic blend of musical worlds that delivers a rich auditory experience.
We explore their latest album, How It Ends(?), which demonstrates themes of freedom, loss, humor, and resilience while reflecting personal and universal stories. Through candid conversations, the band members share fun insights into their music-making process, the influences behind their sound, and their unbreakable collaborative spirit that thrives on pure discovery and spontaneous creativity. They are always pushing the envelope!
The discussion explores the band's inspirations, individual musical roles, and the power of unexpected musical turns that define their sound. Guest stories weave through the dialogue, including a hilarious moment with legendary musician, Jello Biafra . Listeners will gain an appreciation for the deep connections and expressive freedom that drive Night Crickets work into a world of such creativity and uniqueness. They certainly feed off each other's strengths and energy. Chirp on!Follow Night Crickets:https://night-crickets-label51recordings.bandcamp.com/album/how-it-ends
https://www.facebook.com/nightcricketsofficial
https://x.com/NightCrickets
 

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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