Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #176 Sister Ray Davies

How much pleasure does making music bring to Adam's life?We travel to Alabama to engage in a heartfelt conversation with the talented musician Adam Morrow. He's known for his involvement in his current project Sister Ray Davies, and shares sharp insights into his musical journey, the importance of community, appreciation for U2, and the profound influence of his upbringing in Alabama. Wait, there's more...
Adam shares his passion for impactful lyrics and the genres he loves, including shoegaze and dream pop, all while emphasizing the significance of creating music that connects with listeners. He delves into his experiences touring globally and the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, his supportive family, and the positive role they played in fostering his musical aspirations. Let's not forget about his respect for Sonic Cathedral Records and Nat Cramp. 
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Adam's artistic vision, the challenges and joys of being a musician today, and his hopes for future touring endeavors. He's easy to root for because of his enduring and easy-going spirit!Follow Sister Ray Davies: https://www.instagram.com/sisterraydavies/Follow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
 

Surprise Cast #175 Steve Queralt (Ride)

How does Steve's journey inspire you?
This episode is an intimate exploration of Steve's experiences from his roots in a working-class family to reaching the far corner of the world due to his success as Ride's longtime and outstanding bass player. 
Steve unveils stories from his recent European tour with Ride and the release of his sensational debut solo album, 'Swallow.' Hear exclusive tracks from the new album, showcasing the rich textures and immersive soundscapes that define his solo work. Discover how touring and travel have sculpted his life and music, and gain insights into the creative process behind his latest work. A fascinating discussion unfolds as he discusses the joys of travel, the importance of collaboration, Sonic Catherdral Records, fatherhood, and the importance of creating music that both resonates deeply and stands on its own.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Ride or new to Steve Q's solo endeavor, this Surprise Cast episode promises a digestable blend of conversation, music, and thoughtful introspection. Yummy to the ears!Follow Steve Queralt: https://stevequeralt.bandcamp.com/album/swallowFollow Sonic Cathedral: https://soniccathedral.co.uk/
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Surprise Cast #174 Coming up Roses

What's happening in London, England, that has music lovers buzzing?I reconnect with the talented band Coming Up Roses, exploring the unique experiences and shared journeys that define their shoegaze/dreampop/indie music. Consisting of Darius Oon on guitar, Emily Sera on bass and vocals, Caleb Blake on drums, and Charlie Wilson on guitar, the band delves into their personal and collective inspirations, the resilience required to pursue artistic dreams, and how their muscular chemistry fuels their creative process. The discussion transitions into profound territory as each member shares personal stories of fear, courage, and the ways music provides solace and expression. We go deep!
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Coming Up Roses' motivation to bridge cultures through music, their creative process in crafting their latest songs, and the personal experiences that shape their upcoming album, "How Did We Fall So Far?" 
Tune into this episode filled with humor, sincerity, and the blooming spirit of Coming Up Roses!Follow Coming up Roses: https://cominguprosessg.bandcamp.com/album/how-did-we-fall-so-farFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Surprise Cast #173 - Snowcuffs

What makes Snowcuffs' music melt the heart?We dive into an engaging conversation with Stephanie and Neil from the band Snowcuffs, emerging from the vibrant Chicago music scene. Discover the roots that shape their sound, including Stephanie's Greek-American heritage and Neil's mixed Thai and Catholic upbringing, reflected in their unique musical expression. So cool!
The discussion explores their approach to songwriting, the influences of iconic bands like Nirvana, The Beatles, and Smashing Pumpkins, and the dynamic interplay between personal identity and artistic output. Stephanie and Neil delve into the process behind their EP "Sink Down," revealing the moments of creative flow that characterized their several of their songs. The way they express their love and passion for music is crystal clear and meaningful. Follow Snowcuffs: https://snowcuffs.bandcamp.com/Follow Surprise Cast:Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #172 Boy with Apple

How do camaraderie and music come together beautifully?In this captivating episode of Surprise Cast, we dive into a riveting conversation with the Swedish band, Boy With Apple. Known for transcending musical boundaries, Boy With Apple takes the listener on a dynamic journey through their unique sound influenced by dizzying elements of shoegaze and dream pop. Yummy!
Band members Tim, Zara, and Saga, share their roles and creative contributions to the band. As they share insights into their songwriting processes, the band discusses the importance of improvisation and the organic growth of their songs. The conversation takes listeners through a behind-the-scenes look at some of Boy With Apple's beloved tracks like "Strawberry Boy" and "Ice Age" and two other great tracks from their latest album, Attachment. 
In addition to music, the episode explores the members' personal anecdotes and thoughts on inspiration, creativity, and the challenges of being artists. The band shares about their strong friendship, how they manage conflict, and the cathartic experience of performing live shows. 
This is a fruitful episode!Follow Boy with Apple: https://varorecords.bandcamp.com/album/attachment
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Surprise Cast #171 Maud Anyways

How does Maude handle challenging setbacks in life?In this riveting episode of Surprise Cast, we take an emotional journey into the life of Maude Anyways. Broadcasting from near Paris, she shares her deeply personal stories and insights into her music career, blending vulnerability and strength in equal measure. You'll be impressed!
Maude reminisces about her childhood filled with challenges, including the pain of her father's abandonment and the solace she found in music from a young age. She shares the transformative power of music, inspired by legends like David Bowie and Slowdive, and talks about how her emotional experiences have shaped her artistic journey. 
We get a glimpse into Maude's creative process and her battle with self-esteem, which resonates through her album, Impermanent Lane, released in 2023. She shares her inspirations for memorable songs that are interesting and add colour to the episode. 
With tremendous honesty and courage, Maude's story enlightens listeners on the empowering relationship between art and personal growth. This episode is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Nothing she says is absurd!Follow Maudy Anyways: https://maudanyways.bandcamp.com/Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/"Ana" song courtesy of: mobygratisFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #170 Electronic Cafe (Andy McNab/Mark Wibrow)

How do friends make an impact on the music scene?I engage in a fun conversation with Andy and Mark from the hit YouTube program, Electronic Cafe. This episode offers an insightful journey into the world of music appreciation, collecting, and podcasting. Listen closely as they discuss their long-standing friendship, love for vinyl, and the creation of their video feature, EC, where they delve into the intricacies of music discussions and interviews with major artists in the industry, such as Gary Numan :). 
They also discuss the importance of diversifying content with unique storytelling and interviews that go beyond typical music journalism, creating a platform where artists can share their personal stories and connect with their audiences. They do this with great connectivity!
So, grab a good drink, have a seat, and enter the Electronic Cafe. They'll greet you at the doors with a friendly smile and plenty of love for all kinds of music!Follow Electronic Cafe: https://www.youtube.com/@electroniccafemusic
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean or SpotifyMusic courtesy of Alphaville, Bmovie, and Chicane

Surprise Cast #169 Tom Lugo (Panophonic/Stellarscope)

What is Tom's life diary all about?I host an enlightening conversation with Tom Lugo, a versatile artist whose talents span music and martial arts. He shares his extraordinary life journey, detailing how his troubled childhood and unique experiences have shaped him into the resilient and creative person he is today.
Tom, the mastermind behind Patetico Recordings, delves into his musical sphere, which blends genres like shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and alternative rock. As a musician, Tom's work often challenges norms and pushes boundaries, resulting in a rich, multi-textured sound that's both mesmerizing and extremely thought-provoking. 
Beyond music, Tom is recognized in the martial arts community, holding a phenomenal reputation as a skilled competitor and compassionate instructor. He shares how martial arts have provided him mental muscle and resilience, mirroring his challenging yet rewarding path in music. Impressive!
If you seek inspiration from a life that defies the odds and a personality that continues to push against artistic boundaries, this episode is a must-listen. You will feel the light and the dark, and how both of these elements intersect with tremendous beauty. Follow Tom: https://pateticorecordings.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #168 Mark Rolfe(The Slow Return/Lorna)

How does an artist reinterpret John Williams' music in a captivating manner? 
In this warm hearted episode of Surprise Cast, we journey into the world of music, memory, and creativity with the talented musician and composer, Mark Rolfe. Spanning a wide array of topics, this episode takes listeners on a journey through the important themes of family, nostalgia, and the everlasting power of music. He provides listeners with an intimate view of how these early experiences shaped his understanding of community and connection—elements that resonate deeply within his music today. And he does it with such thoughtfulness!Listeners are then introduced to Mark’s musical influences, particularly the lesser-known band, The Spinners UK, and the impact their folk music had on his formative years. Mark shares heartwarming anecdotes of discovering music's power and the artists that ignited his passion, providing a sense of discovery and wonder that still informs his creative process.
Central to this episode is a sharp reflection on the legendary composer John Williams and the profound effect his iconic scores have had on Mark's musical journey. Through engaging discussions, Mark reveals how Williams’ compositions (E.T. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hook and Superman), especially for Star Wars and other renowned films, have inspired him both personally and professionally. The episode concludes with insights into Mark's latest project—his inspired reinterpretations of John Williams’ scores in his album series "Ode to Star Wars." Here, he offers listeners an extraordinary glimpse into his meticulous creative process and his ability to merge classical orchestration with modern, ethereal elements, leaving us with a greater appreciation for the art of musical storytelling. He truly understands the musical force!Follow Mark Rolfe: https://www.facebook.com/markrolfe1975
https://www.instagram.com/markrolfemusichttps://markrolfe.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #167 Chris Gilliland (A Tribute to OMD Part 3)

How do OMD albums make us feel?Welcome to this enlightening episode of Surprise Cast, hosted by W and Oregon native Chris Gilliland (This Wreckage). Together, we delve into the world of OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), a Liverpudlian band that has profoundly impacted our lives through their distinctive blend of synth-pop and new wave. In this episode, we share our personal experiences and insights on three of OMD's albums: 'The Pacific Age', 'Sugar Tax', and 'Liberator'.
We explore the albums' experimental nature, their dynamic soundscapes, and the memories tied to OMD’s evolving music presence in our own lives. Candidly, we discuss the hits and minor misses per album. 
Finally, we share recommendations of music and complementary music podcast channels. The episode not only celebrates OMD’s influential legacy but also entices the podcast listeners to explore related musical landscapes. Tune in as we honor OMD’s role in shaping our musical tastes and personal histories. Enjoy our podcast souvenir!Follow This Wreckage: https://chris-thiswreckage.blogspot.com/
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