Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #157 Tracey Beehive (Voice of the Beehive)

How has this Queen Bee nourished her musical soul?
In this captivating episode, we are joined by Tracey Beehive, the singer-songwriter of the renowned indie band Voice of the Beehive. She takes us on an inspiring journey through her life's milestones, both musical and personal.
Tracey opens up about her music career, including the recent re-release of Voice of the Beehive's acclaimed album Honey Lingers. She discusses the band's dynamics, the creative process behind some of their most beloved songs, and the joy of reuniting with band members for indelible performances. Her infectious energy and passion for music shine through the microphone as she reflects on the influence of her musical heroes from London and how the city became a pivotal place of transformation for her. You'll see that our love for common is very similar.  
Beyond music, Tracey reveals intimate details about her upbringing, from her move from London back to Laguna Beach to her parents' devastating divorce, which deeply impacted her adolescence. She shares candid insights into how these life experiences shaped her as both an artist and an individual, maintaining her authenticity and vulnerability throughout the conversation. I appreciate her courage!
The episode also explores Tracey's current passion for teaching young children, where she integrates creativity and art into her lessons, fostering a love for culture in her students. 
This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of life's challenges, triumphs, and the healing power of creativity. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of music and art on personal growth. You'll be stung by her candid words in the best possible way. 

P.C.E! #2 - Eddie Murphy

"My mother says I never talked in my own voice"DVG and I reminisce about a legendary comedy event - Eddie Murphy's "Raw" tour at the Oakland Coliseum on November 6, 1987. We share personal anecdotes from attending the iconic tour as teenagers, recounting the excitement of seeing Murphy in his stand-up element. 
Listeners are treated to some movie recommendations and humorous reflections on the cultural impact of Murphy's performances, making this episode both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a celebration of comedy's lasting legacy. Join us for the laughs!

Surprise Cast #156 Waves Crashing

Here's another great band from the Pacific Northwest!Welcome to this episode where we delve deep into the vibrant music world with the dynamic band, Waves Crashing. I sit down with band members Bryce, Zach, and Josh - from Seattle and Olympia, Washington - to talk about their musical journey and their latest album 'Effection.'
Listen in as the band members share their connections to influential albums that shaped their childhoods, discuss their creative processes, and reveal how the grunge era influenced their music. 
Dive into the gripping narrative behind their album "Effection". Get an insider’s perspective on some spine-tingling songs, exploring their thematic focus on personal growth, societal reflections, and the universal battle against anxiety. 
Join us as we explore the life of a band on the road, hear about their pre-show rituals, and understand the group dynamics that keep Waves Crashing on an upward trajectory. Look out for details about their upcoming shows. Time to dive in and get your ears wet. Feel their positive effection they have on one another!

Surprise Cast #155 Paige K. Parsons (Photographer)

How do art and compassion collide?In this heartwarming episode of Surprise Cast, we dive into the world of photography and empathy with acclaimed photographer Paige K. Parsons. Broadcasting from her home in Palo Alto, California, Paige shares her unique journey from the tech hub of Silicon Valley to capturing the soulful essence of musicians and live performances through her sharp lens. She reflects on her stable upbringing and the influences that have shaped her positive outlook and artistic journey, challenging the notion that great art must stem from adversity.
The episode also highlights memorable anecdotes from her illustrious career, including her unexpected encounters while photographing iconic bands (The Cure) and festivals, her collaborations with fellow artists like The Twilight Sad and Mahogany, and her role as a photographer at legendary venues like The Fillmore.
Tune in to hear Paige's reflections on empathy, vulnerability, and the importance of focusing on love and connection. This episode is a testament to life, art, and the power of seeing the world through an empathic lens--one that is extremely sharp and rarely out of focus!Follow Paige K. Parsons: https://parsons.org/Follow and Subscribe to Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyFollow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #154 A Deeper Heaven (Marc Wheeler)

How does one overcome adversity? In this motivating episode of Surprise Cast, I welcome special guest Mark Wheeler, a musician (A Deeper Heaven) whose life story is as intriguing as his dreamy music. Mark opens up about his turbulent yet inspiring journey, marked by his roles as a peacemaker in a family grappling with emotional challenges and his transformation into a self-reliant artist.Music's transformative power is at the heart of this discussion. Mark reflects on the influence of various genres and artists throughout his life, recounting his first concert experiences and the profound impact of bands such as The Smiths, Jesus and Mary Chain, NIN, Nirvana, and The Cure. He emphasizes how music has been not only a creative outlet but also a crucial support system during life's most arduous times, including the devastating loss of his daughter. It's deeply inspiring!Let's get straight to the point. The episode explores themes of mental health, grief, triumph, and healing. Mark's f-i-r-e never goes out, no matter the setback!
Follow A Deeper Heaven: https://adeeperheaven.com/
Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/
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Surprise Cast #153 Mark Robinson (TeenBeat Records/Unrest/Air Miami)

What does it mean to exude indie spirit?Join us in this engaging episode of the Surprise Cast  Edge, as I sit down with Mark Robinson, the frontman of the band Unrest and founder of Teen Beat Records In an intimate  conversation, Mark shares his journey, from starting a fanzine in grade school to establishing himself in the indie music scene. Listen as we discuss Unrest's iconic album, 'Perfect Teeth,' celebrating its 32nd anniversary, and dive into the creative process behind its production, including the crucial decisions about sequencing and song selection. Wait for the big surprise about one of their hit songs!
Mark opens up about his past health scare and how it sparked a renewed passion for living life to the fullest, echoed in his readings from the book 'Briefly Perfectly Human' by Alua Arthur. He reflects on what has shaped his musical journey, from childhood memories intertwined with music to the influential connections formed with other bands and studios throughout his career. Wait until you hear about our appreciation for Brian DePalma's films.  
Fans of Unrest will appreciate Mark's honest recollections about creating 'Perfect Teeth,' the impact of television on his music inspiration, and his experience collaborating with the legendary 4AD label, designer Chris Bigg, and more. 
Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of life, music, and the industry from the perspective of an indie music veteran who continues to innovate and inspire. Mark's independent spirit is alive and kicking and will continue to endure for decades. A class act with plenty of bite left in him. Follow Teen Beat Records: https://teenbeat.net/
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Surprise Cast #152 The Popinjays

How important is music and mental health? Join us on Surprise Cast for an engaging and somewhat nostalgic podcast episode as I connect with Wendy and Polly of The Popinjays, a band that played a significant role in the musical journey back in the '90s. In this captivating conversation, the duo shares their memories of making infectiously catchy albums like "Flying Down to Mono Valley" to tackling pressing social issues like mental health, suicide prevention, and the art of photography. You'll be educated!
Prepare to be captivated as they delve into their rich history, sharing stories about unexpected life detours, the vibrant '90s London music scene, and their cherishable memories of touring with my favourite band of all time, Kitchens of Distinction. This conversation certainly sparkles and shines just like their music. Vote Popinjays!

Surprise Cast #151 Ciara Lawless, Sinéad Smyth, Sarah Wiers: The Resilient Spirit of Ireland

What does it mean to be Irish? In this riveting episode of Surprise Cast, we embark on an enlightening journey into Ireland's rich culture and essence through a roundtable discussion with three remarkable guests: Sarah Weirs, a passionate musician from Loughrea, County Galway; Sinead Smyth, a talented visual artist from Carndonagh, County Donegal; and Ciara Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Roscommon in western Ireland. Together, they delve into the profound connections to their Irish heritage. Amazing!The episode explores the significance of the Irish flag, reflecting on the cultural landscapes that shaped them, the resilience of the Irish spirit, and the deep sense of community that thrives across the island.The artists navigate topics covering Ireland's historical challenges, the influence of past and present, and the role of storytelling and listening in building connections. Filled with personal stories, rich cultural insights, and a deep appreciation for the Irish spirit of community and creativity, this episode serves as an ode to the vibrant and enduring nature of Irish culture. You'll be easily charmed!Music included: Ciara Lawless, Sarah Wiers, The Chieftains, Ultan Conlon, and Oisin LeechFollow Ciara Lawless: https://www.instagram.com/ciaralawlesshq/
Follow Sinead Smyth: https://sineadsmyth.com/
Follow Sarah Wiers: https://linktr.ee/sarah.wiers.official?Follow Ultan Conlon: http://ultanconlon.com/
Follow Oisin Leech: https://www.oisinleech.com/
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Surprise Cast #150 Etienne Quartey-Papafio (Whitelands)

What does it mean to be self-aware?We go into the inspiring world of music with special guest Etienne Quartey-Papafio from the band Whitelands.Etienne, a rhythm guitarist, singer, and songwriter, shares his unique perspective shaped by his upbringing in both Ghana and London. He unveils his musical journey and the cultural influences that have shaped his artistic expression. Discover how Etienne, along with his band Whitelands, navigates the dynamic music scene in London amidst evolving cultural landscapes.  
The conversation takes an intimate turn as Etienne discusses his experiences with ADHD, sharing how this condition has both challenged and enhanced his creativity. 
Explore the themes and inspirations behind Whitelands' latest album "Nightbound Eyes Are Blind to the Day," highlighting the significance of patience in song development and the band's journey from recording in a Catholic school to touring with renowned acts like Slowdive.Amazing!Tune in to be inspired by Etienne's story and the harmonious blend of his Ghanaian roots and London experiences that continue to shape his songwriting. Oh yeah, his EQ gets a grade A in my book!Follow Whitelands:  https://whitelands.bandcamp.com/
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Extra music courtesy of Three Quarter Skieshttps://threequarterskies.bandcamp.com/
 

Surprise Cast #149 Quietly Into the Night

Why is friendship important to a band's success? In this engaging conversation, the band Quietly Into the Night shares their journey through music, discussing individual roles, influences, and the collaborative spirit that defines their sound. They reflect on childhood memories that shaped their musical tastes, the importance of live performances, and their plans for creating new music. The discussion also touches on the significance of making mistakes in the creative process and the joy of creating music together. With a mix of personal narratives and sharp insights, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the passion and dedication behind their art. This conversation serves as an engaging exploration of the inner workings of a band just discovering their voice and audience. But, at its core is their long-standing friendship and mutual love for music, which speaks volumes. Loudly!Follow Quietly into the Night: https://quietlyintothenight.link.cam/
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