Surprise Cast

In this engaging episode of Surprise Cast, I sit down with Giel and Bert, members of the Belgium-based band Newmoon. Broadcasting all the way from San Francisco, we dive into the heart of Newmoon's musical journey, exploring their creative processes, inspirations, and the evolution of their sound. Giel and Bert discuss their roles in the band, with Giel sharing insights on his guitar playing and v...

Welcome to another captivating episode of Surprise Cast. This episode promises an enriching dive into the world of indie music, featuring conversations with members from three remarkable bands. Joining us from various corners of the world are Scott (Secret Shine), Pete and Simon (Soundwire), and Sean (Jetstream Pony). These talented musicians share their unique insights and experiences, shedding l...

Welcome to another episode of Surprise Cast with your host, W. In this special episode, we jump deep into the vibrant world of the Glasgow-based band Homework. Joining us from the band are Santiago, Lizzie, Michael, and Andrew, who share their musical journeys, inspirations, and what lies ahead for them in 2024.   We kick off the episode with Santiago, who discusses his role as a guitarist, vocali...

The resurgence of Closedown, with the re-release of their iconic album 'Nearfield', now aptly renamed 'Dissolve', marks a significant moment for aficionados of the dream pop and shoegaze genres. This LA-based group, originally merging in the early 1990s, has always possessed a distinctive sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their music, a lush tapestry of ethereal soundscapes, enc...

Emerging from the indie music scene of Seattle, Washington, Waves Crashing has swiftly carved out its niche within the alternative/shoegaze music landscape. With a distinctive approach that weaves together the rich tapestry of 80s and 90s alternative sounds, this group has managed to breathe new life into the genre. Their music, characterized by lush soundscapes and fresh melodic hooks, reflects a...

Welcome to another engaging episode of Surprise Cast! In this special installment, I sit down with the talented Andrew Rose, a musician, and mastering engineer, to delve into his fascinating life and career. Broadcasting from a picturesque village in southwest France, Andrew brings a unique blend of stories and insights from his diverse experiences. Listeners will be captivated by Andrew's anecdot...

Air Formation, hailing from the vibrant city of Brighton, has swiftly carved a niche for themselves in the expansive realm of dream pop and post-rock music. Composed of five talented individuals—Matt Bartram on vocals and guitar, Ben Pierce on bass, Richard Parks on keyboards, Ian Sheridan on guitar, and James Harrison on drums—their collective sound is a mesmerizing blend that echoes the depth an...

Welcome to this special edition of the Surprise Cast, where we are incredibly honored to host a figure whose musical genius has adorned the soundscape of some of the most influential bands over the past few decades. Today, we are joined by none other than Andy Diagram, affectionately known in the music world as Andy Trumpet. This conversation is broken up into 3 parts: Family/Childhood experiences...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Michael Schulman of Slumberland Records. Broadcasting from Oakland, California, Mike kindly shares his experiences and challenges in running an independent record label for over 35 years. In this episode, we dive into the importance of perspective, drawing parallels with the timeless wisdom of Charlie Brown, Twyla Tharp, and Rick Rubin. Mike discusses ho...

Join us on Surprise Cast as we welcome the talented band members—Nick, Matt, and Morgan—and dive deep into their musical journey, creative processes, and the stories behind their latest album. This episode promises an intimate look into the lives of The Umbrellas, a San Francisco band that has captured the hearts of many with their burst of indie pop distinctive sound and lyrical prowess. The Umbr...

In this highly educational episode of Surprise Cast, we go on an intimate journey through the lives and minds of Minaxi band members, Liam Christian, Shrenik Ganatra, and Thomas Herndon. Discover what defines them as individuals, their roles in the band, and how their unique experiences shape the music they create. The conversation unfolds with a deep dive into their childhood influences, personal...

Explore the intricate world of Aircooled—an indie and alternative rock supergroup, renowned for their unique blend of musical artistry that has left an indelible mark on music enthusiasts globally. This revealing episode of 'Surprise Cast' features an up close and personal talk with band members, Riz Maslen and Ollie Cherer, taking listeners on an undeniably fascinating journey, right into the hea...

In this compelling episode of the Surprise Cast, be prepared to be taken on an introspective journey into the world of music through the experiences of our gifted guest, Pavlo Paloka. Hailing from Athens, Greece, he swims deep into his artistic process, laden with intimate anecdotes from his experiences of self-discovery, struggles, and amazing growth. Born with Greek roots, Pablo's becoming in th...

In this fascinating podcast episode, renowned musicians Paul Simpson and Henry Priestman walk us through their stirring journey in the heart of their musical project, Skyray. Recounting formative years, creative processes, and memorable studio experiences, the duo unveil a dynamic and captivating trip down memory lane. Explore the characteristic sounds and intricate techniques that defined their u...

In this deeply moving episode of Surprise Cast, we delve into the life and music of multi-cultural folk singer-songwriter, Kirsty Almeida. Raised amidst the vibrant hues of Gibraltar and now embedding herself in the tranquil hills of Hebden Bridge in England, Almeida's life and creative journey reflects a diverse palette of cultural influences and deeply personal experiences. The episode underscor...

In this captivating episode of Surprise Cast, we are thrilled to take you on an intimate journey with renowned videographer and visual artist, Chris Tomsett, also known as Innerstrings. Unraveling his 60's style, live feed visuals, and his impressive work portfolio with music legends. The episode is a tantalizing blend of art, technology, and the human journey, offering a glimpse into the mind of...

Welcome back to another magnificent episode of Surprise Cast, which reveals the story behind the history of the band, Skyray. Delve into the compelling conversation with Henry Priestman and Paul Simpson, the visionaries behind the music. Come along on their journey, from childhood dreamers to accomplished musicians, and see how unusual inspirations and lingering memories found their way into their...

In this enriching episode of Surprise Cast, we welcome Jane Duffus, a celebrated writer/journalist, and Chris Quinn, a notable drummer from The Orchids, as they unravel their artistic journey, inspirations, and influences. Diving into the golden era of Sarah Records, we hear Jane's perspective on her acclaimed book "These Things Happen: The Sarah Records Story" and Chris's unique musical evolution...

In the captivating exploration of Miki Berenyi's life, this episode digs into her journey from adolescent freedom to adult realities. An integral part of the famed bands, Lush, Piroshka, MB3, Miki shares candid glimpses into maintaining personal autonomy, nurturing passion, and juggling personal relationships vis-a-vis band responsibilities. A strong believer of l-o-v-e as an underlying theme, she...

Join us as we delve into the compelling world of music with Michael Smyth, the renowned guitarist and songwriter of the band Virgins. In this interview, Smith reflects on his fascinating journey to becoming a formidable force in today's music scene, tracing the vibrant influences and inspirations that have shaped his music. Dive headfirst into Michael's past as he explores his childhood memories f...

In a world where music forms the essence of our existential experiences, Jake Rudh stands as a towering figure, embodying the spirit of 'Classic Alternative' music with every fiber of his being. His journey, as recounted in this nostalgically riveting episode, is not just a tale of musical ascension but a profound narrative of passion, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between an artist and his...

Embark on an exciting musical journey in Naples, Italy with the talented duo behind 'Not Me, But Us', Bruno Bovota and Fabrizio Somma. Discover how they uniquely blend their worlds of piano compositions and electronic music in the exclusive podcast. Hear about their collaborative masterpiece, 'Two,' a mesmerizing amalgamation of different music styles, and learn about their shared childhood experi...

In this entertaining episode of Surprise Cast, Dubya introduces us to the enchanting world of 'Coming Up Roses', a band that has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the bustling music scene of London. Originating from Singapore, Emily and Darius, the dynamic duo behind the band, unravel their musical voyage with stories of evolution and creativity. Their narrative is not just about music; it's a...

Welcome to a heartfelt episode of Surprise Cast, where we leap into the sincere and inspiring stories of Ian Carmichael (The Orchids/One Dove) and James Hackett(The Orchids), two extraordinary artists. In this episode, we navigate the twists and turns of their creative journeys, exploring the profound impact of their early lives, personal challenges, and the fusion of their artistic paths. Ian and...

In this warm episode brought to you by Surprise Cast, listeners are invited to jump into the lives and musical experiences of Murray Easton and Mark Rolfe, two talented musicians hailing from Scotland and England, respectively. Embarking on a journey that is both personal and universal, the episode unfolds the early musical exposures and inspirations that led these artists down the path to their c...