Surprise Cast

Welcome back to the second part of our conversation with the exceptionally talented musicians, Miki Berenyi and Keeley Moss. In this episode, we delve deeper into the complex world of being a musician, exploring the artistry, challenges, and humor that define their journeys. Miki and Keeley share their fascinating stories and sharp insights, providing an inspiring glimpse into the music industry....

Join me in a spirited episode of Surprise Cast as we swim into the mesmerizing world of Chicago's Humdrum, led by the talented Loren Vanderbilt.  In this episode, Loren shares insights into his creative process, the genesis of Humdrum, and his journey from a small-town upbringing in Shaker Heights ("interesting place") to the vibrant Chicago music scene. Listeners will be captivated by his reflect...

In part 2 of our conversation, I sit down with Ian Bickerton from the band Balloon to explore the enduring impact of their seminal album 'Gravity' and the exciting release of their latest work, 'Gas n Air'. He reflects on the timeless quality of 'Gravity', sharing his pride in its creation and the continued resonance it holds for listeners. ("I'm enormously pleased that people that like the record...

In part 2 of my conversation with Jules Lynn and Geoffrey Scott, we move into an engaging conversation with members of the band Slowness. The episode opens with a discussion on the intricacies of personal development and relationships, drawing parallels between personal growth and the dynamics within a band. ("We've been through a lot and we've had to learn how to treat each other better and other...

Join us on this engaging episode of Surprise Cast as we dive into the world of Philip King, a multifaceted musician known for his dynamic presence in the music industry. With an impressive career spanning influential bands such as The Servants, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Felt, Lush, and now West 11, Philip has cemented his reputation as a versatile artist capable of adapting to diverse musical styl...

Welcome to the latest episode of Surprise Cast, hosted by W. In this episode, we are joined by Scott Causer, the visionary founder of Northern Star Label. Scott's journey in the music industry is a testament to passion and perseverance, as he shares, "I didn't have any intention of starting a record label," yet has created a haven for underground and innovative music. Scott's roots in North Wales...

Join me in this engaging episode of the Surprise Cast, as I welcome two captivating guests, Miki Berenyi (MB3, Lush, Piroshka) and Keeley Moss (KEELEY). Known for their sharp wit and profound insights, they bring an invigorating blend of humor and reflection to the table. Drawing inspiration from the renowned academic and podcaster, Brené Brown, we tackle such intricate themes such as vulnerabilit...

In this fun episode of Surprise Cast, we delve into the rich musical legacy of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), the iconic British band that emerged from Liverpool in 1978. Known for their pioneering contributions to synth-pop and new wave, OMD has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with hits like "Enola Gay," "If You Leave," and "Electricity."Joining the discussion is Chris Gilliland,...

Welcome to a highly entertaining and warm episode of Surprise Cast, where we explore the vibrant journeys of indie music legends, Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey. Broadcasting from the serene landscapes of rural Kent, England, they share anecdotes from their rich musical journey, discussing everything from the beauty of Romney Marsh (“beautiful flat”) to their experiences with weather in England an...

Welcome to this exciting episode of Surprise Cast, where I sit down with Nathaniel Cramp, the passionate owner of Sonic Cathedral record label. Known for its dedication to shoegaze, dream pop, and atmospheric soundscapes, Sonic Cathedral has carved a niche in the music industry by nurturing artists who craft introspective and layered sound experiences. In this episode, Nathaniel shares his journey...

In this personal episode of Surprise Cast, I welcome Jules Lynn and Geoffrey Scott, members of the San Francisco-based band, Slowness. Known for their unique sound that seamlessly blends shoegaze, dream pop, slowcore, and some psych rock, Slowness offers a rich and immersive auditory experience.  Jules, the bassist, vocalist and keyboardist, shares her journey in music, her role in the band, and t...

In this episode of Surprise Cast, I go deep into the world of electronic music with a very special guest, Shannon Hemmett. The frontwoman of Leathers and a member of the acclaimed Vancouver post-punk darkwave band Actors.  The conversation kicks off with a glowing review of "Ultraviolet" penned by online friend, Jason Rogers, highlighting the album's sleek, synth-driven sound that evokes images of...

In this eye-opening episode, I welcome a special guest, Nalinee Darmrong, an esteemed photographer with a keen eye for talent in the music industry. Tuning in from a suburb of Washington, D.C., she shares her fascinating journey from a young music enthusiast to a celebrated photographer whose work has captured the essence of iconic bands like The Smiths. The conversation begins with light-hearted...

Welcome to this episode of Surprise Cast! Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Emma Anderson, singer-songwriter (Lush/Sing-Sing) and as a solo artist. We explore the intricacies of family life, friendships, and professional endeavors. Inspired by Arthur C. Brooks' book, Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, Emma shares her sharp insights and experiences...

Welcome to a special episode of Surprise Cast! This Part 1 episode marks a momentous occasion: a deep dive into the life, music, and creative journey of Ian Bickerton from the band Balloon.  Ian Bickerton joins us from Haarlem in the Netherlands, where he has resided for over two decades. In this conversation, Ian reflects on his life, from his early years in Birmingham, Croydon, and Manchester to...

In this entertaining and 100th episode of Surprise Cast, we are delighted to welcome the talented singer and songwriter, Louise Quinn, known for her work with Gates of Light. Joining her is the accomplished musician and producer, Finlay Macdonald known for his Wor_kspace sounds. Together, they share their personal and professional journeys, offering listeners a deep dive into their creative proces...

In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of vulnerability, creativity, and personal growth. Our guest, Rachel Cogan, offers a raw and insightful perspective on the importance of embracing one's truth and learning from life's challenges. With a focus on understanding different perspectives, she emphasizes the value of empathy and problem-solving in navigating complex emotional...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Surprise Cast! Today we have the pleasure of diving into an inspiring conversation with Oli Steadman, a talented musician and a member of the band Stornoway. We kick off the episode by catching up with Oli about his summer adventures. He shares his travels across Canada and the US, from hiking in the Rockies and encountering elk to learning to surf in Cal...

In this deeply moving episode, I engage in an intense and heartfelt conversation with special guest Rachel Cogan, founder and creative director of That Something Creative.  The episode begins with an honest introduction to the Sandy Hook tragedy, a harrowing event that profoundly affected me as an educator. Rachel responds with her own experiences, discussing how working with children has shaped h...

In this intimate episode of Surprise Cast, I'm thrilled to welcome Oisin Leech, the exceptional Irish singer whose latest album, "Cold Sea," has been making waves in the music world. He takes us on an in-depth journey through his aural masterpiece, offering listeners a blend of heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies that echo the raw beauty and wonder of Ireland. Released in March 2024, "Cold Se...

We kick off the episode with introductions, as Ryan Lescure, John Conley, and Becky Cale share their roles within their respective bands. Ryan, the primary songwriter, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist for Lavender Blush, John, the singer and rhythm guitarist for Desario, and Becky, the bassist and vocalist for Soft Science, share their opinions on some interesting passages from the popular book, The...

In this captivating episode of Surprise Cast, I engage in a dynamic conversation with the versatile and influential John Robb. Known for his extensive contributions across multiple fields, he is a journalist, TV and radio presenter, and author who has left an indelible mark on pop culture and music journalism. He is also the frontman of the post-punk band The Membranes and the author of best-selli...

Welcome to another engaging episode of Surprise Cast. In this special episode, we are joined by Brendan Canty & Joe Lally from the band The Messthetics. They share their experiences, insights, and the journey that led them to where they are today. Joe, who plays bass, joins us from Petworth in Northwest Washington DC, while Brendan, the drummer ("kind of the band manager), checks in from Wakef...

This week, we are thrilled to have Beth Arzy join us from Croydon, England, for an engaging and unpredictable conversation. Beth, known for her contributions to bands like Jetstream Pony ("these songs are so good...the demos turned out well...my role is lead singer, play tambourine") and The Luxembourg Signal, brings a wealth of musical experience and stories to the table. We kick off the episode...

In this episode, W sits down with the talented and kind hearted Oli Steadman from the band Stornoway to discuss life as a musician, the band's journey, and the profound impact of music on both personal and collective levels. W kicks off the conversation with a heartwarming backstory about using music to bring students together in his classroom, specifically through Stornoway's song "We Are the Bat...