Surprise Cast #254 Hannah Lew

Surprise Cast #260 Waves Crashing

Dear Waves Crashing, You're starting to reach Surprise Cast of Fame status with your annual visits! Thank you once again for being guests on the show. I had a blast chatting with you about the new album, 'In the Blur'. Thank you for going all in on your most recent West Coast tour experiences--so great seeing you play in San Francisco.  I loved hearing about the recording process and what it took to evolve from your previous album. Hearing about your latest influences, including cartoons, comics, and Japanese Art was interesting. Song breakdown and analysis are always a treat. I know the Surprise Cast listeners can expect a heart to hear, an open discussion about your creative process and specific details about being in a band. This episode offers quite a bit of atmosphere! Follow Waves Crashing: https://wavescrashing.bandzoogle.com/ [https://wavescrashing.bandzoogle.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube

Surprise Cast #259 Tremours

Dear Tremours, I'm beyond thrilled to share the latest episode of Surprise Cast. I'll never forget that concert defining night in Menlo Park, CA, when you opened for synth-pop pioneer Gary Numan. Our conversation begins with your band's origins during lockdown and explores the emotional heartbeat of your debut album, 'Fragments'. You also shared insights into making the record, including the contributions to mixing and mastering by James Scott and Slowdive's Simon Scott, two stalwarts of the music industry. I especially enjoyed hearing your candid stories from the road about overcoming sound issues, refining your setlist rituals, and embracing creative improvisation. One of my favorite moments was your discussion about the balance of responsibility and trust that comes with sharing a stage. It felt genuine, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest. Thank you for creating such dreamlike, emotionally gripping music. The seismic shift you're creating is undeniable, and its sonic vibrations will linger for years to come. Follow Tremours:  https://www.tremoursmusic.com/ [https://www.tremoursmusic.com/] Additional music by: http://www.tundejegede.org/ [http://www.tundejegede.org/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Surprise Cast #258 Holly Coley

Dear Holly, I wanted to thank you for joining me on Surprise Cast. It was a pleasure to spend time hearing your unique story and learning more about the journey that has shaped both your art.  I appreciated hearing about your childhood growing up on a farm in Southern California, and how your love of reading, music, and the natural world continues to inspire your work. I had no idea that you'd be such a Stephen King fan! Thank you for being open about living with dyslexia and how it influenced the way you learned and developed "patience". It was cool to hear you reflect on your accomplishments from Street Project and Park Life Gallery, SFMOMA gift shop, and the pottery studio, Speckle Studio. What a grand testament to your tenacity, determination, and generosity to the art world. Keep sculpting the inspiring work! Follow Holly Coley: https://www.specklestudio.com/ [https://www.specklestudio.com/] Additional music by: https://linktr.ee/chimeschool [https://linktr.ee/chimeschool] https://chameleonsband.com/ [https://chameleonsband.com/] https://patrickfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/ [https://patrickfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/] Follow Surprise Cast Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Surprise Cast #257 Shapes Like People

Hi Carl and Kat, My favourite husband and wife duo celebrated the new album, 'Under the Rainbow' with me. What a blast! What an honor! We covered your musical roots and influences--from Kat's background in dance and how Sparklehorse impacted Carl's ears. Great band! I loved hearing about your songwriting and how you sequenced the new album with beautiful songs. As mentioned in the interview, I LOVE the flow, energy, and mood changes. It was fun listening to the creative process from recording to the promotion process. It's an album of human experience and fantastic balance...keep making the good stuff! Follow Shapes Like People: https://shapeslikepeople.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-rainbow [https://shapeslikepeople.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-rainbow] https://janglepophub.home.blog/category/jangleshop-label/ [https://janglepophub.home.blog/category/jangleshop-label/] Additional music by: https://marklinkous.com/ (sparklehorse) [https://marklinkous.com/] https://www.thechills.band/ [https://www.thechills.band/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Surprise Cast #256 Snowcuffs

Dear Neil and Stephanie, It was a pleasure having you on Surprise Cast again. Thank you for walking me through the inspiring work of Raqib Shaw's and his "determination". Neil, I loved hearing about your travels, including Thailand and Seoul and finding "an increasing of awareness".  Thank you for talking about imposter syndrome and when music moved from hobby to vocation. I appreciated hearing your thoughts about the lyric writing approach and the collaborative process on 'Sweet Gravity'. I loved hearing the stories behind the EPs' songs, including the "Burst" video, shot in Humboldt Park. Fascinating tales and an amazing body of work.   I'm looking forward to the band's next steps in 2026 and beyond. You are settling into your Chicago stride with amazing chemistry! Follow Snowcuffs: https://snowcuffs.bandcamp.com/ [https://snowcuffs.bandcamp.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube Additional music by: https://ettajames.shop.musictoday.com/ [https://ettajames.shop.musictoday.com/]