Surprise Cast

Dear Highspire, Our episode did a solid job discussing the band's arc--from your Philly roots and many-year hiatus to the creation of your awesome new album, 'Crushed'. A must own! I enjoyed learning about your cinematic influences, including Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. Our talk delved into music influences such as My Bloody Valentine, Stone Roses, The Charlatans, and more.  You spoke candidly about tremendous personal obstacles that reshaped your vision for your craft: lineup changes, setbacks,  career transitions, and the pandemic in 2020.  I enjoyed hearing your analysis of your new album, including amazing songs that tackle themes of repetition, haunting, and identity. By the way, the album is quite intimate and sonically rich.  Thank you again for the heartfelt storytelling and behind-the-scenes accounts of your friendship and songwriting. You've taken grief, resilience and produced something that is a great comeback. Now that's what I call gifted and talented.  Follow Highspire: https://highspire.bandcamp.com/music [https://highspire.bandcamp.com/music] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Dear David, I had such a wonderful time connecting with you. We explored many important topics such as cultural trauma, family history (what a story), and of course, your everlasting love for music and business.   Hearing your personal reflections on how 9/11 affected you in both a positive and negative manner was quite interesting. Listening to your vulnerable story about being adopted and how it informed your approach to fatherhood was spellbinding. I know the listeners will get a kick about your love for bands such as The Cure, The Police, Chicago, Dead Can Dance, Peter Gabriel, and the mighty U2.   Finally, hearing about your life as an entrepreneur, starting up Discology in Reno, was a blast. Your store's eclectic stock (vinyl, CDs, laserdisc, cassettes, and more) makes it all the more special.  I believe listeners can hear the emotional, candid conversation that pulls together amazing confessions and great storytelling. You have a way of reminding us why music and the human connection truly matter.  Follow Discology: https://discologyreno.com/ [https://discologyreno.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify Podcast music included: - Slowdive (Crazy for you) - Piano Covers (With or Without you) - Mark Rolfe (Burying the Dead)

Dear Marina, I'm grateful for our conversation. Thank you for joining me on Surprise Cast. I had a great time discussing topics with you.  It was fun learning about how you were raised across multiple countries and the story behind your name. All of these things inform your artistic perspective. I enjoyed listening to your early musical memories, chanting along in your father's car and finding your energy by listening to musicians such as Vanessa Carlton and Britney Spears. It was interesting to learn about evolving from acoustic songwriting to dipping your feet into the pool of dreampop/shoegaze music. Thank you for giving the listener an analysis of your gorgeous songs. Fun! Thank you for being candid about your creative output and the paradoxes that accompany it, including the blend of exploration and perfectionism. Your attention to detail, reflections on culture, and honesty will continue to serve you well in your music career. Authenticity is the name of your game, never commercial compromise! Follow Marina: https://linktr.ee/marinayozora [https://linktr.ee/marinayozora] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and Spotify *Music included in this episode by Daughter and Six Pence None the Richer

Dear Laura and Liam, Thank you for joining me for Part 2. I had a blast deep diving into the band James: their B-sides, priceless live moments, upcoming North America tour, and James Fanzone.  Listening to your numerous concert experiences, it's clear that their shows never feel the same twice, with different setlists each night, and spontaneous actions by band members on stage, which was amusing to hear.  The heartbeat of our conversation was a guided tour through favourite B-sides. I won't mention our selections. We are clearly excited about their upcoming North American tour, and maybe we'll get a chance to hear some of these gems.  Whether you’re a long time James devotee or a curious newcomer, expect stories, song picks, and plenty of reasons to revisit the band’s B-sides and live performances, don't you think this episode has something for every listener to enjoy? I'll leave you with one more question. What will part 3 be about?  Follow Laura: https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/ [https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/] Follow Jamesfanzone: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1523750017780710 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1523750017780710] Follow James: https://wearejames.com/ [https://wearejames.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

What a wonderful conversation! Thank you so much for sharing about your life and artistry. I love learning how family and great music influence your creative work. I appreciate how our discussion flows smoothly between music culture, visual art, and personal stories. And I truly value hearing your honest memories of your parents and how your father's work ethic and independence have impacted you. Your art is lively, innovative, and healing, as I've seen in your collaboration with Tim Burgess, frontman for the band The Charlatans. Keep bringing light and positive energy to our dark and troubled world. It's quite therapeutic.  Follow Ben O'Brien: https://www.ben-obrien.com/ [https://www.ben-obrien.com/] Follow Tim Burgess: https://www.timburgessofficial.com/ [https://www.timburgessofficial.com/] Follow Tim Burgess Listening Parties: https://timstwitterlisteningparty.com/ [https://timstwitterlisteningparty.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify.  Additional music by - Tim Burgess - Charlie Parker - Matt Owens - Erroll Garner