Surprise Cast #252 Stella Heath

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/]

Surprise Cast #255 Jason Bemis Lawrence

Dear Jason,  I'm so glad we connected for a thoughtful episode on Surprise Cast! I loved learning about your love for living in Louisville, Kentucky. You provided rich details on what makes the place special, somewhere I've always wanted to visit. In addition, hearing your honest words about fatherhood was thoughtful. I appreciate how much you embrace those responsibilities to your family. Finally, it was clear to me how much you enjoyed the experience of making the album 'The Grand Routine' and drumming for Dean and Britta. Fabulous experiences, indeed, that will linger in your mind forever.  Follow Jason Bemis Lawrence: https://linktr.ee/jasonbemislawrence [https://linktr.ee/jasonbemislawrence] Additional music included: Luna/Dean & Britta: https://lunamusic.com/ [https://lunamusic.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #254 Hannah Lew

Dear Hannah, From one fellow Bay Area person to another, it was a blast talking with you about your musical origins. Thank you for sharing your experiences learning synthesis on a Moog, discovering your path as a bass player, and discussing how you craft your songs. I also appreciated your candid thoughts on fraught times, your Dada inspiration, and the importance of rejecting the aesthetics of capitalism and war. It was a fascinating perspective. I especially enjoyed hearing you speak about identity and motherhood, and how being a parent has influenced your sense of time and priorities. Congratulations on releasing a wonderful debut album. It's gorgeous from start to finish, and I hope you continue delivering hooks and melodies as expansive and intricate as our mighty Pacific Ocean. Follow Hannah Lew:  http://hannahlew.com/ [http://hannahlew.com/] https://hannahlew.bandcamp.com/album/hannah-lew-2 [https://hannahlew.bandcamp.com/album/hannah-lew-2] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #253 Joe Lally

Dear Joe,  Thank you for taking the time to guide us through your musical origin story. It was incredible to hear how your funkadelic instincts developed at a young age and continue to inform such a wide range of music. Your sharp reflections on influences like Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, and Jah Wobble, along with your thoughts on technique, offered a deep look into your musical philosophy, which I find to be extremely intelligent.  Your Fugazi stories were a special treat. The discussion of writing material for 'Repeater,' the band’s ethos, navigating the challenging music industry, and being part of a group that consistently resisted conventional expectations provided such a valuable perspective. I've always admired the band's approach to following their convictions.  The conversation also provided a fun look at the making of the awesome new album, Deface the Currency. Your account of how James Brandon Lewis joined the project and the spontaneity of the recording sessions really caught my attention. I can tell he's been such a vital component to your group's sound and success.  Thank you for participating in Surprise Cast for another chat. You made the conversation feel warm, engaging, and electric. I always love to riff with you about life and music.  Follow The Messthetics: https://www.themessthetics.com/#/ [https://www.themessthetics.com/#/] Follow Joe Lally:  https://www.facebook.com/joe.lally.585 [https://www.facebook.com/joe.lally.585] Podcast music includes:  https://iggypop.com/ [https://iggypop.com/] https://larrygraham.com/ [https://larrygraham.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or X

Surprise Cast #252 Stella Heath

Dear Stella Heath, I was deeply inspired to learn about your remarkable journey as an artist and the story behind your Billie Holiday Project album. It was fun hearing about your childhood experiences in one of my favourite cities in the world, Petaluma.  Your Billie Holiday Project is a powerful tribute because you honor both Billie vulnerability and her fierce spirit. You and your collaborators clearly created something meaningful. Congratulations on the album release and upcoming performances. I wish you great success with this exciting new chapter. Keep swinging, Stella! Follow Stella Heath: https://www.stellaheathmusic.com/ [https://www.stellaheathmusic.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube