Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #211 Halou

Dear Ryan and Rebecca, Many thanks for joining me on Surprise Cast. I enjoyed our chat.  You traced your paths from childhood — eastern Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Marin —in an interesting way. I loved hearing about your musical influences, including Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, and Skinny Puppy--so many bands that I love! It was cool learning how Halou formed in the early '90s and listening to your reflections on the music scene, gender dynamics in the industry, life in Santa Cruz, and what being authentic means to you.  The conversation turned to craft and creativity: Ryan, you explained your hands‑on, attention to detail approach to making music, and Rebecca, you described how you found emotional entry points for lyrics and how your voice has changed and matured over time.   Keep up the great work. I feel "Wiser" whilst listening to your music! Follow Halou: https://www.halou.com/ [https://www.halou.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify Artists included on the podcast: Yellowman: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC84S9jo6JOt7mNKGxBgSXQQ [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC84S9jo6JOt7mNKGxBgSXQQ] Skinny Puppy: https://skinnypuppy.com/ [https://skinnypuppy.com/]

Surprise Cast #210 The Cords

Dear Grace and Eva, In this episode, I welcomed you for a lively return to Surprise Cast. The conversation began with playful Halloween icebreakers and costume memories before discussing the band’s recent UK tour, memorable onstage moments, and the variety of bands you played with, including indie legends Camera Obscura. Amazing! The bulk of the episode focused on your sparkling self-titled debut album. You had mentioned producers Jonny Scott (Chvrches) and Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit) gave the two of you creative freedom while providing important suggestions (better snare parts, cymbal choices, etc.). You kindly described the songwriting process, preference for short, punchy, punky songs. It really is a special album! I loved that you two geeked out on musical equipment and explained how you prepare for shows, connect with fans at merch, and stay grounded despite growing attention. Your parents did a beautiful job instilling terrific values in you. You touched on charities and benefits you played for, the labels behind the release (Skep Wax and Slumberland), and plans to record more and tour (including hopes to play the U.S., with visa and cost hurdles). Let's make it happen!  Keep up the hard work. You have so much left in the creative tank! Follow The Cords: https://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg%3D%3D [https://www.instagram.com/the.cords_band?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg%3D%3D] Follow Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/ [https://www.skepwax.com/] Follow Slumberland Records: https://slumberlandrecords.com/ [https://slumberlandrecords.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Surprise Cast #209 Maps (James Chapman)

Dear James, I'm thankful that you returned to Surprise Cast for a third time; that means a great deal to me. I had a wonderful time celebrating the spirit of Halloween, as well as enjoying an old Maps tune and your new album, 'Welcome to the Tudor Gate'.  You explained how the project began — moving into a new house near a "creepy" old inn, vintage photographs (from dad) that conjured spooky imagery, and a decision to build a continuous, soundtrack‑style journey in chapters. What a great concept! I know the new/old album will serve as both a seasonal listening experience and an album suitable for any time of year. Thank you for keeping listeners and me updated on the ongoing work of Maps, including mixing and production projects, and for sharing your plans to continue evolving while remaining true to your incredible sonic electronic DNA. You're always a breath of fresh air, continuing to make music that matters and soothes the soul.  Follow Maps: https://thisismaps.com/ [https://thisismaps.com/] Follow Mute Records: https://mute.com/ [https://mute.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #208 Jonathan Rach (photographer/film writer)

Dear Jonathan, I loved our chat on Surprise Cast. Thank you for making it authentic and intimate. I learned a great deal about your craft regarding being a photographer and film writer--two things that you're quite good at doing. It was cool to learn about your path from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, early work with concert promoters, and long and collaborative relationship with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.   You provided wonderful insight into live performance and stage design including concept sketches for the NIN 'Self-Destruct' tour. Thank you for sharing your personal reflections on touring with Trent, capturing the exhaustion and intensity of long runs, and why collaboration is essential to ambitious live shows. Who can forget your hilarious story about Andy Warhol? The conversation also dove into identity, fear and courage — how your fluid sense of self helped you fit into intense creative communities and how you learned to move past fear to take the images you felt were important. So interesting!  Keep up the inspirational work. Your eye for high art is one-of-a-kind.  Follow Jonathan: https://jonathanrach.com/ [https://jonathanrach.com/] Follow Nine Inch Nails: https://www.nin.com/ [https://www.nin.com/] Episode music includes by Vitamin Piano Series: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-piano-tribute-to-nine-inch-nails/1000955308 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-piano-tribute-to-nine-inch-nails/1000955308] Episode also includes music by Nine Inch Nails https://music.apple.com/us/album/hesitation-marks-deluxe-version/655150306 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/hesitation-marks-deluxe-version/655150306]

Surprise Cast #207 The Boo Radleys

Dear Sice and Tim, It was a fun, engaging, and relaxed conversation on Surprise Cast. I loved our playful icebreaker topics about childhood memories of Halloween traditions and horror movie favorites--and the Tigger outfit! It was cool hearing you reflect candidly on the making of the 1995 album, "Wake Up!" and its aftermath. Hearing you two recall studio tensions between ambition and execution, and how the radio-friendly song, "Wake Up, Boo" reshaped your career positively and negatively.  Your announcement of the upcoming tour, new music plans, and a new single was shared with great enthusiasm. It was easy to pick up on the gratitude you feel toward long-time fans.  Overall, the episode included some real personal moments, studio anecdotes, and a great invitation to revisit some of the most glorious alternative pop music. You've made some giant steps in your long career, and here's to many more! Follow The Boo Radleys: https://www.thebooradleys.com/ [https://www.thebooradleys.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify Other music included: Johnny Mathis: https://johnnymathis.com/wp2/ [https://johnnymathis.com/wp2/] New Order: https://www.neworder.com/ [https://www.neworder.com/]