H.I. Art on the Edge

In this exhilarating episode of the Surprise Cast, the listeners are treated to a fun conversation with Sean Eden, the guitarist and composer renowned for his work with Luna. Known for his wizardry on the guitar strings, Sean brings his extensive experience crafting hypnotic soundscapes. He shares engaging and humorous stories from his vibrant past. Broadcasting from the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, the episode deepens into Sean's admiration for iconic guitarists (Tom Verlaine, Jimi Hendrix), mixing personal anecdotes with insight into his unique atmospheric playing style that has dazzled listeners worldwide. Sean reminisces about his formative years growing up in Ontario, Canada and his artistic endeavors that took him from theater in North Carolina to the vibrant music scene in New York City. He honestly shares tales of collaboration, the challenges of the music industry, and his creative inspirations, offering a glimpse into the life of a musician navigating the complexities between art, audience, and personal growth.  The episode also explores Sean's perspective on iconic venues and memorable performances. Listeners are invited on a narrative journey enriched with Sean's reflections on living a creatively fulfilled life amid distractions and the balancing act between discipline and spontaneity. Tune in to hear Sean discuss new projects, collaborations, and candid reflections on his life in music, discovering a nuanced understanding of what it means to live on the edge of high art. You'll enjoy the musical personality in him. Humble. Charming. Funny...and "in the moment"! Follow Sean Eden: https://www.seaneden.com/ [https://www.seaneden.com/] https://lunamusic.com/ [https://lunamusic.com/]

What words come to mind when you hear the name Antonio Zelada? In this episode of Surprise Cast, I engage in a warm-hearted conversation with the extraordinary musician Antonio, known for his work with Resplandor. The episode delves into his vast contributions to the shoegaze music scene, his role as a driving force behind the Automatic Noise Festival, and his experiences running the Automatic Records label. The episode also covers intimate aspects of Antonio's life, including his honest reflections on fatherhood, the cherished moments with his son, and the challenges of balancing family with his musical career. His stories reveal his growth as both an artist and a father, highlighting how these roles inform and fuel his artistic endeavors. Additionally, the discussion touches on his collaborative efforts with notable producer Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), his sensational interactions with the goth/alternative band The Cure, and Antonio's aspirations for new projects.  Get ready to be touched by his charm, warmth, and love for music. It's infectious.

In this compelling episode of Surprise Cast, we go deep into the artistic journey of Night Crickets, a band formed during the introspective period of the COVID-19 pandemic by Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes), Darwin Meiners (multi-instrumentalist), and David J(Bauhaus/Love & Rockets). Known for their innovative fusion of dark alternative and uplifting experimental pop, they bring a dynamic blend of musical worlds that delivers a rich auditory experience. We explore their latest album, How It Ends(?), which demonstrates themes of freedom, loss, humor, and resilience while reflecting personal and universal stories. Through candid conversations, the band members share fun insights into their music-making process, the influences behind their sound, and their unbreakable collaborative spirit that thrives on pure discovery and spontaneous creativity. They are always pushing the envelope! The discussion explores the band's inspirations, individual musical roles, and the power of unexpected musical turns that define their sound. Guest stories weave through the dialogue, including a hilarious moment with legendary musician, Jello Biafra . Listeners will gain an appreciation for the deep connections and expressive freedom that drive Night Crickets work into a world of such creativity and uniqueness. They certainly feed off each other's strengths and energy. Chirp on! Follow Night Crickets: https://night-crickets-label51recordings.bandcamp.com/album/how-it-ends [https://night-crickets-label51recordings.bandcamp.com/album/how-it-ends] https://www.facebook.com/nightcricketsofficial [https://www.facebook.com/nightcricketsofficial] https://x.com/NightCrickets [https://x.com/NightCrickets]

Enjoy my conversation with renowned film critics Alonso Duralde and Christy Lemire in this engaging episode of Surprise Cast. The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the intricacies of film criticism and the strong chemistry between longtime colleagues. We dive into the essence of film criticism, exploring how they craft their reviews with intelligence and accessibility. She also shares her journey from sorority life at SMU to becoming a co-host of the well-loved series, 'Breakfast All Day.' At the same time, Alonso reminisces about his early days at Vanderbilt and his deep-rooted love for cinema. The two also discuss their passion and inspirations, touching upon an influential critic like Roger Ebert and the challenges they face in separating personal biases from professional critique. In addition, they share their favorite seasonal films and offer insights into Oscar potential films.  Discover the unique preparation that goes into each episode of 'Breakfast All Day', along with the personal anecdotes and life lessons that have shaped their lives. Whether it's navigating the impact of powerful cinema, sharing their connections to film, or the delightful banter that highlights their deep and tightly threaded friendship, this episode offers a captivating listen for film enthusiasts. Lights! Camera! Action!

In this friendly episode of the Surprise Cast, we swim inside the world of art and personal identity with exceptional artist Sinéad  Smyth. Hailing from the scenic peninsula of Inishowen in Donegal, Sinéad's art uniquely captures landscapes and seascapes as places of memory and deep connection. Her work vividly celebrates these natural environments, reflecting their nurturing influence on the human spirit. Throughout the conversation, Sinéad offers a clear and thoughtful window into her life and artistry, sharing poignant personal stories and insights. She recounts her childhood growing up during the Troubles in Ireland, exploring how her parent's influence and the natural landscape of Inishowen shaped her artistic vision and personal beliefs. Additionally, she discusses the profound impact of literature, particularly Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. The episode also navigates Sinéad's challenges, including her recent battle with breast cancer. The discussions reveal how her experiences have infused her works with new color palettes and themes, incorporating elements of self-love, healing, and reflection. Further enriching the episode, the collaboration between Sinéad  and musician Oisin Leech is highlighted, including her artwork for his album cover, 'The Cold Sea,' and its role in enhancing the music's emotional landscape. Don't miss this episode as we explore themes of loss, healing, conflict resolution. Step inside her classroom of amazing kindness, intelligence, and creativity. It's really easy to feel Sinéad's endless warmth and Irish charm.