Surprise Cast #265 Mark Kaiser (Mt. St. Mtn. Records)

Surprise Cast #265 Mark Kaiser (Mt. St. Mtn. Records)

Dear Mark, Fascinating conversation with you regarding your work as a record label owner. I learned some cool things about your challenging and successful profession. I had fun learning about the early inspirations by releasing tapes from your dorm and tracing your roots back to life in Ventura. I loved hearing about your musical formation by discovering punk and skate culture.  The belly of the conversation covered quite a bit of details regarding the early days of running Omnibus Records, demos, vinyl pressings, and now Mt. St. Mtn. I love how you roll up your ownership sleeves and are willing to put in so much effort to keep your baby running. Keep climbing the mountain of success! Follow Mt. St. Mtn. : https://www.mtstmtn.com/journal [https://www.mtstmtn.com/journal] Additional music by Massage, Cindy, and Seablite Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube

Surprise Cast #264 Daniel Land

Dear Daniel, What an inspiring conversation I had with you regarding your work as a musician and writer. Thank you for your time, effort, and willingness to share so much with me.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your journey through music, including your stories behind particular songs, personal challenges, and the importance of authenticity. I discovered how much you embrace art, love, and resiliency. Oh yeah--let's not forget your undying love for Cocteau Twins and Deacon Blue :). I respect you a great deal, as you're a creative life force that understand vulnerability and courage.  Follow Daniel Land: https://www.danielland.co.uk/home [https://www.danielland.co.uk/home] Additional music by: https://cocteautwins.com/ [https://cocteautwins.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: https://surprisecast.com/ [https://surprisecast.com/] Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, X, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #263 Antony Ryan (RedRedPaw Mastering)

Dear Antony, Thank you for taking me deep into your craft as a mastering engineer. I learned so much about your technical wizardry in an entertaining manner.  Your life's work is both rich and accomplished. You've worked with some of the greats, including Simon Scott, Andy Bell, and Dot Allison. I especially enjoyed learning how your environment influences creativity and focus, and hearing your perspective on the challenges and lifelong learning that mastering engineering requires. Your thoughts on AI and its potential impact on your profession were also ear opening. One of my favourite parts was learning about the process of finalizing a music album; something most listeners rarely think about. You have a remarkable gift for hearing the subtle details in music that others could miss, and it's clear how those small arrangements create a powerful final result. Thank you for nourishing our ears and helping us reset--it's in your nature! Follow RedRedPaw Mastering: https://www.redredpaw.com/ [https://www.redredpaw.com/] Follow Isan: https://www.isan.co.uk/ [https://www.isan.co.uk/] Follow Simon Scott: https://spsmastering.blogspot.com/ [https://spsmastering.blogspot.com/] Follow Andy Bell: https://andybell.bandcamp.com/ [https://andybell.bandcamp.com/] Follow Dot Allison: https://dotallison.bandcamp.com/ [https://dotallison.bandcamp.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #262 The Reds, Pinks and Purples/The Umbrellas

Dear Glenn and Morgan, What a San Francisco treat to have you both on Surprise Cast--it meant a lot to me.  We covered cool topics, including artistic inspiration, the current vibe of the city, unforgettable concert memories ("less talking, more rocking"), musicianship, and your favourite albums that shaped the DIY pop aesthetic.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts on musicianship and the balance between what feels natural and what pushes you outside your comfort zone. You both responded to the Rick Rubin quotes with remarkable thoughtfulness and insight.  I'm sure fans will enjoy the personal stories, deep dives, and thoughtful reflections on creativity, music community, and life as creative musicians. Thank you for the conversation, and please keep making those wonderful records. Follow The Reds, Pinks and Purples: https://www.firerecords.com/artists/reds-pinks-purples/ [https://www.firerecords.com/artists/reds-pinks-purples/] Follow The Umbrellas: https://linktr.ee/theumbrellas [https://linktr.ee/theumbrellas] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #261 The Lizard Point

Dear The Lizard Point, Many thanks for being on the program. It was a pleasure hearing about your musical beginnings (AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Kiss) - all bands I listened to as well.  Thank you for being vulnerable by sharing your personal journeys from Ireland and upstate New York to San Francisco, and your decision to pursue music over more conventional paths. I appreciate the risk-taking and your friendship.   It was a joy speaking with you both about your ambient album, 'In the Red Earth', and exploring the inspirations, challenges, and creative methods behind The Lizard Point's immersive instrumental music. The album moves gracefully, loaded with soft melodic hooks, creating a sound that is both meditative and wonderfully intoxicating. If I were still teaching elementary school children, I'd use the album for social emotional learning lessons. Bravo! Follow: https://www.thelizardpoint.com/ [https://www.thelizardpoint.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or X