H.I. Art on the Edge

In this special episode of Surprise Cast, we leap into a delightful conversation with Paul Court and Tracy Tracy from the iconic alternative indie pop band, The Primitives. Known for their shimmering melodies and distinct sound, The Primitives have left an indelible mark on the music scene for almost 40 years! Excitingly, listeners are transported into a lively discussion as Paul broadcasts from Coventry and Tracy joins from the vibrant city of Barcelona. The two reflect on their musical journey, touching on significant milestones, including their initial formation, breakthrough tracks like "Crash," and the unique experiences of recording albums such as "Lovely," "Pure," and "Galore." It's a beautiful stroll down memory and detail lane.  Using Rick Rubin's quotes, the conversation unveils fascinating insights into their creative processes, tackling subjects like the completion phase of their music, influences, and the sometimes daunting impact of AI on the arts. With anecdotes about encounters with other renowned musicians such as Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds and Peter Gabriel, behind-the-scenes stories of recordings, videos, and live tours, the listener gets a real sense of their history and approach to their impeccable craft.  This conversation is a deep dive into what makes The Primitives such a special band revealing the human element behind the music, their stories of resilience, and the excitement surrounding the band's future endeavors. Nothing seems to be slowing them down. Their sound still crashes with pure pop perfection! Follow The Primtives: https://linktr.ee/theprimitives? [https://linktr.ee/theprimitives] https://www.facebook.com/ThePrimitivesOfficial [https://www.facebook.com/ThePrimitivesOfficial] https://x.com/PRIMITIVESband [https://x.com/PRIMITIVESband] https://www.youtube.com/@theprimitives [https://www.youtube.com/@theprimitives]   Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and X Follow Surprise Cast:  Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and Spotify

Join us for an intimate conversation with the incredibly talented Lotte Kestner (Ormonde, Trespassers William), known for her ethereal voice and captivating songwriting. In this episode, we explore her musical journey and enter her world as a musician and mother living in Redmond, Washington. She shares her sharp insights on embracing vulnerability in her lyrics, motherhood, loss of some hearing, and the ongoing dance between her personal and creative life. She opens up about her musical influences, her experiences growing up in a traditional family, and balancing her artistic aspirations with parental responsibilities. We also listen to and discuss some of Lott's remarkable songs, including her rendition of Trashcan Sinatras' "Earlies," and Trespassers William's "Alone," highlighting her unique ability to bring new life and authenticity to the songs she touches. Filled with incredible honesty and introspection, this episode unveils the heart and soul of Lotte Kestner, offering listeners a profound look into her creative process and life's themes that inspire her work. Tune in for a special episode that explores the joys and struggles of creativity and parenthood in a raw and inspiring dialogue. Being vulnerable, creative, and authentic are just some of her superpowers...she's also really good at pushing through life! Follow Lotte Kestner: https://www.facebook.com/lottekestner [https://www.facebook.com/lottekestner] https://lottekestner.bandcamp.com/ [https://lottekestner.bandcamp.com/] https://www.instagram.com/lottekestner/ [https://www.instagram.com/lottekestner/] Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Blueksy, Facebook, Instagram, and X Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean and Spotify

In this friendly episode of Surprise Cast, I welcome Daniil Levshin, the talented guitarist and synth player from the renowned shoegaze/dreampop band, Blankenberge. It's been two years since our last conversation, and a lot has changed since then. Join us as Daniil shares insights into his musical journey, the creative process, and life in Serbia, where he resides with his wife, Iana Guselnikova, the band's vocalist. The episode jumps into Daniil's passion for creating music, discussing how the band has evolved over the years. He reveals details about Blankenberg's latest projects, including their new song "New Rules" and the exciting upcoming album set to release in 2025. Discover how Daniil combines synthetic sounds with dreampop/post rock melodies and shoegaze aesthetics to forge Blankenberg's unique sound.  Listeners will gain a glimpse into Daniil's life beyond the music scene as he shares his experiences living in Serbia, trips to the underground record store, and his connection to his roots in Russia. Learn about his admiration for bands like Metallica, Slowdive, Depeche Mode, and The Cure, and his artistic ventures in creating album artwork and music videos. He also touches on the joys of maintaining a connection with fellow musicians like his good friend, Antonio Zelada from Automatic Music, and the band Resplandor.  Enjoy this heartfelt and inspiring episode filled with music and cultural exploration. You should be able to feel Daniil's kindness and his excitement for Blankeberge's future. I certainly am.  *don't forget about the trivia ? :).  Follow Blankenberge: https://www.blankenbergeband.com/ [https://www.blankenbergeband.com/] https://www.instagram.com/blankenbergeband/ [https://www.instagram.com/blankenbergeband/] https://www.youtube.com/blankenbergeband [https://www.youtube.com/blankenbergeband] Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and Podbean

In this engaging episode, we walk into the vibrant world of Vaughn George, a renowned name in the electronic and synth-pop music scene. Vaughn shares his profound appreciation for these music genres as a fan and educator on his popular YouTube channel. With a blend of insightful analysis and humorous commentary, he dissects albums and offers tutorials, making complex music concepts accessible to new and seasoned listeners. The episode starts interestingly as Vaughn talks about his love for Estonia. He passionately extols the virtues of this technologically advanced nation, free from many of the problems facing western countries today. From its rich history and friendly populace to its affordable living, Estonia holds a special place in his heart.  Vaughn also opens up about his personal and professional journey, discussing his insights from industry giants like David Bowie. His thoughts on the controversial role of AI in music and his struggles with self-competition provide listeners with a deeper understanding of his artistic philosophy based on the work of Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer.  Adding to the rich tapestry of this episode, Vaughn reminisces about his association with the legendary British photographer Brian Griffin. He shares poignant memories, highlighting Griffin's influence on his life and work. What a friendship, indeed! Vaughn's vulnerability and honesty in these moments offer a touching glimpse into his world. As the conversation draws to a close, Vaughn reveals his upcoming projects for 2024 and beyond. He discusses his piano and microphone shows featuring Depeche Mode interpretations, offering a sneak peek into his creative process. For fans and new listeners alike, this episode provides a captivating exploration of Vaughn George’s multifaceted life and career. Like Bowie, he "speaks with such wisdom". He's all about v-i-b-e and doesn't sound like any other artist out there.  Follow Vaughn George: https://www.vaughngeorge.com/ [https://www.vaughngeorge.com/] https://www.youtube.com/vaughngeorge [https://www.youtube.com/vaughngeorge] Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean and Spotify

Welcome to another entertaining episode of Surprise Cast! This one brings together the talented members of the Toronto-based band, SWiiMS, alongside DJ extraordinaire and music aficionado Simon Leclerc from DKFM Radio.  Simon shares his experiences in the music industry and his passion for curating playlists for his DKFM show, 'Melomania Safety Zone'. The discussion explores the nuances of song sequencing and the impact of "context" on musical experiences, drawing insights from Rick Rubin's special philosophies. The band members, Mai Diaz Langou, Cian O'Ruanaidh, and Colin Thompson, share personal stories about their musical inspirations, favorite concerts, and the interesting dynamics within SWiiMS. They discuss the creative process behind their music, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and maintaining momentum in their projects. Their friendship is strong! Looking ahead, SWiiMS is gearing up for an exciting live performance at the Baby G in Toronto on November 23rd, alongside other talented bands. The band members express their enthusiasm for live shows, their dedication to delivering high-octane performances, and their plans for future projects. Exciting! The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions and recommendations from each guest, offering listeners a glimpse into their interests. Tune in to discover cool new music, and gain insights into the creative minds of SWiiMS and Simon Leclerc. You'll be enchanted by their respect for one another and endless love for music. Great chemistry, indeed! Follow SWiiMS: https://www.swiimsmusic.com/ [https://www.swiimsmusic.com/] Follow Simon Leclerc: https://decayfm.com/members/simon-leclerc/ [https://decayfm.com/members/simon-leclerc/] Follow H.I. Art on the Edge: Facebook, Instagra, X, and Bluesky Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and Spotify