Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #245 Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe/Ministry/Pigface)

Dear Chris, It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you about your work with Fini Tribe, Ministry, and beyond. You brought incredible energy and insight to the conversation, and I truly enjoyed hearing about your journey—from the streets of Edinburgh to the studios in Chicago. I especially appreciated learning about your early choral experiences and your influences, from David Bowie to Buzzcocks, Can, Throbbing Gristle, and John Peel. Your experimental approach—loops, film sampling, and bedroom production—was fascinating to hear about, and your attention to detail is impeccable. The story behind the Fini Tribe compilation and everything that went into its release was particularly compelling. I also really connected with your perspective on creativity—this idea of “compulsion” over inspiration is something that will stay with me. Keep up the high level of artistic expression! Follow Chris Connelly: https://chrisconnelly.com/ [https://chrisconnelly.com/] Follow Fini Tribe: https://chrisconnelly.bandcamp.com/album/the-sheer-action-of-the-fini-tribe-1982-1987 [https://chrisconnelly.bandcamp.com/album/the-sheer-action-of-the-fini-tribe-1982-1987] Other podcast music courtesy of: David Bowie: https://www.davidbowie.com/ [https://www.davidbowie.com/] Buzzcocks: https://www.buzzcocks.com/ [https://www.buzzcocks.com/]

Surprise Cast #244 Brontës (Amelia Haldane)

Dear Amelia, I was delighted to “fly” digitally to Glasgow to speak with you. I really enjoyed our conversation about the self-titled album, life as a drummer, the band’s origins, and so much more. It was fascinating to hear about the album’s creation—from the stripped-down songwriting sessions to the fast, collaborative studio process. I was also excited to learn that you worked with one of my favourite photographers, Stephanie Gibson. As you said, “We all had such a nice day… we were all having a really good time… she’s just amazing.” Such kind words. Thank you again for sharing your positivity and passion throughout our conversation. You spoke about your personal stories and influences in a way that was both insightful and engaging. Your female strength and presence are truly admirable. Follow Brontës: https://linktr.ee/brontes [https://linktr.ee/brontes] Follow Last Night from Glasgow: https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/ [https://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/] Follow Stephanie Gibson(photographer): https://www.instagram.com/slg_photog/ [https://www.instagram.com/slg_photog/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #243 Chris Brokaw & Tanya Donelly

Dear Chris and Tanya! I’m excited to share our special episode of Surprise Cast. Our conversation felt warm, wide-ranging, and simply fun! I especially enjoyed hearing about the beginnings of your musical journeys—your early inspirations, formative concerts, activism, and the collaborations that helped shape your paths. At the heart of the episode is your new EP, The Undone is Done Again. It’s a deeply thoughtful project, sparked by a shared interest in medieval music, and the result is striking: a seamless merging of past and present that feels genuinely fresh and meditative. I think your fans will appreciate its uniqueness. Overall, the conversation is filled with heartfelt reflection and moments of real honesty. You two have a  super-connected partnership. Collaboratio tua creativa valde admirata est! Music courtesy of: https://www.kissonline.com/ [https://www.kissonline.com/] http://www.thompsontwinstombailey.co.uk/ [http://www.thompsontwinstombailey.co.uk/] Follow Chris and Tanya: https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-undone-is-done-again [https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-undone-is-done-again] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #242 Railcard

Dear Ian, Rachel, and Allison, I had a blast chatting with you. Thanks a million for sharing such personal stories, from “almost” being a musician for The Sisters of Mercy to living in the same place as Vincent van Gogh, and the history behind your lovely grandmother. I really appreciate your thoughtful insights into what art means to you and how it shapes your role as musicians. It was especially fun discussing the s/t album, Railcard, and hearing more about the band’s history and your deep approach to songwriting. What stands out most to me is the breadth of your experiences, which clearly contributes to the infectious music you create--not to mention an everlasting friendship.  Follow Railcard: https://railcardband.bandcamp.com/ [https://railcardband.bandcamp.com/] Music Courtesy of... The Sisters of Mercy: https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/ [https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/] Trashcan Sinatras: https://trashcansinatras.com/ [https://trashcansinatras.com/] Follow Surprise Cast Episodes: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #241 The Blue Herons

Hello, Gretchen and Andy! Thank you for returning to Surprise Cast. I really enjoyed how diverse and fun our conversation was—covering music, collaboration, and your sparkling new album, Demon Slayer. You both have such a natural chemistry that carries into your work in a way that feels effortless. I especially loved hearing the stories about Marty Willson-Piper and the secret Copenhagen show with Dean & Britta—what great confidence boosters! You also navigated the quotes from J. White, J. Mitchell, and R. Rubin so well. It gave me a deeper appreciation for your influences and the intentionality behind the new album. The way you broke down specific songs really highlighted how far you’ve pushed your creativity. Amazing! I also appreciated the insight into the visuals and album art—the bold colours really stand out. Congratulations on signing with Shelflife Records. Thank you for always bringing such engaging energy to our conversations—just like your gorgeous, addictive music. Follow The Blue Herons: https://theblueherons1.bandcamp.com/ [https://theblueherons1.bandcamp.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, and/or YouTube Additional music by:  Belly: https://bellyofficial.com/home [https://bellyofficial.com/home] Fields of the Nephilim: https://www.fields-of-the-nephilim.com/#/ [https://www.fields-of-the-nephilim.com/#/] Mojave 3: https://mojave3.bandcamp.com/ [https://mojave3.bandcamp.com/]