Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #213 Ultan Conlon

To my friend, Ultan! I loved our intimate conversation about music, life, and the new album Only! Thank you for sharing your entertaining stories--from playing with Jackson Brown and opening for John Fogerty, to a near-miss with a Paramount placement song on a Netflix movie — and how those moments shaped your career in some capacity.  The conversation dug into craft: songwriting as the true "currency" of music, ideas for breaking the sameness (Rick Rubin's idea), and the completion phase of a record — knowing when to stop refining and let the work go--not always easy for an artist. You spoke practicality about running a small coffee trailer in rural Ireland as a social creative reset, balancing multiple live projects, and the realities of touring and record promotion. I love that you're in search of staying fresh with new ideas.  Thank you for talking about some of your sweet tunes, the intimate mixing choices that made your voice more intimate, and your approach to being vulnerable on record. And like a good Paul Thomas Anderson film, your music always keeps my interest at a high level. Cheers, for always being so delightful and genuine! Follow Ultan Conlon: https://ultanconlon.com/ [https://ultanconlon.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify Additional music by John Douglas (Trashcan Sintras):  https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023 [https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023]

Surprise Cast #212 The Goods

Dear Rob, It was a real pleasure having you on Surprise Cast. I loved our talk about your supportive parents, early garage bands, formative concerts with your father, and your amazing new album. The episode dug into Oakland’s music life — the good, the rough edges, and the small venues that matter — and also highlighted your tremendous respect for Dandy Boy Records and label founder Bobby Martinez as a grassroots champion for a new jangle-pop/indie revival. He certainly does incredible work! Central to the interview was a deep look at The Goods’ new album Don't Spoil the Fun, including the story behind the album cover, the long, songwriting and recording process, a period of losing and regaining your voice, and the decision to strip some tracks back to basics. I love how you can hear the faint Influences from band such as The Posies, The Byrds, Teenage Fanclub and 60s British pop thread throughout the record, but still claim your own unique sound. You're quite adept at writing such beautiful melodies.  Overall, I thought our conversation was candid, warm-hearted, and optimistic that will appeal to fans of sparkling power-pop, jangly indie, and anyone curious about the craft behind such a heartfelt record. Thanks for delivering the podcast goods! Follow The Goods: https://www.instagram.com/the_goods_music/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_goods_music/] Follow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists [https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists] Other music included in the podcast by: https://greenday.com/ [https://greenday.com/]

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