Surprise Cast

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/]

Surprise Cast #240 Jeffrey James Horan

I’m so glad we had the chance to talk about your life as a musician. If it weren’t for my girlfriend suggesting we go to Biscuits and Blues that night, I don’t think we would have connected. I really enjoyed hearing about your childhood growing up in the Bay Area and how you were surrounded by the sounds of the blues from such a young age. It was especially cool to learn about your early touring experiences and your collaborations with musicians like John Lee Hooker Jr. Listening to your stories about your music and creative process gave me a deeper appreciation for what you do. Impressive.  Wishing you all the best as you continue chasing your dreams and sharing that soulful gift. It’s truly inspiring. Follow Jeffrey James Horan: https://www.jeffreyjameshoran.com/ [https://www.jeffreyjameshoran.com/] Additional music by: https://johnleehookerjr.com/ [https://johnleehookerjr.com/] https://johnleehooker.com/ [https://johnleehooker.com/] https://fatsdominoofficial.com/ [https://fatsdominoofficial.com/]

Surprise Cast #239 Neal & Melissa McCullough

Dear Neal and Melissa, It brought a huge smile to have you both on Surprise Cast! Together, you unpacked what it truly means to work as designers and illustrators—the daily grind, highs, lows, and everything in between. It was great learning about the Willis Wonderland Foundation pop-up book and the backstory of discovering Hand Drawn Creative in 2009. I absolutely loved hearing how comics, post-punk music, and posters have shaped your visual language. We share quite a bit in common when it comes to appreciating great music. I know listeners will thoroughly enjoy hearing about your lives as illustrators. Thank you for bringing the Irish charm, kindness, and memorable stories! Follow Hand Drawn Creative: https://handdrawncreative.co.uk/ [https://handdrawncreative.co.uk/] Music courtesy by The Teardrop Explodes: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCIM22kwWk_IeaEXty-6z1AQ [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCIM22kwWk_IeaEXty-6z1AQ] Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/ [https://chameleonsband.com/] Echo and the Bunnymen: https://www.bunnymen.com/ [https://www.bunnymen.com/] Charlie Parker: https://charlieparkermusic.com/ [https://charlieparkermusic.com/] Miki Berenyi Trio: https://mikistuff.com/ [https://mikistuff.com/] Jonathan Richman: https://jonathanrichmantour.com/ [https://jonathanrichmantour.com/] Follow Surprise Cast on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube