Surprise Cast #270 The Bluebells w/ David McCluskey

Surprise Cast #270 The Bluebells w/ David McCluskey

Hi David, Boy, oh, boy! It sure was lovely reconnecting with you for another conversation on Surprise Cast.  You brought such a Scottish warmth and charm to much of our conversation. Thank you for unpacking the band's brand new album, 'This is...The Bluebells' in a way that was informative. You gave me more insight into the band's trademark jangle, delicious harmonies, and its emotional integrity. I enjoyed learning about all of the participants involved, including Stuart McLeod, Douglas MacIntyre, and more. I loved hearing more about the cultural roots of Scottish music, musical influences, drum playing, and your incredible work in music therapy. I know fans of the band will praise its behind-the-scenes narratives. Plenty of melodic love for one of Scotland's finest indie pop bands. And I don't think longtime fan and CD Junkie, Steve Schnee, would ever disagree with me.  Follow The Bluebells: https://thebluebellsofficial.com/ [https://thebluebellsofficial.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #269 Simon Raymonde (Bella Union / Cocteau Twins)

Dear Simon, I can't thank you enough for being my special guest on Surprise Cast. It was an incredible honor! The 80 minute episode was a fascinating conversation about music, memory, and the deeper meaning of life. Quite a rich batch of topics! You did a fabulous job tackling questions framed around the virtues in Ethan Hawke's amazing book, Rules for a Knight. I had a blast exploring ideas such as solitude, pride, discipline, love, death, courage, and how they relate to your work running Bella Union, unique experiences with Cocteau Twins, and personal life.  I especially appreciate how open and personal you were, sharing stories about your terrifying escape in Mexico, your recovery from a brain tumor, hearing loss, and incredible experiences touring with the band. I know listeners will really enjoy this memoir(ish), authentic conversation about music and life's big ideas and questions. I sure as heck did! Follow Cocteau Twins: https://cocteautwins.com/ [https://cocteautwins.com/] Follow Bella Union: https://bellaunion.com/ [https://bellaunion.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube

Surprise Cast #268 Joseph Cultice & Ari Tomke

Dear Joseph and Ari, What a great time I had speaking with you both about your amazing craftsmanship. Thank you so much for being on Surprise Cast. What a blast! Joseph, You brought an insightful perspective on your life, including your love for David Bowie. I appreciate your mantra of being in the present and how rewarding that has become for you. Hearing about the evolution of your photography work was interesting. It was impressive that your mom tried to push you toward other professions, but you stuck to your guns. Good for you. I also loved hearing about your work with No Doubt, Billy Corgan, and NIN. Fascinating to say the least.  Ari, I loved learning more about your deep-seated passion for NIN, your upbringing in Oceanside, and when your love for photography began at such a young age. It was incredible to hear about your heartbreaking car accident - just about 10 years ago - and how friendships with Matchbox 20 and AFI members led you down this new career path. I LOVED the Danny Elfman story. Simply amazing! Follow Joseph Cultice: https://josephcultice.com/ [https://josephcultice.com/] Follow Ari Tomke: https://zrockr.com/author/atomke/ [https://zrockr.com/author/atomke/] Additional Music Courtesy of: https://www.davidbowie.com/ [https://www.davidbowie.com/] https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvgRTZ1F2xWnHXMbNzzL-xg [https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvgRTZ1F2xWnHXMbNzzL-xg]

Surprise Cast #267 The Hanging Stars w/ Richard Olson

Dear Richard, You brought fun, good energy, and intelligence to the conversation! For the second time, I truly enjoyed having you on the program. Thank you for discussing the delicious-sounding new album 'Just A Day', the band's evolving lineup, and the creative choices that have reshaped its sound. It was interesting to hear how the group moved away from the pedal steel sound toward a more stripped-back approach while still keeping those dreamy harmonies. I loved hearing about the jingle-jangle pop touchstones, such as The Byrds, Big Star, and Teenage Fanclub, easily some of my favourites. Your stories about collaborations recorded at Edwyn Collins' studio were a real treat. Keep chasing "the bliss," my friend, whilst always staying true to those timeless harmonies and melodies! Follow The Hanging Stars: https://www.thehangingstars.com/ [https://www.thehangingstars.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #266 Hans Olsson

Hello Hans, Mr. producer, mixer, and mastering engineer. It felt like a warm, wide diversified conversation. I appreciated listening to your seeds of inspiration, production perspectives, and incredible friendship with Jose Gonzalez.  Thank you for jumping into specific topics, particularly your love for producing. It was interesting to learn more about the role of distortion versus compression, hybrid workflow, and the incredible use of cool consoles. Listening to your amazing stories about your longtime friendship and the creative partnership with Jose was a treat. You really highlighted the collaborative process behind albums such as two sensational albums, 'Local Valley' and 'Against the Dying of the Light'. Modern production craft is your speciality...as your inspirational light will never flicker out.  Follow Hans Olsson: https://www.instagram.com/hansolsson_/ [https://www.instagram.com/hansolsson_/] Follow Jose Gonzalez: https://jose-gonzalez.com/ [https://jose-gonzalez.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube