Surprise Cast #248 The Suncharms

Surprise Cast #248 The Suncharms

Dear Marcus and Chris! Thank you for such a warm, fun, and entertaining conversation about Sheffield, friendship, songwriting, and the making of the wonderful album, 'Darkening Sky'. It felt like we spent a good hour+ in a pub drinking a good pint.  I especially enjoyed the Sheffield stories, from encounters with Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley "seen him plenty of times" to memories of the city’s hills, culture, and everyday beauty that inspire so much of your writing. I gotta visit the "biggest village in the world".  Your friendship truly shone throughout the conversation.  I loved gaining more insight into Darkening Sky, especially the smart sequencing of songs, insights into certain songs, and what inspired the artwork. Bay Area hand claps all around! Follow The Suncharms: https://thesuncharms.bandcamp.com/music [https://thesuncharms.bandcamp.com/music] https://www.instagram.com/thesuncharms/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesuncharms/] Music included by: https://donnasummer.com/ [https://donnasummer.com/] Follow Surprise Cast on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #247 Andrew Sherriff (Chapterhouse)

Dear Andy, Thank you again for such an open, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation on Surprise Cast. It was an absolute blast hearing you reflect on Chapterhouse’s journey, from the whirlwind of the Whirlpool 35 UK tour to rediscovering the joy of simply playing music together again after such a long hiatus. Amazing! I loved how grounded your perspectives remained throughout the conversation, whether discussing sold-out shows, reconnecting with longtime fans, or sharing appreciation about Rachel Goswell or shoegaze band, Sister Ray Davies. Hearing the stories about working with Robin Guthrie, experimenting with tape tricks and production techniques, and handling the pressures surrounding the albums Whirlpool and Blood Music offered such a fascinating glimpse into the band’s evolution. Plus, I LOVED gaining more insight into some of your most precious songs.  There’s a real energy and buzz around Chapterhouse right now, and it was exciting to hear firsthand how much you’re enjoying the experience again. Please don't get off the "roller coaster ride". I'm lovin all of the twists and turns. All the best to you and the band's continued success on the road and with the next chapter ahead. Follow Chapterhouse: https://chapterhouseofficial.com/ [https://chapterhouseofficial.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, YouTube Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram or X

Surprise Cast #246 Brian Futter (Catherine Wheel/Good Day Father)

Dear Brian, I wanted to say thank you for the incredible scope of our conversation! I appreciated learning your extraordinary arc as a musician. It was cool to learn about Catherine Wheel's wild early break, the unexpected momentum of “Black Metallic” landing on K-Rock radio station, and vivid memories of touring life. You did a wonderful job articulating your stories about childhood influences (Beatles, Hendrix) to the neighborhood guitar shops. I'll never forget your memorable story about preparing for your first electric guitar. Amazing! It was interesting to hear about your creative collaboration with Tanya Donelly with the Good Day Father outfit--not to mention some of the stories behind the wonderful songs. Thank you so much for cranking out an insightful, thoughtful, and authentic conversation with me. Huzzah! Follow Good Day Father: https://gooddayfather.bandcamp.com/ [https://gooddayfather.bandcamp.com/] Follow Catherine Wheel:  https://www.facebook.com/TheCatherineWheel/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheCatherineWheel/] Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

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