Surprise Cast #261 The Lizard Point

Surprise Cast #261 The Lizard Point

Dear The Lizard Point, Many thanks for being on the program. It was a pleasure hearing about your musical beginnings (AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Kiss) - all bands I listened to as well.  Thank you for being vulnerable by sharing your personal journeys from Ireland and upstate New York to San Francisco, and your decision to pursue music over more conventional paths. I appreciate the risk-taking and your friendship.   It was a joy speaking with you both about your ambient album, 'In the Red Earth', and exploring the inspirations, challenges, and creative methods behind The Lizard Point's immersive instrumental music. The album moves gracefully, loaded with soft melodic hooks, creating a sound that is both meditative and wonderfully intoxicating. If I were still teaching elementary school children, I'd use the album for social emotional learning lessons. Bravo! Follow: https://www.thelizardpoint.com/ [https://www.thelizardpoint.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or X

Surprise Cast #260 Waves Crashing

Dear Waves Crashing, You're starting to reach Surprise Cast of Fame status with your annual visits! Thank you once again for being guests on the show. I had a blast chatting with you about the new album, 'In the Blur'. Thank you for going all in on your most recent West Coast tour experiences--so great seeing you play in San Francisco.  I loved hearing about the recording process and what it took to evolve from your previous album. Hearing about your latest influences, including cartoons, comics, and Japanese Art was interesting. Song breakdown and analysis are always a treat. I know the Surprise Cast listeners can expect a heart to hear, an open discussion about your creative process and specific details about being in a band. This episode offers quite a bit of atmosphere! Follow Waves Crashing: https://wavescrashing.bandzoogle.com/ [https://wavescrashing.bandzoogle.com/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube

Surprise Cast #259 Tremours

Dear Tremours, I'm beyond thrilled to share the latest episode of Surprise Cast. I'll never forget that concert defining night in Menlo Park, CA, when you opened for synth-pop pioneer Gary Numan. Our conversation begins with your band's origins during lockdown and explores the emotional heartbeat of your debut album, 'Fragments'. You also shared insights into making the record, including the contributions to mixing and mastering by James Scott and Slowdive's Simon Scott, two stalwarts of the music industry. I especially enjoyed hearing your candid stories from the road about overcoming sound issues, refining your setlist rituals, and embracing creative improvisation. One of my favorite moments was your discussion about the balance of responsibility and trust that comes with sharing a stage. It felt genuine, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest. Thank you for creating such dreamlike, emotionally gripping music. The seismic shift you're creating is undeniable, and its sonic vibrations will linger for years to come. Follow Tremours:  https://www.tremoursmusic.com/ [https://www.tremoursmusic.com/] Additional music by: http://www.tundejegede.org/ [http://www.tundejegede.org/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Surprise Cast #258 Holly Coley

Dear Holly, I wanted to thank you for joining me on Surprise Cast. It was a pleasure to spend time hearing your unique story and learning more about the journey that has shaped both your art.  I appreciated hearing about your childhood growing up on a farm in Southern California, and how your love of reading, music, and the natural world continues to inspire your work. I had no idea that you'd be such a Stephen King fan! Thank you for being open about living with dyslexia and how it influenced the way you learned and developed "patience". It was cool to hear you reflect on your accomplishments from Street Project and Park Life Gallery, SFMOMA gift shop, and the pottery studio, Speckle Studio. What a grand testament to your tenacity, determination, and generosity to the art world. Keep sculpting the inspiring work! Follow Holly Coley: https://www.specklestudio.com/ [https://www.specklestudio.com/] Additional music by: https://linktr.ee/chimeschool [https://linktr.ee/chimeschool] https://chameleonsband.com/ [https://chameleonsband.com/] https://patrickfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/ [https://patrickfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/] Follow Surprise Cast Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X

Surprise Cast #257 Shapes Like People

Hi Carl and Kat, My favourite husband and wife duo celebrated the new album, 'Under the Rainbow' with me. What a blast! What an honor! We covered your musical roots and influences--from Kat's background in dance and how Sparklehorse impacted Carl's ears. Great band! I loved hearing about your songwriting and how you sequenced the new album with beautiful songs. As mentioned in the interview, I LOVE the flow, energy, and mood changes. It was fun listening to the creative process from recording to the promotion process. It's an album of human experience and fantastic balance...keep making the good stuff! Follow Shapes Like People: https://shapeslikepeople.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-rainbow [https://shapeslikepeople.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-rainbow] https://janglepophub.home.blog/category/jangleshop-label/ [https://janglepophub.home.blog/category/jangleshop-label/] Additional music by: https://marklinkous.com/ (sparklehorse) [https://marklinkous.com/] https://www.thechills.band/ [https://www.thechills.band/] Follow Surprise Cast: Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X