Greetings, Peter!Thank you for participating in Surprise Cast. The time went by too quickly.  I loved hearing about your musical awakenings, including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr. David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, and Iggy Pop. All the artists that I admire greatly. I can see why they whetted your appetite for emotional integrity and emotional truth within your musical pursuits. Thank you for sharing such candid stories about your family history--including strong memories of the loss of your sister, tough upbringing with your father, etc. I think people will appreciate such vulnerability and deep connections to your past.The podcast listeners get an inside look at the making of the Velvet Crunch album and the ESP project: I could hear your appreciation for Tony’s cinematic production approach, the warm, textured mixes, and the band's adventurous arrangements that balance melody and dissonance. Thank you for explaining your lyrical process and the album’s nature-centered imagery and themes of death-as-beginning. Amazing! Throughout the conversation, it emphasized art as a devotional act, the spiritual recharge of nature, and creative partnership as a force that pushes you into such unique territory. I know fans of art rock, post-punk, new wave, and the songwriting process will benefit greatly from our conversation. Your creative vision will always remain deep, wide, and quite tall!Follow Peter Coyle: https://petercoyle.com/peter-coyle Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Dear Zoe,What a sensational time I had with you on my podcast feature, Surprise Cast!Thank you for allowing me to shine a spotlight on your work as an aspiring performer in the UK. I loved hearing about the wonderful relationship you have with your parents and the deep support you feel from the two of them. Hearing about your infinite love for theatre and acting was impressive. You handled all of the quotes with great aplomb. Your responses showed depth and great understanding of your craft. It was a blast listening to your experience on Reception: The Wedding Present Musical. From preparation to showtime, and your friendship with Matt Aston, it sounded like an incredibly enriching experience for you and all of the cast. Total team effort!May you continue to shine on and off the stage. Your career seems to be taking off in a manner that feels right for you. Thanks again for helping me pull back the curtains on your life. Bravo! Follow Zoe Allan: https://www.instagram.com/zoeallanxo/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyFollow The Wedding Present: https://www.scopitones.co.uk/ Follow Matt Aston: https://www.instagram.com/mattastontheatre/Follow Heritage: https://linktr.ee/heritage.uk?  

Dear Shane, In this intelligent and thoughtful episode, you discussed candidly important topics such as influential music, COVID, The National, Cocteau Twins, and the fabulous album, Wound. Your insights were nothing short of enlightening. Thank you for guiding the listeners and me through the intricacies of the songwriting process, inspired guitar textures, and lyrical ideas. I loved how you delved into your recording approach, shared your views on live performance, and talked about your connections with other talented artists like Maud Anyways and Rachael Benjamin. All good stuff! Our conversation about your dual life as a music teacher and a parent was particularly inspiring. Your strategies in the classroom and your approach to mentoring adolescents have clearly shaped your music in unique and profound ways. This was an episode that was candid, spirited, and deeply connected. Thank you for being such a positive, warm guest on Surprise Cast. Your ability to shine brightness into the world's darkness brings tremendous comfort and joy. Follow Sea of Days: https://linktr.ee/seaofdays Follow Shore Dive Records: https://shorediverecords.bandcamp.com/ Additional podcast music by:The National: https://www.americanmary.com/ Matt Berninger: https://www.instagram.com/mattberninger/ Cocteau Twins: https://cocteautwins.com/ Robin Guthrie: https://robinguthrie.bandcamp.com/music Follow Surprise Cast on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Dear Ian and James,I can't believe this was our 5th conversation in some capacity--thank you for being on Surprise Cast. It's always a pleasure speaking with you, whether it be for your work with The Orchids, One Dove, or Montjuïc. I loved how our conversation flipped between personal stories and artistic choices. We hit on a few important topics: growing up queer, carrying and reclaiming shame/identity, and maintaining hope during dark political times. Thank you for talking about the magnificent album 'Things Must Change' and its reception from the general public, and your personal insights. I loved hearing about the creative process behind some of the notable songs. You did a great job reflecting on aging, artistic growth, and confidence, and learning how to just be yourselves over the years. May love, acceptance, and resilience continue to be major themes of future work and personal lives--it's deeply inspiring and what the world always needs more of...rest assured. Follow Montjuïc: https://montju1c.bandcamp.com/music Follow Pascal Blua: https://www.bluartwork.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Dear Ron and Jason,Thank you so much for diving into your feelings about your band, Blueshift Signal, the new album Eventide, and other fun topics. I loved how we kicked off the show with some lighthearted icebreaker questions about comedy movies. It was fun hearing about your appreciation for Jim Carrey and Charlie Chaplin. You walked the listeners and me through the history and emotional core of the new album, and how the songs grew from rehearsals and moods, your approach to sequencing sonbx, and the narrative arc threaded throughout the entire album. You discussed the right balance between lyrical minimalism and finding an atmosphere on two standout songs. I appreciated hearing about the production, working with producer/Painted Air owner Michael Vitrano. He did a great job shaping the vinyl project and art direction.I believe the listeners can expect an emotional, thoughtful conversation about the importance of your work, songwriting, and strong collaboration. There's plenty of good material that will never leave the listener adrift. Follow Blueshift Signal: https://blueshift-signal.bandcamp.com/album/eventideFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, and Spotify

Dear Steve, Tara, and Luke — this was an engaging conversation about your Sydney shoegaze/indie project and the fantastic new album Feel Alright. I loved that we started with light icebreakers and then moved into deeper topics.  We discussed the creative influences that shaped your sound from My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless to Simon & Garfunkel, Jesus and Mary Chain, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie and The Cure. All amazing musicians! We peeled back the layers of Feel Alright — exploring impactful tracks from the album. Thank you for explaining how the songs evolved: demos shared weekly, live-testing arrangements, collaboration across geography, and the magic that happens when band chemistry clicks in rehearsal or the studio. Quite interesting.  I believe listeners will appreciate hearing about the nuances of your live performances, how the band approaches sequencing of songs and concert setlists, personal recommendations that include tv shows, films,.and charities. You hit the jackpot in terms of your kind and thoughtful participation on the Surprise Cast show. Follow Trillion: https://linktr.ee/trillionsydneyFollow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music included by My Blood Valentine: https://mybloodyvalentine.org/  

Hello Helen!I warmly welcome you as my special guest on Surprise Cast.Thank you for joining me from across the pond to discuss everything from Halloween icebreakers and favorite films (Kubrick, The Shining, and more) to how music, cinema, and books have helped you get through dark periods in your life. The episode includes personal stories of childhood depression, early therapy, a later bipolar diagnosis, and how creative outlets—especially music and film—became lifesavers. You described your parents and influential teachers who fostered incredible curiosity and wonder. Listeners will have a chance to explore your remarkable work as a photographer, including your early love of film cameras, transition to mirrorless and DSLR gear, go-to lenses for gigs, workflow for shooting and editing live shows, and the excitement of receiving your photos. Many thanks for your honesty and deep reflection. You brought your life and work into sharper focus, which made the experience truly enjoyable. Follow Hellen Millington: https://www.instagram.com/helsmillphotography/Other music included:https://www.instagram.com/thestonerosesofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/realbabybird_/ https://chameleonsband.com/home  

Dear Peter and Wolfgang,The time we spent together on Surprise Cast flew by quickly. Thank you for taking the time to be on the podcast feature. I loved chatting with you about a decade of friendship, collaboration, and the making of the new album, 'Times'. Hearing about how your partnership evolved was quite interesting. It's quite evident that you two hold each other in such high regard. I greatly appreciated how you two responded to Jeff Tweedy's quotes from his amazing book. Getting your take on being a songwriter versus being an artist, the creative process, and accepting challenges was fascinating.  Thank you for walking the listeners and me through specific examples from the new album to highlight certain points. I loved hearing about how certain songs were assembled together based on sketches or synth/bass ideas. I'll never forget the Andy McCluskey story! Congratulations on your amazing collaboration and chemistry. I love that you two embrace mistakes and see them as creative gifts. You confront doubts and obstacles with a head-on approach. You also bring such complementary strengths to the creative table, which result in melodic storytelling, arpeggiated soundscapes and textures, and the endless pursuit of musical curiosity. Truly amazing!Follow: https://www.instagram.com/wolfgang_fluer/ https://www.peterduggal.com/ Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify  

Dear Ed,I learned so much about your life in just over an hour. Thank you for being a proud owner of Shelflife Records and being on Surprise Cast!I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, which moved from early childhood experiences, life in New York City, and running an amazing indie label. It was great to hear about your favorite games, formative films, and early musical obsessions (Depeche Mode, OMD, etc.), along with precious family memories deeply connected to your appreciation for your father's storytelling.You reflected on family influences, the loss of your parents, and how those experiences shaped your creative life. The conversation traced the origin of Shelflife Records in the mid‑1990s, its DIY beginnings (fanzines, hand‑assembled CDs), early breakthroughs with international acts, and the label’s evolution into a vinyl-focused imprint known for high‑quality packaging and artist care and attention to detail. So cool!I liked your dad's mantra, "if you're going to do it, do it right." Well, it's pretty clear you live by such words of wisdom. Keep running one of the more thoughtful labels in today's music scene. Follow Shelflife Records: https://shelfliferecords.bandcamp.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyMusic included by Close Lobsters, Lavender Blush, Soft Science, Whimsical, Submotile (Shelflife)Non - label tracks by: https://duranduran.com/https://omd.uk.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@officialhenrymancini  

Dear Alex, Andrew, and Gabi:Here's a little secret. I've been wanting to chat with you for a long time. I'm so thrilled the desire came to fruition. Look at how deep we went!I embraced our conversation from Halloween memories to deep questions about art, music, and the creative life. I felt that there was a nice balance that mixed light, nostalgic banter with thoughtful discussion inspired by Brian Eno quotes, along with responsibilities and love for parenting. Good stuff! The band talked through the making of the dazzling new album Coaster, with behind-the-scenes detail on a few tracks. You peppered that part of the conversation with tremendous depth and detail.  As I mentioned in the interview, a shout-out to DJ Jake Rudh for leading me to the Massage waters—a place that is warm and beautifully indie. You truly are a band of friends who know how to create that wonderful spark of imagination, which leads to dazzling results, just like a Tim Burton film.Follow Massage: https://www.instagram.com/massagetheband/ Music included in the podcast:Nirvana: https://www.nirvana.com/#/Harry Nilsson: https://harrynilsson.com/ Read aloud books by Brian Eno and Brene Brownhttps://www.brian-eno.net/ https://brenebrown.com/about/    

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/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyAdditional music by John Douglas (Trashcan Sintras): https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023    

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/ Follow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/artists Other music included in the podcast by:https://greenday.com/  

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/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, SpotifyArtists included on the podcast:Yellowman: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC84S9jo6JOt7mNKGxBgSXQQ Skinny Puppy: https://skinnypuppy.com/  

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 Follow Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/ Follow Slumberland Records: https://slumberlandrecords.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify  

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/ Follow Mute Records: https://mute.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Dear Jonathan,I loved our chat on Surprise Cast. Thank you for making it authentic and intimate. I learned a great deal about your craft regarding being a photographer and film writer--two things that you're quite good at doing.It was cool to learn about your path from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, early work with concert promoters, and long and collaborative relationship with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.   You provided wonderful insight into live performance and stage design including concept sketches for the NIN 'Self-Destruct' tour. Thank you for sharing your personal reflections on touring with Trent, capturing the exhaustion and intensity of long runs, and why collaboration is essential to ambitious live shows. Who can forget your hilarious story about Andy Warhol? The conversation also dove into identity, fear and courage — how your fluid sense of self helped you fit into intense creative communities and how you learned to move past fear to take the images you felt were important. So interesting! Keep up the inspirational work. Your eye for high art is one-of-a-kind. Follow Jonathan: https://jonathanrach.com/ Follow Nine Inch Nails: https://www.nin.com/Episode music includes by Vitamin Piano Series: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-piano-tribute-to-nine-inch-nails/1000955308Episode also includes music by Nine Inch Nailshttps://music.apple.com/us/album/hesitation-marks-deluxe-version/655150306  

Dear Sice and Tim,It was a fun, engaging, and relaxed conversation on Surprise Cast. I loved our playful icebreaker topics about childhood memories of Halloween traditions and horror movie favorites--and the Tigger outfit!It was cool hearing you reflect candidly on the making of the 1995 album, "Wake Up!" and its aftermath. Hearing you two recall studio tensions between ambition and execution, and how the radio-friendly song, "Wake Up, Boo" reshaped your career positively and negatively.  Your announcement of the upcoming tour, new music plans, and a new single was shared with great enthusiasm. It was easy to pick up on the gratitude you feel toward long-time fans. Overall, the episode included some real personal moments, studio anecdotes, and a great invitation to revisit some of the most glorious alternative pop music. You've made some giant steps in your long career, and here's to many more!Follow The Boo Radleys: https://www.thebooradleys.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music included:Johnny Mathis: https://johnnymathis.com/wp2/New Order: https://www.neworder.com/  

Dear Stefanos,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on Surprise Cast for the third time. You're a great songwriter and bassist for the band. I had a wonderful time discussing many interesting topics with you.  I loved hearing about your influences, such as Nirvana, Ride, Depeche Mode, The Chameleons, and Interpol, also your musical upbringing in Greece, and how specific songs affected you during different phases of your life. Our conversation went into the making of the album 'Luv', including the decision to pursue a rougher, more textured rhythm section and fuzzier guitars, and Vanna’s expanded and gorgeous vocal lines. We talked about the album artwork from Typical Organization (the bright pink vinyl and interactive sleeve that shifts color), and the do-it-yourself spirit behind the band's music video. Thank you for sharing your gratitude for the label support from Shelflife Records, as well as the challenges of bringing the band’s live show abroad, personal concerns about AI in music and your hopeful plans for singles in 2026 and a new album by 2027. Exciting! It was an intimate and warm conversation, my friend. Your heart is filled with love—as it always expresses with so much creativity and colour. Follow Sugar for the Pill: https://linktr.ee/SugarForThePill Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or SpotifyOther music by...The Chameleons: https://chameleonsband.com/ Interpol: https://www.interpolnyc.com/ Aphrodite's Child: https://vangelis.online/themes/thestoryofaphroditeschild

Dear Minaxi,What a great time I had speaking with all of you on Surprise Cast. I really enjoyed our conversation about technology, collaboration, and the making of your superb album, 'Z of A'. I loved how we opened up our discussion about artificial intelligence, its creative limitations, and accountability. It was interesting to hear the varying opinions.  Thank you for allowing me to use the educational framework to pose questions. You all handled them with great precision and aplomb. Diving into Z of A was so much fun. I loved hearing your personal takes on key album tracks, along with the behind the scenes in terms of stereo staging, instrumental voicings, etc.  I'm excited about your future creations.  Keep making the music you believe in and let the work speak for itself. Your musical intelligence will always be admired. Follow Minaxi: https://minaxitheband.com/ Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify  

Dear Jem,I'm elated that we had the opportunity to chat. I really enjoyed hearing your reflections on so many interesting topics!We covered your experience of fatherhood and the important relationship with your son, which included how parenting reshaped priorities, lessons about supporting a sensitive teenager, navigating education, "failure" as a learning milestone, and how to balance encouragement with letting a child find their own path. I greatly respect this approach :).   It was fascinating to hear your honest thoughts on how technology and AI impact creativity and education. You described AI as a powerful tool for research and music production but also warned about its risks: the danger of bypassing critical thinking, the potential decline of humanities studies, and the social and political forces shaping how knowledge is shared.  Thank you for pulling back the curtains with your stories behind The Wild Swans. You provided honest accounts of the inspiration behind the album, recording details, and gigs. You explained the origins of the B-side “Holy Holy,” its distinctive drum sound, and why certain production choices were made — which were quite ear-opening to hear. I loved hearing your memories about music videos, including "Young Manhood" and "Bible Dreams".  This conversation was deep, thoughtful, and warm. You brought the English charm, which added variety to the table. You delivered sharp observations and opinions with Jem Kelly passion. Thanks for keeping the spirit of humanity alive!Follow Jem Kelly: https://x.com/BrotherPlukkerMore Wild Swans: https://www.paul-simpson.co.uk/