H.I. Art on the Edge Dubya

Hello, everyone! This episode of Surprise Cast brings you an intimate conversation with the talented one-man band, Jordan Barrow, better known by his stage name, Vulpix. From the surf coast region of Victoria, Australia, Jordan joins us to discuss his musical journey, his inspirations, and his latest album, Innocent Pleasures, Repeated Measures.
We kick off the episode by diving into Jordan's background, exploring his early years in school ("I found it quite challenging"), and how his environment shaped his path as a musician. He shares poignant memories of growing up, his struggles with the traditional education system, and how sports and music became his sanctuary.
Next, we leap into the concept of happiness as described by Arthur C. Brooks(Build the Life You Want), touching upon the four pillars: family, friendship, work, and faith. Jordan talks about the significant role his family played in nurturing his love for music and how friendships have been a cornerstone in his musical journey ("the idea of Krautrock really resonates with me"). He reminisces about the bands that influenced him during his high school years, notably The Strokes ("being that formative brain explosion"), and how their music impacted his own songwriting and playing style.
As we transition into a discussion about self-doubt, inspired by Rick Rubin's book, The Creative Act, he opens up about his struggles with self-doubt ("something that I always embrace") and how it has influenced his work. He shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of releasing his album and how he overcame his insecurities to bring his music to the world.("crippling anxiety").
We then take a deep dive into the creation of his album, Innocent Pleasures, Repeated Measures. Jordan provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of tracks like "Still Young" ("that's one of my special favourites") and "Low Life," explaining the inspiration and technical processes behind these songs. He also discusses his collaboration with the Argentinian producer David Martin("he definitely needs a lot of praise for that...") on the single "Me Ves," revealing how this cross-continental partnership came to fruition.
Wrapping up the conversation, Jordan shares his thoughts on performing live, the emotional crescendos in his sets, and the importance of creating a journey for his audience. He also offers some album recommendations, highlighting artists like Grazer and Wild Nothing, and gives us a glimpse into his future plans.
Join us for this heartfelt and insightful episode as we explore the mind of Vulpix and the insanely beautiful music he creates. You'll be captivated...it will "move you into the very core of your being". Follow Vulpix:https://www.instagram.com/vulpix_music/
https://vulpixmusic.bandcamp.com/album/innocent-pleasures-repeated-measures
https://vulpixmusic.bandcamp.com/track/me-ves
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Welcome to another exciting episode of Surprise Cast! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting the talented members of Phantom Wave, an emerging band from Brooklyn, New York. Joining us are Ian, Rachel, and Yanek, who share their musical journeys and insights into their latest album, "Bonfire Secrets."
We kick off the episode by getting to know each member of the band. Ian, the guitarist and vocalist, reveals his diverse upbringing overseas("my father had a career with the U.S. State Department") and how his experiences shaped his musical career. Rachel, the drummer, talks about her academic inclinations and her journey from aspiring veterinarian to passionate musician. Yanek, the bassist, shares his early musical influences and how Nirvana( "so that particular raw sound, the emotional kind of part, like the way Kurt was singing, that kind of touched me") played a pivotal role in his love for music.
The conversation takes a fun turn as we delve into childhood anecdotes and personal stories that shaped their artistic paths. From Ian's inquisitive nature and early piano lessons to Rachel's academic pursuits and love for animals("I think I always liked the idea of helping something heal in a way") we get a glimpse into the personal lives of these talented musicians.
We then dive into the creative process behind Phantom Wave's music. Ian discusses the band's weekly practice rituals and the importance of recording and refining their drafts. Rachel explains how the band's songs are born out of jam sessions and the energy they collectively feel during practice. Yanek emphasizes the role of bass and drums in holding the band's sound together and how Peter Hook from Joy Division has influenced his playing style.
The band shares insights into the making of their latest album, "Bonfire Secrets." Yanek talks about the recording process and the challenges of mixing and mastering the album. Ian reflects on the lyrical themes and the expansive sound that characterizes their music. Rachel highlights the importance of energy and flow in their songwriting and how they strive to create a captivating experience for their listeners.
We also explore the band's live performances and their approach to connecting with the audience. Yanek discusses the importance of maintaining a flow between songs and engaging with the crowd. Ian shares his role as the spokesperson during shows, while Rachel talks about the challenges of drumming in a live setting and the adjustments she makes to ensure a smooth performance.
To give listeners a taste of their music, we listen to two amazing tracks from "Bonfire Secrets" - "Comet Gain" and "Fireworks." The band provides their analysis and backstory for each song, shedding light on their creative process and the emotions behind their music.
As the episode comes to a close, the band shares their plans for the future, including new songs and upcoming recordings. They also offer album recommendations for listeners, ranging from classic favorites like Cocteau Twins and Weezer to newer bands like Crystal Canyon and Blankenberge.
Join us on this musical journey with Phantom Wave and discover their "big ethereal / a lot of heavy rhythm") sounds and stories behind this rising band from Brooklyn. Follow Phantom Wave:https://phantomwaveband.bandcamp.com/album/bonfire-secrets
https://www.instagram.com/phantomwaveband/
https://www.facebook.com/PhantomWaveNYC
phantomwaveband
 

Welcome back to Surprise Cast, where we shine a spotlight on the luminaries who redefine our cultural landscape within the visual and performing arts. Today, we're diving into the visionary world of Mark Pellington, a name synonymous with innovation in the realms of directing, producing, and writing. Mark's career, marked by its diversity and depth, has left an important imprint on both the music and film industry. His work is not just viewed, it is immersive and experienced, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
In this episode, Mark discusses his iconic contributions, including the groundbreaking music video for Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," which pushed the boundaries of music video production in the early 90s. ("Eddie Vedder's performance and just the timeless quality of his performance") We explore his creative journey, marked by bold risks and artistic triumphs that span various genres and mediums, each project reflecting his relentless pursuit of storytelling that challenges, entertains, and provokes.
Mark shares intimate reflections on his personal life, including the profound impact of family photographs ("It keeps them in my life") and the loss of loved ones ("for me are the incredible reminder of my love for them and the experience that we had. They're everything to me" ), which deeply influence his work. He opens up about his creative process, beginning from his days at MTV ("just blew my mind and opened my eyes and ears to a lot of different experiences") in the early '80s to his experiences directing feature films such as "Arlington Road." He also delves into his approach to filmmaking, his thoughts on creativity, and his unique perspective on balancing technical precision with emotional depth in his art.
The conversation also touches on Mark's recent and upcoming projects, including a documentary titled "This Was Buzz," and a book release slated for 2025, and his views on the evolving landscape of music videos and the film industry. Mark candidly shares his thoughts on the importance of staying true to one's creative instincts amidst changing cultural trends. ("They want the TikTok influence...that's the culture")
Join us for an insightful and heartfelt discussion with Mark, as we explore the intersections of creativity, memory, and the human experience. This episode promises to inspire and provoke thought, offering a deep dive into the mind of a creative visionary who continues to shape the world of visual storytelling in "31 flavors" of imagination! Follow Mark Pellington:https://www.markpellington.com/
https://x.com/MarkPellington
https://markpellington.tumblr.com/
https://www.instagram.com/markpellington
https://vimeo.com/markpellington
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Welcome to a riveting episode of Surprise Cast, where we dive into the artistic journey of Chloe Manon. Join us as we explore the life and creative mind of this talented artist, who has made significant contributions to the art world through her unique and eclectic works.
Chloe Manon shares her early life experiences growing up on the east coast of Canada, where her passion for creating began. From crafting and knitting to sewing clothes for her Barbies, Chloe's childhood was filled with artistic exploration. "Constantly creating little things...always wanting to make something different..." She opens up about her family's influence and how her parents' separation led her to channel her energy into art.
In this episode, we delve into Chloe's teenage years, where she discovered her love for visual arts and photography. She recounts her experiences moving between schools and how this constant change shaped her social interactions and artistic pursuits. "I was always the weird kid." Chloe also discusses the impact of her mentors, especially her high school photography teacher, who encouraged her to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. "She was super encouraging...pushed me to experiment."
Chloe's journey into the world of tattooing is both fascinating and inspiring. "A lot of touring around the US...it was quite a bit of fun" She takes us through the process of becoming a tattoo artist, from practicing on "light table...have steady long lines", pigskin and grapefruit to opening her own studio. She shares valuable insights for aspiring tattoo artists and discusses the evolution and normalization of tattoos in society. "Just practice...it gives you a feeling of what other people are feeling...learning by experience." 
The conversation then shifts to Chloe's significant role at Graveface Records("almost 200 releases, variety of bands/genres.") and Museum(Savannah, Georgia) where she collaborates with her husband, Ryan. She also provides a glimpse into the intriguing exhibits at the Graveface Museum, which features artifacts from true crime, cults, sideshow history, aliens, roadside attractions and more. 
Listeners will be captivated by Chloe's reflections on the mysterious and macabre elements that influence her art, her thoughts on the impact of AI on creativity ("it's sad"), and her future projects, including exciting releases from Graveface Films and a docu-series on the John Wayne Gacy case, "a larger story to be told...too many lingering unanswered questions."
Chloe details her meticulous work on the band, Beachy Head, self-titled album, "started to get into collaging...one of my favourite mediums". She tells us that she draws everything by hand. The old school method. 
Tune in for an insightful and engaging discussion with Chloe Manon, a true creative maverick who continues to push the boundaries of art. Hey Chloe, the Surprise Cast celebrates your weirdness...it makes our world far more interesting and thought provoking. Big Time!Follow Chloe Manon and Ryan Graveface:https://graveface.com/
https://linktr.ee/graveface
https://www.patreon.com/graveface
https://graveface.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chloemanon__/
 
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The Hanging Stars have carved out a unique space in the music scene, combining the ethereal quality of cosmic country with the earthy roots of folk to create a sound that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Based in London, a city not traditionally known for its country or Americana music scene, the band brings an intriguing blend of influences that span across the Atlantic, infusing British folk pastoralism with the deep, resonant tones of 60s Americana. They recently released a gorgeous album entitled On a Golden Shore, featuring 11 songs of sweeping sounds that lead the way into new skies of sonic arrangements. 
In this episode, we are honored to welcome Richard Olson, singer-songwriter for The Hanging Stars. Richard shares his excitement about the release of On a Golden Shore, an album that has received favorable reviews. He reflects on the process of creating the album, the emotions involved, and how he hasn't yet had the chance to fully reflect on its impact due to the ongoing whirlwind of live performances and new projects.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as Richard delves into his childhood experiences, including his energetic nature and how he thrived on the energy of people around him. He shares anecdotes from his school days, his early musical influences, and the moment he first fell in love with music, mentioning bands like The Stone Roses ("blew my mind...feels like anything was possible with these melodies")  and Depeche Mode as pivotal in shaping his musical journey.
Richard also opens up about the rituals and routines that played a role in the making of On a Golden Shore. He describes the serene and inspirational environment of Edwin Collins' Clashnarrow Studio in the Scottish Highlands, where the album was recorded. The daily rituals of morning walks, coffee, and the creative energy of the studio contributed to the album's unique sound and feel.
The discussion then shifts to the themes and compositions of the album. Richard talks about specific tracks like "Happiness is a Bird" and "Silver Rings," providing insights into their lyrical content, musical arrangement, and the personal stories behind them. He emphasizes the importance of creating a world for listeners to step into and how the band's collaborative efforts brought the album to life. "I surround myself with these incredible people and players with incredible ability..."
In a heartfelt segment, Richard addresses deeper topics such as grief and how it has influenced his life and music. He shares his thoughts on the inevitability of pain and how it shapes one's identity and creative expression. This introspective discussion provides a glimpse into Richard's personal journey and the resilience that fuels his artistry. The episode concludes with some lighthearted fun, including a lightning round of questions and Richard's recommendations for albums that have influenced him. As we wrap up, Richard hints at exciting plans for The Hanging Stars in 2024. He expresses his gratitude for the deep and insightful questions, and leaves listeners with a sense of anticipation for what's to come. Join us for this engaging and enlightening conversation with Richard Olson, where we explore the music, the stories, and the heart behind The Hanging Stars' latest album, On a Golden Shore. ("Nothing has changed...lots of ways...everything has changed") - the true spirit of the band...they keep chasing that rush!Follow The Hanging Stars:https://www.thehangingstars.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thehangingstars/
https://soundcloud.com/thehangingstars
https://www.youtube.com/@thehangingstars
https://thehangingstars.bandcamp.com/album/on-a-golden-shore
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In this engaging episode of Surprise Cast, I sit down with Giel and Bert, members of the Belgium-based band Newmoon. Broadcasting all the way from San Francisco, we dive into the heart of Newmoon's musical journey, exploring their creative processes, inspirations, and the evolution of their sound.
Giel and Bert discuss their roles in the band, with Giel sharing insights on his guitar playing and vocal layering, while Bert opens up about his guitar work and singing. The episode starts on a reflective note with a nostalgic walk through their past musical influences, “good at their craft” from Queen, Prince (Purple Rain album), U2, Nirvana, Radiohead and The Cure. This personal exploration reveals the artists who have shaped their musical landscape and their "Beethoven moments."
Listeners are treated to an intimate look at the band's formation and creative evolution. They recount the spontaneous beginnings of Newmoon, their first demo recordings, and the swift rise to signing with Secret Voice, a label under Deathwish. They share stories of their travels and how these experiences influenced their debut album "Space" and their latest release "Temporary Light."
The conversation delves into the band's approach to their new album, highlighting their commitment to authenticity and the importance of gut instinct in their creative process. I read excerpts from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act," sparking discussions about awareness and the guiding principles that shaped "Temporary Light." The band reflects on their freedom to experiment and the deliberate choices that led to the album's unique sound.
Listeners get a special treat as the episode features tracks from "Temporary Light," including "Fading Phase" (it took awhile to find the balance…the opening riff took 10-15 minutes…the puzzle pieces fell into place) and "Sense of Longing," (one of the last songs we made for the record, one main riff, main chords, we wanted to have a banger, straightforward song) with Giel and Bert providing their analysis and the stories behind these songs. The band also shares their thrilling experience working with Simon Scott (He was super friendly, super opinion…he was very involved, taking pride in his work) of Slowdive for the album's mastering, adding another layer of depth to their journey.
As the episode wraps up, Newmoon's future plans are revealed, with upcoming fall and winter shows in Europe(playing as many shows as we can) and a special unreleased ninth track from the "Temporary Light '' sessions. The lightning round offers a fun and quick-paced segment where they share personal tidbits and preferences, adding a light-hearted end to a rich and insightful conversation.
Join us for this heartfelt and intelligent discussion that not only celebrates Newmoon's music but also underscores the deep friendship and creative synergy that drive the band. Don't miss out on this episode that promises to resonate with fans and new listeners alike. Check out New Moon's tour dates and support their music on their official website, Facebook, and Bandcamp. Follow Newmoon:https://linktr.ee/newmoontheband
https://www.instagram.com/newmoontheband/
https://www.facebook.com/newmoontheband
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