Welcome to this episode of Surprise Cast! Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Emma Anderson, singer-songwriter (Lush/Sing-Sing) and as a solo artist. We explore the intricacies of family life, friendships, and professional endeavors. Inspired by Arthur C. Brooks' book, Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, Emma shares her sharp insights and experiences across these three pivotal pillars of life.

Emma opens up about her childhood in central London, detailing the unique aspects of growing up in a central, adult-centric environment. (We had a flat in this big building...it wasn’t the best place for a child to grow up”) She reflects on the impact of her parents' health and generational differences on her upbringing, sharing how these experiences have shaped her approach to motherhood and her relationship with her lovely daughter.

The discussion shifts to the significance of friendships, with Emma recounting fond memories of her long-time friends, (“...brought out my jokey side”) and how their shared love for music (“we were really into The Beatles”) and humor enriched her life. She highlights the importance of maintaining meaningful connections, both past and present, and the role social media plays in contemporary friendships.

Emma also delves into her musical journey, discussing her time with the band Lush and her solo work. She shares insights into the creative process behind her latest album, Pearlies, produced by James Chapman(Maps). (“It was very enjoyable...he’s a lovely man”) Emma candidly discusses the challenges and joys of touring, Sonic Cathedral, recording, and the music industry's evolution over the years.

As the episode wraps up, Emma participates in a rapid-fire round, offering a glimpse into her personal preferences and thoughts on various topics.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Emma Anderson's life and music, and explore the universal themes of “happiness” and personal growth. She brings plenty of sweetness and pearly light! Follow Emma Anderson: https://www.facebook.com/emmaandersonmusic/

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Welcome to a special episode of Surprise Cast! This Part 1 episode marks a momentous occasion: a deep dive into the life, music, and creative journey of Ian Bickerton from the band Balloon.

Ian Bickerton joins us from Haarlem in the Netherlands, where he has resided for over two decades. In this conversation, Ian reflects on his life, from his early years in Birmingham, Croydon, and Manchester to his experiences living in Australia and finally settling in the Netherlands. He shares poignant memories of his childhood, marked by his father's battle with cancer and the family's frequent relocations. Ian also opens up about his relationship with his siblings, especially his older brother, whose struggles with being gay and later alcohol dependency deeply influenced Ian's life and music. ("My parents...they really protected us").

Ian recounts his early love for music, spurred by his older brother's eclectic taste and the punk rock movement of the late 70s. ("an extraordinary time of change and differences...") He describes the formative years spent with his friend and bandmate David Sheppard, writing poetry and songs, and the thrill of seeing legendary bands in intimate settings. The conversation touches on the various musical influences that have shaped Balloon's sound, from the Velvet Underground to Al Green, and the unique blend of urban and pastoral elements in their music.

The discussion delves into Ian's creative process, highlighting the importance of observation, curiosity ("I was bent on being a reporter"), and the inspiration drawn from everyday life. Ian shares his approach to songwriting, often relying on stream-of-consciousness techniques and the collection of phrases and ideas from various sources. He emphasizes the discipline required to hone his craft and the serendipitous moments that can spark a song's creation. ("I just watch stuff...it just happens").

The episode takes a closer look at some of the standout tracks from Balloon's masterful1992 album, Gravity, including "Frightened to Death," "I Can't Leave Her," and "Tightrope Walker." Ian provides intimate insights into the stories behind these songs, which resonates deeply with listeners, including my 5th grade students who performed it in class often in 2014. Ian also reminisces about the recording sessions for Gravity in New Orleans, working with talented musicians. He also touches on the challenges and triumphs of performing live, including a humorous anecdote about a technical mishap during a performance of "Tightrope Walker."

Join us for this heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Ian Bickerton, as we explore the intersection of life, music, and creativity, and celebrate the enduring impact of Balloon's album Gravity. He is "fundamentally good and a lovely man" just like his father. Follow Balloon: https://www.instagram.com/ianfromballoon/

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https://balloontheband.bandcamp.com/album/gas-n-air

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In this entertaining and 100th episode of Surprise Cast, we are delighted to welcome the talented singer and songwriter, Louise Quinn, known for her work with Gates of Light. Joining her is the accomplished musician and producer, Finlay Macdonald known for his Wor_kspace sounds. Together, they share their personal and professional journeys, offering listeners a deep dive into their creative processes and musical inspirations.

Louise opens up about her daily routines, revealing how her special morning playlist, which includes the likes of Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Nancy Sinatra, sets the tone for her busy days. She reminisces about her school days, her early love for music, and the unique experiences that shaped her artistic journey, including her time at drama school and the formation of her first band. ("I had a lovely teacher who went on to become mayor of East Kilbride...she was a great teacher").

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Louise reflects on her childhood musical influences, from punk bands like The Clash to the melodic tunes of Joni Mitchell and The Mamas & the Papas. She shares how these diverse influences have colored her music, blending seamlessly with her mom's religious background. ("I learned like hymns...church did give me a sort of spiritual dimension").

As the discussion moves forward, Louise talks about the formation of Gates of Light, a collaborative project born out of the creative necessity of the lockdown period. She details the process of working with international talents from Glasgow, London, Paris, and New York, and the serendipitous involvement of legendary producer Kramer, who fell in love with their work and decided to release it on Shimmy Disc. ("Kramer was amazing...it was really good working with him")

Finlay then takes the stage, sharing his perspective on working with Louise and the creative synergy they discovered. He discusses the technical aspects of music production, the challenges of managing multiple projects, and the joy of seeing their collaborative efforts come to life. He also gives listeners a sneak peek into his upcoming projects under the Workspace moniker, promising more innovative and captivating music. ("I'd say her songwriting...I admire her melodic and musical economy")

This episode is a rich tapestry of musical memories, personal anecdotes, and professional insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Gates of Light and the artistic minds driving it. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this conversation is sure to inspire and entertain you. Don't miss this insightful episode that celebrates the power of music, collaboration, and h.i. creativity :). Follow Gates of Light: https://linktr.ee/gatesoflight

https://www.instagram.com/laquinn27/?hl=en https://gatesoflight1.bandcamp.com/album/gates-of-light

Follow Wor_kspace: https://workspace041.bandcamp.com/

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