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/

https://linktr.ee/balloontheband

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

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