The Spark Parade

Shamir had Charlotte Sometimes' Sideways EP on repeat throughout high school and it's never come out of heavy rotation. The simple honesty of her lyrics and her strong melodies gave him hope that he could find success as a performer someday. He loved that it wasn't a groundbreaking project, but rather a solid example of the kind of songwriting and production that felt familiar to him.Check out Shamir's new album Homo Anxietatem and learn about future tour dates here.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Until The Ribbon Breaks' Pete Lawrie Winfield has a very close relationship with Run The Jewels' seminal second album Run The Jewels 2. The production, the rhymes, the features, and every element of it have impacted him personally and professionally. And he had a front-row seat to the creation of that masterpiece and it changed the course of his life and career.Check out Until The Ribbon Breaks' new single and video "Nature Mother" featuring Emoni Wilkins! It is a meditation on the connection of the human spirit and the land around us.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, actor, activist and icon Margaret Cho has loved Todd Haynes' work since his first film Superstar, but his glam rock pseudo-biopic Velvet Goldmine has always been her favorite of his films. She loves the way it centers queerness through the lens of some of her favorite artists, namely David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. She loves the music, the costumes, and art direction, but is particularly enamored of the fearless performances by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, and Toni Collette.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the moment her older sister introduced her to Edward Scissorhands, singer/songwriter Oh Land felt a kinship with the lead character, as well as his love interest, Kim. As a pre-adolescent trying to make sense of the world, she felt connected both to the isolation and awkwardness channeled through Edward and the romance and whimsy that shone out of Kim. Danny Elfman's score also left an indelible imprint on her young mind and has been a constant source of inspiration in the development of her own work.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speedy Ortiz founder and frontwoman Sadie Dupuis has always loved comics, so when she spotted a French language version of Ghost World as a tween, she didn't let the language barrier stand in the way of her enjoyment. Her connection to the book grew exponentially when she bought a copy in English and she felt a kinship with its teenage protagonists. She was initially disappointed by Terry Zwigoff's film, a radical departure from the source material, but has since come to appreciate it as an alternate version of the same events.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob The Drag Queen loves The Color Purple. She's seen/read every iteration (book, film, and stage), but she's found herself coming back to Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated adaptation over and over. Whoopi Goldberg's breakout role as Celie is at the heart of Bob's attraction to the film. It's a striking, subtle, heartfelt performance that's touched Bob so deeply she's become a huge Whoopi stan.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, actor, writer, and musical artist Jaboukie was already a fan of The Drums when their second album was released, but Portamento was the project that solidified his relationship with the band. Singer Jonny Pierce had just come out publicly and Jaboukie immediately saw the connection between Pierce's queerness and Portamento's thematic landscape. He was drawn to the vulnerable honesty in the lyrics and his high school years were powered by its sparse, beachy sound.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a music producer father and a dancer/choreographer mother, Kylie Cantrall grew up with a front-row seat in the entertainment industry. As a result, music biopics struck a particular chord with her. None moreso than VH1's megahit CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Cantrall loved the eerily accurate performances and music video recreations, but the incorporation of TLC's phenomenal back catalog was the clincher. She was so hooked on the movie that she watched it dozens of times and still considers it to be one of her all-time favorites.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Aces' front woman Cristal Ramirez's was obsessed with Paramore's Riot! from the moment it was first played for her. The energy and lyrics both blew her pre-teen mind, but it was Hayley Williams who really caught her attention. A flame-haired teenager who lead a successful rock band in a male-dominated industry, Williams provided endless inspiration for Ramirez as her own musical aspirations took flight. As a dedicated Paramore fan, she's always seen the band as a beacon of light and a force for good in the world.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer and actor Kenzie was home-schooled, so she didn't have a typical high school experience. As a result, teen movies really struck a chord with her and 10 Things I Hate About You was at the top of the list. She loved the characters, the love story, and all of the stereotypical late 90's high school drama. The movie has brought her massive amounts of joy and she rewatches it whenever she gets a chance.Kenzie’s new single, “Anatomy” is out now. Listen and learn more here.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The relentless silliness of Todd Phillip's smash hit comedy Old School is contrasted by the relatable everyman characters played by its breakout stars Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. Comedian, actor, and podcaster David Gborie saw Old School as the moment when comedic leads became less polished and more like normal people who happened to be joke machines. It was one of the era-defining films that set him on a comedy career path and helped him to believe he could make it in the industry.Please be sure to check David's podcast My Momma Told Me here and check information about his new comedy tour The Aluminium Foil Tour here.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a teenager, Bratmobile frontwoman Allison Wolfe was drawn to bands led by powerful, magnetic women. When Bow Wow Wow released their second album When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going, she was mesmerized by the raw energy of its twelve short, sharp songs. The newly launched MTV left her in awe of singer Anabella Lwin's commanding stage presence and distinctive style, which proved a huge source of inspiration in Wolfe's own work as a musician.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlike many of her peers, soul singer Acantha Lang’s primary inspiration didn’t come from R’n’B. Her musical foundation is rooted in the blues and the first time she heard Koko Taylor’s legendary album I Got What It Takes. The distinct rawness in Taylor’s vocal performance spoke to Lang in a way that’s stuck with her for her entire career. Taylor's ability to transform the blues into joyful, life-affirming music is unparalleled and her music continues to influence artists across a wide spectrum of musical disciplines and genres.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor and Comedian Hal Sparks (Queer As Folk) has been a KISS mega-fan for as long as he can remember. He saw the poster for KISS' monster hit album Destroyer and his jaw dropped. He's been in awe of its artistry and musicianship ever since. Destroyer helped to cement KISS as globe-dominating rock superstars. It produced a string of hits and provided a perfect vessel for KISS' particular brand of rock theatricality. Hal's love for the band has only grown since the release of Destroyer, as has his encyclopedic knowledge of the band's history.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Katherine Propper's Lost Soulz, a meditative film about music making, self-discovery, and friendship, had its world premiere at this year's Tribeca film festival. Its star, rising rapper Sauve Sidle, saw parallels between his personal journey, his character arc in the film, and the story of Eminem's much-lauded, Oscar-winning turn in Curtis Hanson's 8 Mile. Finding a community of like-minded artists can have a huge impact on a musician and that collaborative spirit runs through 8 Mile and Lost Soulz both behind and in front of the camera. Eminem and Sauve both used their real-world artistic processes to create their on-screen personas, as well as some unforgettable music. We'll also take a look at some of my favorites from this year's Tribeca Film Festival: including the mind-bending, Tierra Whack starring pseudo-documentary Cypher, winner of Best U.S. Narrative Feature.Be sure to check out Lost Soulz and the rest amazing content at the Tribeca Film Festival.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Le Tigre's self-titled debut album holds a special place in the hearts of Dream Wife's Alice Go and Rakel Mjöll. The punk-meets-electro-pop sound and queer feminist overtones of the album struck a chord with both of them as teenagers and eventually helped to inspire the sound of their own music. Then, a chance encounter with Le Tigre member JD Samson led to an ongoing mutual lovefest between the two bands, culminating in Dream Wife's opening slot on Le Tigre's long-awaited reunion tour!Be sure to check out Dream Wife's new album Social Lubrication - out now!The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Brian J Smith was in awe of Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning film A Separation after he saw it for the first time. Subsequent viewings have only increased his admiration for the complex story of the acrimonious dissolution of a couple's relationship and the repercussions that follow. A Separation refuses to pass judgment on its characters. Every one of them is fully realized and makes both good and bad decisions throughout. It's a true reflection of the human condition and the lengths to which we all will go to protect the people we love.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcaster and comedian Jon Lovett is an avid gamer who discovered the acclaimed Outer Wilds in the thick of COVID lockdown. The game's sweet simplicity provided a perfect escape from the pandemic bleakness surrounding him and it quickly became his favorite game of all time. Eschewing the violence that is so prevalent in many of the gaming world's biggest titles, it is a meditative space adventure broken up into 22-minute cycles. The joy of low-stakes exploration struck such a chord with Lovett that he gets emotional when he speaks about his love for Outer Wilds.Be sure to check out Jon Lovett's projects at Crooked Media! The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a buy one, get one free episode! First up is Cub Sport frontman Tim Nelson, who was so drawn to Jay Hulme's poem Jesus At The Gay Bar that the band's new album shares its name. Nelson grew up in a devout Christian community and struggled to reconcile his religious upbringing with his queerness. His mother has fully embraced his identity and Nelson saw parallels to the strength of their bond in Hulme's depiction of Jesus' compassion. In the second half of the episode, TEKE::TEKE bassist Mishka Stein shares his love for Ridley Scott's magnum opus Blade Runner. Since childhood, Stein has been drawn to the beauty in every frame of Blade Runner, its poetic dialogue, and the atmospheric soundscape provided by Vangelis' legendary score.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan have created some incredible comedy classics like Super Troopers, so it's no surprise that they're both sparked by other legendary comedians. For Jay, it was love at first sight when he first experienced Eddie Murphy's big screen debut 48 hrs. He's drawn tons of inspiration from the movie's delicate balance between a gritty cop thriller and a light-hearted buddy comedy. Kevin has been obsessed with Steve Martin's classic comedy album A Wild And Crazy Guy from the moment he first heard it as a kid. It's a snapshot of a rock star comedian at the peak of his powers and it's massive success provided a template for decades of stand-up comedy specials.Be sure to check Broken Lizard's new film Quasi, which is out now on Hulu.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Brun happened upon "One More Time," the lead single from Daft Punk's seminal album Discovery, and was instantly transported to an exciting new musical realm. That feeling was enhanced tenfold when he heard the entire album. He was influenced by so many aspects of the album and its promotion: the diverse group of influences that were apparent in the music, Daft Punk's futuristic/robotic aesthetic, and the anime videos that created a narrative structure for Discovery. His mind was blown by the creative ingenuity on display and it set him on a path that would come to define his career as an artist.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a tween, Palehound’s El Kempner had their tiny mind blown by Avril Lavinge’s smash hit debut album Let Go. Packed full of pop-punk bangers, it helped Kempner break out of the Disney radio lane they had inhabited to that point. They loved Lavigne’s relatable lyrics and resonated with queer-coded skater style. Even 20 years after its release, Kempner still has Let Go on repeat.The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For its debut episode on Consequence Podcast Network, Unze is joined by the wonder that is Kid Koala to talk about Dead Alive (also known Braindead).Kid Koala has loved Peter Jackson’s (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) legendarily gory and hilarious third film since the moment he first laid eyes on it. It’s since become a part of his artistic DNA. He’s drawn inspiration from the black humor, incredible practical special effects, and unique visual style that have been imitated by genre filmmakers for over 30 years.“It definitely is one of those films you feel like your brain’s growing new synapses, because it doesn’t really have anything for it to link to that you witnessed before,” Kid Koala, aka Eric San, says. “It’s one of those films that really just changed forever what I thought was possible in a film — not just in that range, but just in art in general. I think that, raised on a steady diet of that, raised on a steady diet of The Muppet Show or Monty Python… It was just like, ‘Oh, okay, so this is an album?’ It’s not just 10 songs that are tailor-cut for radio plays; they could literally go all over the place and enjoy the universe that they’re in.”The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jazz saxophonist Marcus Strickland joins me to talk about his Spark, John Coltrane's legendary magnus opus A Love Supreme.How does music convey complex ideas when it contains no words? Marcus and I talked about Coltrane's ability to infuse his music with meaning and his unique ability to replicate the live music experience on his albums.Links:Marcus StricklandA Love SupremeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DJ, producer and recording artist Amtrac joins me to talk about his Spark, John Carpenter's seminal 1981 film Escape From New York.The way we imagine the future changes constantly, but how accurate were the predictions made in the past about a future that's already happened to us? What difference does it make to a film when the director also writes the score? Will any other director ever have a run as incredible as the string of films Carpenter released in the '80's and 90's?Amtrac and I tackle all of these questions and more!Links:AmtracEscape From New YorkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superstar cellist HAUSER spoke to me about his Spark, Baz Luhrman’s smash hit biopic Elvis.What makes a great biopic? How can an actor channel the essence of a performer when the entire world knows their every move? How can artists persevere and make great art in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? HAUSER and I have tackle these questions and so much more!Links:HAUSERElvisAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest is New York underground scene legend CHRISTEENE whose Spark is the New York underground queer film classic Pink Narcissus.We talked about the impact Pink Narcissus has had on other art forms, the radical queerness depicted in it and the magical ability of artists to create incredible work with very few resources.Links:CHRISTEENEPink NarcissusAndorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Roots' guitarist and vocalist Captain Kirk Douglas joins me to talk about his Spark is Pixar’s animated feature film Soul.Kirk and I speak about the meaning of happiness and how artists in particular are affected by the universal desire to achieve it. We also talk about finding your purpose in life and what that means to each of us as individuals.Links:Captain Kirk DouglasSoulAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phoenix front man Thomas Mars joins me to talk about his Spark, It Was Twenty Years Ago Today is a 1987 British-made television documentary about the 1967 Summer of Love.We talked about the beginnings of Phoenix and how they drew inspiration from the Beatles' process and sound. We touched on the singular nature of The Beatles influence and they're lasting impact on culture at large. And most importantly, I hung out with one of my favorite musicians!Links:PhoenixIt Was Twenty Years Ago TodayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer, songwriter and producer Cavetown joins me to talk about his Spark, the incredible animated series Adventure Time.How can TV aimed at children change the minds and hearts of adults? Cavetown sees so much for adults to learn from Adventure Time and he's gained a greater appreciation for it from repeated viewings. We talk his favorite characters, the show's storytelling and world building and its broad emotional range.Links:CavetownAdventure TimeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/songwriter Lissie spoke to me about her Spark, Katherine May's autobiographical book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.How can we cope with times of transition? What can we do to live in the moment when our lives are in flux?Lissie and I talked through the concept of liminal space and how relevant it feels to events of the last few years. Heartbreak and despair, hope and joy... all of life's biggest emotions are on the table in this deeply personal conversation.Links:LissieWinteringAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Portuguese singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist MARO spoke to me about her spark, Brazilian singer Simone’s breakout album Face A Face. Simone's voice is era defining and Face A Face is a genre melding collection of beautiful and romantic songs. She is a legendary song interpreter, as famous for covering songs by other artists as she is for recording original music. MARO and I talked about Simone's extraordinary ability to bring new life into old songs and the genderless quality of her voice, as well as marveling over her incredible, near 50 year career.Links:MAROSimone Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oakland rapper and vocalist Rexx Life Raj was inspired by Kid Cudi's major label debut Man On The Moon: The End Of Day from the moment he heard its lead single Day And Night. He joins me to talk about the personal connection Cudi creates with his listeners and the process of creating deeply personal music. We also dig into the different approaches hip hop artists take, from Cudi's confessional singing/rapping/humming hybrid to Kendrick Lamar's dense and highly exalted poetry. I also touch on my surprising Spark of the week: the reboot of Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+.Links:Rexx Life RajMan On The Moon: The End Of DayChip And Dale: Rescue RangersAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goon's Kenny Becker's joins me to talk about his Spark, Vincent Van Gogh's masterpiece Wheatfield With A Reaper.How can a two dimensional painting feel like a vast three dimensional world? How did Van Gogh find beauty in the most mundane landscapes? Exactly how long did it take for Van Gogh's gloppy, impastoed paintings to dry? We tackled these important questions and so much more.Links:GoonWheatfield With A ReaperAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and actor Cocoa Brown who joined me to chat about her Spark, Leroy Campbell’s mixed media piece Standing Tall. Cocoa was moved by Leroy Campbell's commitment to creating uplifting representations of the Black American experience. We spoke about the importance of representation in art, the dangers of omitting painful parts of our shared history from schools and the importance of building on the progress of our forebears.Links:Cocoa BrownLeroy CampbellWatcherAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and actor Helen Hong speaks with me about her Spark, the sci-fi TV classic Star Trek: The Next Generation. We talked about representation in entertainment, we talked about in fighting between Star Trek fans and Helen schools me on the pronunciation of George Takei’s name.Plus bonus some bonus Reading Rainbow chat get thrown in for good measure.Links:Helen HongStar Trek: The Next GenerationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/songwriter UPSAHL joins me to chat about her Spark, Christopher Nolan's mind-bending space odyssey Interstellar. UPSAHL and I pondered both the nature of the universe and our love of movies.How do art and science intersect? How can we reconcile our emotional impulses with the limits of our scientific knowledge? And most importantly, would you go on a space mission to colonize another planet?Links:UPSAHLInterstellarHeartstopperAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a bonus ep featuring an overview of my favorite films from the Tribeca Film Festival!Links:Butterfly In The SkyGod's TimeAll Man: The International Male StorySophiaThe Integrity Of Joseph ChambersNude TuesdayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Composer and pianist BLKBOK joins me to talk about his spark, the film Green Book.BLKBOK is a neo-classical musician and there are many parallels between his career and that of Dr. Don Shirley, the subject of Green Book. We tackle lots of questions surrounding the intersection between music and the racist history of America: How does the traditional classical music establishment treat Black musicians? Can all forms of music cut across racial and socioeconomic barriers? Can classical music reach younger, more diverse audiences?Links:BLKBOKGreen BookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is singer/songwriter MILCK who spoke to me about her Spark, Kahlil Gibran’s globe dominating book The Prophet.What's at the root of all religious doctrine? Is there common ground on which all of humanity can agree? MILCK and I tackle these giant ideas and also talk about humanizing our idols and embracing their flaws.Links:MILCKThe ProphetMENAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/songwriter Sam James joins me to chat about his Spark, Dave Matthews Band's chart topping major label debut Under The Table And Dreaming.But we got into so much more than that! We talked about the state of the music industry, the pressure for musicians to promote their own work and make a name for themselves (particularly on social media) and as is the case with so many of my guests, we reminisced about the days of old when physical media was still a thing.Links:Sam JamesUnder The Table And DreamingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/songwriter/harpist TATYANA joins me to chat about her Spark and our shared obsession, ABBA Gold. What makes a perfect pop song? How has a pop act like ABBA had such a lasting cultural impact on a massive international scale? TATYANA spoke to me about the effect ABBA’s music has had on the way she thinks about songwriting, as well as its ability to draw even the most reluctant listener to the dance floor. Links:ABBA GoldTATYANA Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The spectacular singer songwriter November Ultra joins me for a joyful chat about her spark, The Sound Of Music.November's work has drawn lots of inspiration from musicals, particularly those from the 1960's. She shared her childhood memories of watching The Sound Of Music with her grandfather, the emotional impact of its songs and the way her relationship with the film has grown and changed throughout her life.November Ultra's fantastic debut album Bedroom Walls is out now.Links:November UltraThe Sound Of MusicA Strange LoopAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lola Kirke joins me to talk about her spark, Miranda Lambert's chart topping double album The Weight Of These Wings.Kirke, a native New Yorker, reminisces about her discovery of and subsequent love for country music. Her love for country music's storytelling, melodies and songcraft had a huge impact on her own songwriting. Lola KirkeThe Weight Of These WingsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Punk and folk singer songwriter Frank Turner joins me to talk about his spark Instrument, a documentary about seminal post-hardcore band Fugazi. What defines documentary filmmaking as a genre? How has Fugazi's approach to music making and marketing impacted the entire industry? How can artists create work in a way that stays true to their sociopolitical ideology? Frank and I dug into questions like these without taking ourselves or the subject matter too seriously. Links:Frank TurnerInstrumentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Charlatans' front man and all around legend Tim Burgess joins me to talk about his spark (and our mutual obsession), David Lynch's groundbreaking TV series Twin Peaks.It's always a joy when my guests pick an inspirational work that's also inspired me and this chat is no exception! Tim and I talk about the unique style that Twin Peaks injected into the television landscape, it's lasting impact on the broader cultural landscape and our shared love of all things Lynch.Links:Tim BurgessTwin PeaksLocke and KeyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seether drummer Johnny Humphrey joins me to talk about his spark, KISS' legendary live album Alive!How can the experience of going to a rock concert be conveyed without visuals? KISS found the answer with a live album that salvaged their careers and put them on the path towards astronomical success.In addition to our KISS deep dive, Johnny and I chatted about the unmatched feeling of browsing through a record store and the thrill of hearing your favorite band for the first time. Links:SeetherAlive!Magic Still ExistsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined by Grammy nominated singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore who spoke to me about his spark, the Logo TV series Noah’s Arc. Mykal is warm and funny and smart and just an all around joy to chat with.Noah's Arc was the first and only scripted series to focus on a group of black gay men and Mykal talks about the incredible experience of seeing his lived reality portrayed on TV for the first time. Links: Mykal KilgoreNoah's ArcAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, New Zealand born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ladyhawke (aka Pip Brown) joins me to talk about her spark, The Last Of Us game series.Pip and I talk about the joys of immersive world building and queer representation in gaming. We also ponder the existence of internet trolls and try our best to figure out their motives.Ladyhawke's new album Time Flies is released on Friday, November 19th.Links:LadyhawkeThe Last Of UsGhostbusters: AfterlifeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I'm joined by Australian rapper, singer and songwriter Allday to talk about his spark, the movie Home Alone!We chatted about Home Alone's tremendous cultural impact and reminisced about the old days when you had to rent movies from movie store. Links:AlldayHome AloneThe PlinthAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThe Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.Follow us on social media:Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparadeSubscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.comCopyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.