The Spark Parade

This week I'm joined by Ambrose Kenny-Smith of The Warlocs and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard to talk about his spark Emitt Rhodes' self-titled second albumAlthough it never got the recognition it deserved, this album was an enormous influence for artists like Aimee Mann and Mac DeMarco. Rhodes wrote the album, played every instrument and produced it; all from his parents' garage.The album's backstory is incredible and so is Ambrose's relationship to it. Links:Ambrose Kenny-SmithEmitt RhodesDuneAdvertising 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.

Another spectacular live show!The Spark Parade partnered with Fotografiska NY for a live recording in celebration of more than 100 episodes of the podcast and the museums Andy Warhol: Photo Factory exhibition.Three incredible guests joined me to talk about their New York-centric sparks: Catherine Cohen on Brigid Berlin's Polaroids, Melissa Lozada-Oliva on Because The Night by Patti Smith and Lachi on New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.Links:Fotografiska NYCatherine CohenMelissa Lozada-OlivaLachiBrigid Berlin's PolaroidsBecause The NightNew York, 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.

Ghanaian-Australian musician Genesis Owusu joins me to talk about his spark, Kanye West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I’ve talked to a few people about Kanye and those conversations have, for the most part, focused entirely on his music and avoided talking too much about the chaos and controversy that followed him everywhere throughout his career. This conversation leans into a more holistic approach and we didn’t shy away from talking about Kanye’s complicated legacy.Genesis and I spoke about the luxury and excess behind the scenes during the album's recording process, marvel at the collaborative nature of this musical benchmark and talk about the difficulty we both have with reconciling our love for Kanye's music with his often toxic public persona.Links:Genesis OwusuMy Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyThere's Someone Inside Your HouseAdvertising 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 Grammy award winning keyboard virtuoso Cory Henry who spoke to me about his spark, Stevie Wonder’s album Journey Through “The Secret Life Of Plants”.It's one of the strangest and least known albums in Stevie Wonder's back catalogue. Part film score, part concept album, it's full of beautiful melodies and unexpected changes of direction.Cory's appreciation for this album has grown throughout his life and he loves helping his friends to discover it. We talk about the strange history of its creation and the impact it had on Wonder's career.Plus, you'll get to hear my exclusive preview of Fantastic Fest!Links:Cory HenryJourney Through The Secret Life Of PlantsFantastic FestAdvertising 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 actor Katelyn Tarver joins me to chat about her spark, an episode of Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast.In her interview with Dax Shepard and Tim Ferriss, Brown talks about the power of relinquishing control. That interview inspired Katelyn to write the first single off of her upcoming album Subject To Change.Katelyn and I talk about learning to accept the random nature of the universe, the perils of actors' auditions and drawing artistic inspiration from unlikely places.Links:Katelyn TarverUnlocking UsThe Eyes Of Tammy FayeAdvertising 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 Grammy nominated roots rock duo Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe along with Sam Hyken of pioneering hybrid orchestra Nu Deco Ensemble to talk about their collective spark of inspiration Led Zeppelin’s 4th untitled album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin 4.How do the biggest albums of all time sound to you? Do you hear them in a different way to anyone else in the world? How would you reinterpret that music if you wanted to make it your own?Rebecca, Megan and Sam talk through the process of collaborating on their new album Paint The Roses: Live In Concert through the lens of Led Zeppelin's globe dominating magnum opus. We also get into the Zeppelin's unparalleled musicianship and the profound impact their music has had on modern rock and pop.Paint The Roses: Live In Concert is out now!!Links:Paint The Roses: Live In Concert Led Zeppelin IVSongs In The Key Of LifeAdvertising 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 the absolutely lovely musician James Felice of the Felice Brothers who spoke to me about his spark, Randy Newman’s classic album Sail Away.For an entire generation, Newman's voice is inextricably linked to the Toy Story movies and other cinematic classics. But those recent career highlights can be a gateway into Newman's prolific career.In addition to our chat about Sail Away, James and I speak about learning to appreciate music through older siblings and the lost joys of buying CD's blindly without ever hearing a note from them.Links:The Felice BrothersSail AwayAmerican RustAdvertising 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.

Psychologist, life coach, heavy metal vocalist and podcaster Dr. Mike spoke to me about his spark, Steven Blush’s book American Hardcore: A Tribal History.Dr. Mike's discovery of hardcore punk had a profound effect on his life and the way his sees the world. We dig into Blush's detailed recount of hardcore's history. The scene only lasted a decade, but it's influence has been felt by everyone from Dave Grohl to Flea. Dr. Mike and I explore hardcore's chaotic energy and the vast network of hardcore micro-scenes in towns and cities across North America. Links:Dr. MikeAmerican HardcoreThe ChairAdvertising 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.

Small Black front man Josh Kolenik joins me to geek out about one of our mutual favorites, Peter Bogdanovich's era defining classic film The Last Picture Show.It's a film that perfectly encapsulates the angst and anxiety of growing up and first love, while simultaneously nailing nostalgia for the past and the longing of regret.Josh and I focus on the incredible performances (particularly those of Ellen Burstyn and Cloris Leachman), the beautifully sparse scenery and our changing connection to the film as we grow older.Links:Small BlackThe Last Picture ShowAdvertising 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.

Broken Social Scene's bandleader Kevin Drew joins me to talk about his spark of Inspiration, Do Make Say Think's fifth album You, You're A History In Rust. Kevin is friends with the band (a couple of DMST's members are also in BSS), but he talks about being able to separate his personal relationships with the musicians from the music he loves so much. Our conversation covers learning to live with grief, the beauty of film soundtracks, our mutual love for Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual and we also propose a collaboration between Do Make Say Think and Rihanna.Kevin's brilliant new instrumental album Influences (under the K.D.A.P moniker) is out now on Arts And Crafts.Links:Kevin DrewYou, You're A History In RustMary J Blige: My LifeAdvertising 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 Laura Stevenson spoke to me about a cultural spark that is really remarkable. I don’t think that any other topic that I’ve discussed on this show has affected me as much as this one. Laura’s spark is Pasa Un Angel, a mixed media monotype fresco by fine artist and activist Claudia Bernardi, but we talked about Bernardi's entire body of work. She has lived an absolutely incredible life and survived through and witnessed unimaginable trauma. This conversation is going to be a source of inspiration for you, but it also features discussion of some incredibly upsetting and horrifying human rights abuses that are the driving force behind Bernardi’s work. It's a moving and, for me, truly life changing discussion. You’ll finish this episode wanting to know much more about Claudia Bernardi’s work and you’ll also be really excited to listen to Laura’s music. Laura's fantastic self-titled album will be released on August 6th. Links:Pasa Un AngelLaura Stevenson24 HoursAdvertising 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 chatting with singer, songwriter, producer, gamer and podcaster mxmtoon (aka Maia) about her spark of inspiration, the Life Is Strange video game series. We talk about the world building and freedom of expression created in these games, streaming game play on Twitch, using your audience as scapegoats for tough decisions and Maia's very personal connection to the next game in the Life Is Strange saga. Links:mxmtoonLife Is StrangeRebecca BlackAdvertising 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 had an incredible conversation with comedian Chris Gethard about his spark of inspiration, the John Cusack starring comedy Grosse Pointe Blank. But it’s also so much more than that. We talked about Chris’ relationship with Judd Apatow as well as Judd Apatow’s movies. We talked about Andy Kaufman. We talked about Cameron Crowe. We talked about comedy in general. It’s a wide ranging and very exciting and super fun conversation. Seriously. I really, really loved this one and I can’t wait for you to hear it.Links:Chris GethardGrosse Pointe BlankFinAdvertising 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.

Actor and musician Johnny Flynn (Stardust, Netflix' Lovesick) joins me to talk about his spark, William Butler Yates’ poem The Song Of Wandering Aengus. We dive into Johnny’s personal connection to the poem, which stems from a variety of sources, including seeing his friend Jez Butterworth’s play The River which opens with this poem and his childhood wanderings through the natural world. But we also dig into broader concepts, like the influence of ancient folklore on modern art and the notion that there are no new ideas.Links:Johnny FlynnThe Song Of Wandering AengusEvelyn "Champagne" KingAdvertising 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.

Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri joins me to talk about her spark of inspiration (and the spark that started her band), Wim Wenders' southwestern road movie Paris, Texas. Sharleen shares never before heard details of the profound influence this film has had on her life and career. You'll hear her band's origin story and some incredible anecdotes about Sharleen's encounters with the director and star of Paris, Texas. Links:Sharleen SpiteriParis, TexasHacksAdvertising 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 writer Max Silvestri joins me to geek out over the classic Oscar winning romantic comedy Moonstruck. We talked about the tremendous performances from Cher and the late, great Olympia Dukakis and also discussed the film's perfect balance between sweetly sincere drama and broad comedy. As an added bonus, we contrasted our Moonstruck chat with a little discussion on another of Max's favorites, Wes Anderson's The Royal Tennenbaums.Links:Max SilvestriMoonstruckThe Royal TennenbaumsTales Of The City This episode is supported by Before The Chorus and Factual AmericaAdvertising 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/producer Roosevelt joins me to talk about his spark of inspiration, Norwegian/German band The Whitest Boy Alive's second album Rules. We talk about the thrill of making dance music with live instruments, the intense bond between musicians and the crowds they perform to and our mutual excitement about the hope of returning to live events.Links:RooseveltRulesHell Hath No Fury 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.

This week, I'm joined by three time Tony nominee, singer and actor Joshua Henry to chat about our shared love for D'Angelo's genre bending classic debut album Brown Sugar. Joshua talks about Brown Sugar's impact on his life and career, and also deconstructs his favorite tracks. Best of all, he gave me a few quick tastes of his incredible singing voice.Links:Joshua HenryBrown SugarMare Of Easttown 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.

This week, I'm joined by FLYTE frontman Will Taylor to talk about his spark of inspiration, the Oscar winning Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman film Kramer Vs Kramer. Will speaks about how the film's events mirrored aspects of his own parents' divorce, we dive into some of the weighty issues covered in it (child custody battles, work life balance, feminism) and take a look at the real life drama that Dustin Hoffman created on set. Links:FLYTEKramer Vs KramerAll I NeedAdvertising 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 spoke with musician Skullcrusher (Helen Balentine) about the inspiration she's drawn from Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar winning animated feature Spirited Away. We talk about powerful female protagonists being underestimated in films, the wildly imaginative style of Studio Ghibli and we marvel at the intense emotional response evoked by hand drawn animation.Links:SkullcrusherSpirited AwayLeave The World BehindAdvertising 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.

Rapper, singer/songwriter and producer Pell joins me to talk about Kanye West's legendary second album, Late Registration. We talk about it's lyrical and musical complexity, the dramatic effect it had on hip hop, r'n'b and pop production and the deliciousness of the albums many featured guest appearances. Links:PellLate RegistrationMama's GunAdvertising 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 musician Evan Stephens Hall joins me to talk about the inspiration he's drawn from Kazuo Ishiguro's Booker Prize winning novel The Remains Of The Day. We touch on English repression, unrequited love and the pressures of duty and loyalty under the looming shadow of fascism.Links:Evan Stephens Hall/PinegroveThe Remains Of The DayIn And Of ItselfAdvertising 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 producer Adrian Younge joins me to geek out about his spark of inspiration: Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On, which celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year. How does music reflect our personal history? How does it reflect the history of our nation? Adrian and I speak about the cultural context in which What's Going On was created, the lasting impact the album has had on his music and the history of Blackness in America.Links:Adrian YoungeWhat's Going OnDaft PunkAdvertising 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 doing a deep dive into the brain melting world of Alex Garland's limited TV series Devs with comedian, writer and actor Yassir Lester (Black Monday, Duncanville). We dig into the brilliance of Alex Garland's body of work, geek out over other genre fair (like Watchmen!) and wax poetic about the philosophical and existential themes in Devs. It's truly one of the best conversations I've had yet! Warning: if you haven't watched Devs yet, spoilers abound. Links:Yassir LesterDevsBarb And Star Go To Vista Del MarAdvertising 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.

Who needs a short, sharp blast of sunshine in their gloomy winter day?*literally everyone raises their handThought so! Here it comes! This week I had a frankly adorable conversation with super talented musician Claud about their love for one of my fave tv shows, Broad City.We talked about all of the lols Broad City has brought us over the years, life in NYC and Claud remembers their chance encounter with Abbi Jacobson in LA. Sounds like the most fun you've ever had, doesn't it? It is!!Ps Claud's BRILLIANT debut album Super Monster is out this Friday!!! Links:ClaudBroad CityAdvertising 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.

Congratulations on your new POTUS and VP, America! As a new president gift, here's my delightful chat with comedian Joyelle Johnson about her love for cinema classic Gone With The Wind. We cover flouncy dresses, unapologetically bratty rich people, portrayals of Black people in film and our current dizzying political climate. This one is a real hoot! Links: Joyelle Johnson Gone With The Wind Search PartyAdvertising 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.

What a week, right? Could anyone use a little reprieve from the chaos and insanity swirling around us? Well, I've got you covered, baby! I had a delightful conversation with comedian/composer Matt Buechele about his love for South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut, the notorious 1999 full length feature film version of Comedy Central's South Park. Matt and I show appreciation for the South Park team's reverence for musical theater conventions and laugh at the outrageous filthiness of the boundary pushing classic. Links:Matt BuecheleSouth Park: Bigger Longer And UncutKajillionaireAdvertising 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 taking on one of the most famous and revered albums in history, The Beatles 1968 stone cold classic The White Album. But I'm not doing it alone! I had a little help from Jake Luppen (the singer/guitarist from Hippo Campus and newly minted solo artist as Lupin). We spoke about the impact The White Album has had on him as an artist, the benefits of band infighting in the studio and much, much more. Links:LupinThe White AlbumRoad Of The Lonely OnesAdvertising 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.

So... this happened! I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Róisín Murphy (one of my musical and artistic heroes) about Terence Conran's classic The House Book, a guide to home interior design and decoration. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. We spoke about Róisín's love of design and architecture, a formative road trip she took as a teenager and so, so much more. This one is an absolute delight! Talk about ending the year on a high note!! Links:Róisín MurphyThe House BookChapelle Notre Dame du HautCarlo ScarpaAdvertising 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.

What drives people to commit bank robberies? What happens when you look past the tropes and stock characters in heist movies? Author S.A. Cosby joins me to dig into one of his favorite (and most influential) cultural works, David Mackenzie's 2016 neo-western heist film Hell Or Highwater.S.A. CosbyHell Or HighwaterSparkleAdvertising 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.

Get ready for some post-election joy! I got to reminisce with legendary singer/songwriter Conor Oberst about one of my favorite '90's TV shows, Northern Exposure. We talked about the show's glorious weirdness, it's unforgettable characters (including one who was Conor's first crush) and also dug into the value of subverting expectations in art. It's a real hoot!Links:Conor OberstNorthern ExposureThe Great British Baking ShowAdvertising 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.

Now that we're past election day, let's de-stress with a chat about something super chill and supremely soothing. I spoke to musician Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene and Do Make Say Think) about Godfrey Reggio's classic experimental film Koyaanisqatsi, which features the music of certified legend Philip Glass. Have a listen and watch all your election related anxiety melt away. Links:Charles SpearinBroken Social SceneDo Make Say ThinkKoyaanisqatsiHis HouseAdvertising 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 true. I got to talk to the incomparable Gavin Turek! Speaking to a singer of Gavin's caliber about the vocalists who have influenced her is already exciting, but that's before you know that her influences are Tame Impala, Brittany Howard and Raphael Saadiq! Gavin and I had a great chat about those legendary singers, her penchant for winning concert tickets from radio stations and so much more!!Gavin TurekTame ImpalaBrittany HowardRaphael SaadiqLucy PearlAdvertising 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.

Who controls the meaning of an artwork? The artist? The viewer? Both? Singer and author Will Young joins me for a super fun chat about the inspiration he's drawn from René Magritte's work. We also dig into Will's acting career, the perils of taking art too seriously and much more!!Will Young⚡Rene Magritte's The Treachery Of Images⚡Rate and review the show⚡Social links and contact info⚡VOTE!⚡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.

*Backstreet Boys voice Oh my god, I'm back agaaaaaaaain! Did you miss me? I slept non-stop for two weeks and now I'm refreshed and ready to deliver the goods. Which goods are those? Why, my delightful and charming chat with writer Brian Moylan about his love for poet, writer and art critic Frank O'Hara and legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. Sounds like a real hoot, don't it? And if that's not enough for you, I also give some sage advice about how and when you should challenge yourself with "difficult" art. Links: Brian Moylan Frank O'Hara Tennessee Williams Wind Of Change Rabbit Hole Jungle FeverAdvertising 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 Wednesday again! Isn't it? Who knows? What is time anymore? Let's try to focus on the good stuff. Namely, my chat with The Hoosiers and White Tail Falls front man Irwin Sparkes about his love for a trio of powerhouse musical acts: Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses and Moses Sumney. We covered so much ground, folks. You're gonna love it. And you get to hear me babble a bit about artists who procrastinate. You literally can't wait, can you? Links: Irwin Sparkes Bruce Springsteen Guns N' Roses Moses Sumney Devs Little DragonAdvertising 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.

Another week into the quarantimes. Are you all surviving? I've got another hot plate of distraction to help keep you going. I had a lovely chat with James Barr and Dan Hudson from the UK's #1 LGBTQ+ comedy podcast A Gay And A NonGay about their love for seminal grunge superstars Nirvana and seminal pop superstars The Spice Girls. We really ran the gamut, folks. And I also talked a bit about my history with collecting art memorabilia. Wow, right? You've suddenly got so much to look forward to. Links: A Gay And A NonGay Nirvana The Spice Girls Amber Mark Empress Of Dave 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.

How's your new agoraphobic life treating you? Need something to take your mind off of it? Say no more! I've got the perfect remedy... this week's episode!! I had an awesome chat with author Paul Tremblay about his love for the seminal punk/post-punk/grunge/alternative band Husker Du and the solo work of legendary Husker Du member Bob Mould. And I also rambled on about my favorite children's books. Sounds like a thrill a minute, doesn't it?! Links: Paul Tremblay Husker Du Bob Mould Ezra Jack Keats Tomie dePaola Shut Up And Play The Piano Elsewhere Ben UFOAdvertising 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.

How often do I get to interview a pop prince about a pop princess? Not often enough! I got lucky for the new episode and had a super fun conversation with the mind blowingly brilliant Boy Radio about the legendary Britney Spears. Sounds incredible, doesn't it? That's because IT IS!!! And to cap it all off, I also talk about about the nature of fandom. Unmissable content, friends. Links: Boy Radio Britney Spears High Fidelity GrimesAdvertising 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.

Whoops. Looks like I've outdone myself AGAIN! This week's super fun episode features my delightful conversation with synth pop superstar Ariana And The Rose about her love for world renowned light and space artist James Turrell, immersive theater (using Sleep No More as a jumping off point) and fellow synth pop superstars Goldfrapp. And if that's not enough to get your boat well and truly floating, I ramble on about experiencing art in unexpected ways. Sounds like your dream podcast, doesn't it? Links: Ariana And The Rose James Turrell Sleep No More Goldfrapp Birds Of Prey The LodgeAdvertising 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 Kubrick-mania around here this week. Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winning playwright Christopher Shinn and I take a deep dive into our mutual affection for/obsession with Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise starring Eyes Wide Shut. And then you'll get to hear me bragging about going to a Kubrick exhibition in London while I was away. Who doesn't love to hear people brag about their vacations, right? Links: Christopher Shinn Eyes Wide Shut Stanley Kubrick Exhibition Sagrada FamiliaAdvertising 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.

Lookie here! A chat with singer/songwriter/actor Declan Bennett about his love for Ani DiFranco's much loved 1994 album Dilate. You might know Dec from his music. Or from Eastenders. Or from Rent and American Idiot on Broadway. Or Once in the West End. SO many ways to know him, right? We had a superfun chat and you'll have superfun listening to it. And I also talk a bit about how art is integrated into every part of my life. Sounds heavy, but it's light and cute!! Links: Declan Bennett Ani DiFranco Bat For Lashes The 1619 Project Anna WiseAdvertising 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 had a positively scintillating chat with singer/songwriter Scott Matthew about his love for painter Vilhelm Hammershoi's work and his formative experiences with Morrissey's music. Did we talk about Morrissey's repellent political views? You bet we did! And if that's not enough excitement for you, I also talk a bit about the joy of discovering art as an adolescent. Sounds like a rockin' good time, wouldn't you say? Links: Scott Matthew Vilhelm Hammershoi Morrissey The Catcher In The Rye The Art Of Self Defense When They See UsAdvertising 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.

What an exciting week you're having!! Or at least you'll be having an exciting week when you find out what I've got in store for you! I had a chat with international pop sensation Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) about international pop sensation Kylie Minogue's world dominating "comeback" album Light Years. You're going to have so much fun listening to it, you will squeal with delight! I also talk a bit about appreciating artwork that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! Links: Rod Thomas Kylie Minogue Janet Jackson Poster House Stephanie McKayAdvertising 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.

SCREAM!! New episode!! This week, I talked to writer, editor and film critic Violet Lucca about the minimalist classic Taste Of Cherry. Director Abbas Kiarostami won the Palm D'or for it in 1997. And now you get to hear all about it! Plus, I talk about the way other people shape your perception of art and give my arts recommendations for the week (standard). So much to look forward to! Links: Taste Of Cherry Violet Lucca Jean-Michel Basquiat Santigold Empress OfAdvertising 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.