What album shaped Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus as both an artist and a person? Ani DiFranco’s Not a Pretty Girl.

In this episode of The Spark Parade, Merrill joins host Adam Unze to reflect on the raw, political, and poetic power of DiFranco’s groundbreaking 1995 album.

They explore how the record helped her find her voice, challenged traditional ideas of femininity and artistry, and set the tone for Tune-Yards’ fiercely original sound.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ani, Tune-Yards, or just looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find something to spark your imagination here.

Highlights include:

• The lasting influence of Not a Pretty Girl
• Ani DiFranco’s impact on feminist songwriting and DIY culture
• How Merrill found artistic freedom in Ani’s boldness
• The power of music to unlock identity and creative purpose

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damian Kulash, lead singer and guitarist of OK Go, joins Adam for an unforgettable conversation about the album that changed his life: Fugazi’s landmark 1990 release Repeater.

Damian shares his teenage memories of discovering Fugazi in the heart of the Washington, D.C. punk scene and how Repeater gave him a blueprint for making music that was raw, political, human, and totally accessible. From DIY shows in churches to five-dollar ticket prices and all-ages gigs, Fugazi’s ethos left a permanent imprint on him — and helped shape his approach to music, art, and live performance.

We get deep into:

• The power of seeing music made by real people, in real time
• How Repeater became a gateway to punk, DIY ethics, and artistic empowerment
• The surprising parallels between Prince and Fugazi
• Why the D.C. hardcore scene was a “religion” for creative kids
• How that same mindset lives on in OK Go’s genre-bending videos and music
• 
  

Whether you're a lifelong Fugazi fan or just discovering the magic of Repeater, this one’s a wild, inspiring ride.

About Repeater:

Released in 1990, Repeater is the debut full-length album by legendary post-hardcore band Fugazi. Combining punk aggression with experimental songwriting and a fiercely independent ethic, the album set a new standard for underground rock. It remains one of the most influential records of the 1990s.

About Damian Kulash:

Damian Kulash is the frontman of Grammy-winning alt-rock band OK Go, renowned for their groundbreaking music videos and inventive pop-rock sound. OK Go’s commitment to DIY creativity and visual storytelling has earned them a global fanbase — and it all traces back to the raw power of bands like Fugazi.

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega joins Adam to discuss her deep connection to Lou Reed’s 1973 concept album Berlin — a haunting, operatic record that became a major influence on her songwriting, especially her iconic hit “Luka.”

Suzanne shares how seeing Lou Reed live for the first time at Columbia University blew her mind, how Berlin’s brutal honesty shaped her approach to writing about difficult subjects, and why pairing dark lyrics with upbeat melodies can create something truly powerful. She also reflects on Reed’s raw, confrontational style and how it taught her to be fearless in her own artistry.

Whether you're a fan of Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, Berlin or behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like Luka, this episode is a must-listen.

Suzanne's new album Flying With Angels is out on May 2nd.

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary drum and bass DJ and producer Goldie joins Adam for a deep dive into the cultural force that helped shape his identity: the groundbreaking graffiti documentary Style Wars.

From his first encounters with the film and Subway Art to his close relationships with graffiti pioneers like Henry Chalfant and TATS CRU, Goldie unpacks the profound connection between street art and jungle music.

He also reveals how the layering, rebellion, and cryptic complexity of graffiti mirrors his approach to music production — especially on his new Rufige Kru album Alpha Omega, dropping May 15, 2025.

As Goldie tours the U.S. throughout April and May 2025, he’s reflecting on the sounds and visuals that influenced generations of underground artists. Hear how graffiti and drum and bass intertwine, why Style Wars still matters 50 years on, and what it means to leave your mark — whether it’s on a train, a wall, or a record.

Don’t miss Goldie live on tour this spring — and get ready for Alpha Omega, out May 15th.

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson) join Adam for a rich and nostalgic dive into two beloved films: Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.

They explore how both films shaped their creative lives, the emotional and stylistic impact of each, and their unique experiences discovering them. From Flea’s surprise cameo in The Outsiders' Rumble scene to Ryan’s unforgettable VHS-era first watch of The Shining (cut off right at “Here’s Johnny!”), the conversation touches on everything from childhood wonder to directorial style, from film adaptations to haunting performances.

Along the way, they dig into:

• The stylistic choices in The Outsiders and Coppola's vision
• The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa and its unexpected founder
• The eerie magic of The Shining's unsettling performances
• The lore, fan theories, and filmmaking myths surrounding The Shining

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Spark Parade, Adam is joined by the incredible musician Corook for a deep dive into Juno, the 2007 indie classic starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera. Together, they unpack the film's raw honesty, its nuanced approach to teenage life, and the way it portrays relationships with humor and depth.

Adam and Corook also explore Elliot Page’s groundbreaking career and the complexities of looking back on past work through the lens of identity and transition. They discuss the broader cultural impact of Juno, its handling of pro-choice themes, and how its understated realism makes it a standout coming-of-age story.

Plus, they reflect on the importance of visibility for trans and queer artists, the bravery of living authentically in the public eye, and why Page’s continued presence in Hollywood matters now more than ever.

And, of course, there's a little Christopher Nolan news thrown in for good measure!

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Adam Unze sits down with ZORA, the genre-blurring artist and producer, to dive deep into the nostalgic world of Spy Kids 2 and its lasting cultural impact. They discuss why the film remains iconic, how early-2000s music and aesthetics shape ZORA’s sound, the evolution of nostalgia-driven reboots, and the unexpected celebrity connections of the Spy Kids cast. Plus, ZORA shares insights into her creative process and how pop culture influences her artistry. This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, film buffs, and pop culture enthusiasts alike!

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ In this episode, host Adam sits down with singer-songwriter David Gray to explore his deep connection to Van Morrison’s iconic album Astral Weeks. From his first listen at university to his eventual obsession, David unpacks the album’s hypnotic power, poetic brilliance, and unique soundscapes.

✅ How Astral Weeks shaped David Gray’s musical journey

✅ The poetic intensity and raw experimentation behind Van Morrison’s masterpiece

✅ Why Astral Weeks remains one of the most enigmatic and influential albums of all time

✅ The connection between Van Morrison’s songwriting and the Irish literary tradition

🔊 Whether you’re a longtime Van Morrison fan or new to Astral Weeks, this conversation offers fresh insights into one of the most celebrated albums in music 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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer and songwriter Bishop Briggs loves the sweeping emo theatricality of My Chemical Romance's breakout album The Black Parade. She's drawn to its punchy lyrics and anthemic melodies, but also loves the risk taking aesthetics that border on camp. In a wide ranging conversation, Bishop talks to Adam about her love for MCR, Lady Gaga's fearlessness, the exciting rise of queer artists like Lil' Nas X and Chappell Roan.

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolific actor Chris Diamantopoulos latched onto George Michael's monster hit solo debut album Faith at a young age. It resonated with him as a fellow singer of Greek descent, but he was also blown away by Michael's songwriting prowess and the singular sound of his legendary singing voice. He's marveled at Michael's ability to create timeless songs without any formal training and has come back to his work for inspiration time and time again.

Catch Chris in the The Sticky on Amazon Prime Video when it premieres on 12/6!

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: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.