Nick Field has been presenting his Wednesday evening Curveballs show on Phoenix FM for nearly two decades, consistently attracting a diverse array of local guests from the film and music industries. In his latest episode, Field hosted Sophie Karl and Tequila Louise Carter, who discussed their new feature film, A Requiem For Desire. Karl not only stars in the film but also wrote the screenplay, while Carter served as make-up designer and intimacy coordinator, among other behind-the-scenes roles. The film blends period drama with contemporary thriller elements and is now available on streaming platforms including Apple TV and Prime Video.
Indie Filmmaking Challenges
During the interview, Karl and Carter spoke about the challenges of independent filmmaking, highlighting the multitude of roles that creators must often take on when working with limited budgets. They also reflected on the involvement of familiar faces in the project, including a guest appearance by Heather Small of M People.
Music Segment with Stern John
The conversation later shifted to music with the return of Southend-based trio Stern John. Band members Paul and Morgan joined Field to discuss their new self-titled album, released this month. Listeners heard four tracks from the record, offering a taste of a project that has been several years in the making. Since first appearing on Curveballs two years ago, the group has evolved from a solo project into a full band, with Craig completing the lineup on ukulele.
Grassroots Music Realities
The album launch is scheduled at Saks in Southend, supported by fellow local acts Invaders, Mister Pockets, and The Ondines. The interview also provided insight into the realities of grassroots music-making, as the band balances recording, live performances, and daily life while building a following across Essex and beyond. As always, interviews can be replayed at phoenixfm.com.
