Welcome back to LaunchLeft! This week I am joined by Ian Rogers who has been on the cutting edge of technology and music since '93 when he began working with the Beastie Boys. Ian’s had an innovative hand in bringing companies such as Apple Music, Beats 1, LVMH & Ledger into the digital age while maintaining a deep curiosity and passionate artful approach. We talk about Ian’s love of learning, his creative outlets, and how the past plays a part in the future. Ian shares about how his children have influenced his work and how the use of technology is changing the landscape for getting music heard. Half way through the episode, he introduces his friend and fellow Indiana native, Tim from Strand of Oaks to discuss his music and the connection between culture and technology. We all share ideas on how to get music heard today and the importance of building a brand in this new world of music. Tune in for this great conversation and hear Strand of Oaks new song ”Ananda”. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [1:40] Ian shares about his love of learning. [6:09] Where does Ian find joy and how has that played out in his work? [8:42] How does the past play a part in the future and in technology? [15:55] What is Ian’s creative outlet? [17:15] How do Ian’s children impact his business? [20:10] What creates excitement for Ian in his work? [22:37] Do artists have the same opportunities they did in the past?  [26:18] Ian provides advice for emerging bands and building a brand. [31:24] Tim joins to talk about his album Strands of Oak. [32:40] What influenced the songs on Strands of Oak? [41:13] How did Ian help Tim when it came to release time? [51:01] Tim shares about a live show and how to build an audience. [1:06:39] Ian talks about the connection between culture and technology. [1:13:25] What's in the future for Tim? [1:16:42] Hear a song by Strand of Oaks.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Pay attention to what the younger generation says is going to take off, because they seem to be ahead of the times and have a good pulse on what is going to be successful. It takes time to build a brand and find the people who are going to love your music. There is no such thing as an overnight success, people just don’t see all the work that is put in before the success happens. The one thing that you can count on is that things never stay the same, you have to pivot, adjust with the technology, and look forward to how it will impact the future.   RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Strand of Oaks: Strand of Oaks Website  Strand of Oaks Instagram  Strand of Oaks Facebook BIOGRAPHY:  Ian Rogers is the Chief Experience Officer at Ledger, leading the consumer-facing business delivering the world’s #1 way to buy and secure cryptocurrency.  Prior, Ian was the Chief Digital Officer at LVMH for five transformative years, working with a portfolio of nearly one hundred brands across luxury including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Sephora, and Hennessy.  Ian also sits on the boards of Dr Marten’s and Lyst. Ian spent twenty years bringing digital music to the mainstream, first with Winamp then Yahoo!, Beats, and Apple.  Ian contributed to the 2015 launch of Apple Music including Beats 1, their digital streaming channel. Ian graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (with honors, Phi Beta Kappa) from Indiana University in 1994.  Ian built some of the earliest music-related Web sites in the early 90s and has been working with Beastie Boys since 1993.

Welcome back to the LaunchLeft podcast. This week Rain welcomes her sister Summer Phoenix to the show. Summer shares about her new business venture with co-owner Stacey Mann, STAY.  STAY is LA’s first alcohol-free, zero-proof bar. We talk about Summer’s relationship with music and how STAY is an extension of her commitment to center an alcohol free and vegan lifestyle. Summer launches Riley Polanski in this episode. Riley discusses what led him to music, and how he shifted his focus from business law to music, and how that decision has impacted his life. Tune in to hear his story and beautiful voice as he performs a live acoustic version of his song “Eloise”. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:48] Summer discusses the genesis of STAY and what it means to her.  [06:52] Did Summer use her background of interior design to decorate STAY? [07:58] Summer discusses the possibility of returning to film or TV. [10:07] How did music find Summer? [12:04] Who does Summer’s graphic design? [12:49] Summer shares some of her favorite female-run businesses. [15:59] Summer launches Riley Polanski and talks about how he brought her out of retirement.  [18:58] How did music find Riley Polanski?  [20:35] What led Riley to start creating music?  [21:45] Riley shares the song he will perform live and the story behind it.  [23:10] Riley’s song Eloise, performed live in the studio.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  You can always try something new. You can learn the skills and put your heart into it and achieve your goals.  Having a space to gather with friends and family or in creative community without the pressures of alcohol is important, and there should be more spaces like STAY. Never say never. Riley Polanski is a perfect example of someone who was going to go a very different direction in life, and then music found its way back and he is now a wonderful singer and songwriter.    RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Summer Phoenix: Summer Phoenix's Instagram  Stay Zero Proof Website  Stay Zero Proof's Instagram Links for Riley Polanski: Riley Polanski's Instagram    BIOGRAPHY:  Summer Phoenix’s Bio SUMMER PHOENIX  is a single mom of two sons, an actor, musician, animal rights activist, and environmentalist. She is the founder of both August Jude Design and Some Odd Rubies having created sustainability models in fashion and interior design for over two decades. She also served on the Board of River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding and prioritizes being alcohol and drug free. She currently is half of STAY. - LA’s first zero-proof bar.    Riley Polanski’s Bio Introducing Shadow Pop visionary Riley Polanski, LGBTQ+ and rooted in the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, Polanski's musical palette draws from the rich tapestry of folk and alternative pop. In an industry often defined by its rigidity, Polanski's emergence is nothing short of extraordinary. At the heart of Polanski's artistry lies a profound desire to serve those who feel “othered.” His lyrics, born from the crucible of personal struggle with addiction and abuse, bleed with raw authenticity, inviting listeners into an intoxicating journey of self-discovery. In both his recorded works and electrifying live performances alongside his bandmate, Distant Cowboy on cello, Polanski curates an immersive sonic experience that transcends mere entertainment. Complemented by the visual artistry of Rion Ezra and the insightful docuseries crafted by Serena Jewel, Polanski uses multimedia as a multi-dimensional glimpse into the creative Mind behind his emotionally-charged soundscapes.  

Today on the podcast Rain is joined by writer and musician, Kathleen Hanna. Their conversation travels from shared memories of being in bands in the 90’s, Kathleen’s thoughts on feminism today, how anger can motivate and harm creativity, the importance of self care and why it’s best to ditch toxic relationships. Kathleen’s memoir REBEL GIRL is out now. We then hear from the incredibly inspiring writer and filmmaker Naz Riahi, who shares what it was like to work with Kathleen on Rebel Girl, how music found her in Iran as a child, what inspires her, and what’s next for her creatively. Tune in to this power hour of conversation at LaunchLeft.com/podcast.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [5:25] How much has feminism changed since the 80s? What is the state of feminism today? [10:54] What is an internal positive belief that has stayed with Kathleen since childhood that she still draws upon?  [12:24] Are all art forms the same or different in the process of creating?  [18:26] Does anger motivate Kathleen when she is writing?  [29:03] What does Kathleen do for self care while on the road?  [37:44] What is Kathleen’s advice for young women?  [41:05] How did music find Kathleen? [43:20] Kathleen introduces Naz Riahi and explains why she tipped her hat to Naz. [49:31] Naz joins the show and shares about what it was like working with Kathleen. [52:52] What about working with Kathleen influenced Naz’s own work or inspired her as a writer? [56:16] How did music find Naz? [58:36] What is next for Naz?   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [24:47] We’re all creators, we all have the ability. We’re creating every day by being alive, we are creating our reality, we’re creating the future of what we want to be and say and do in the world.  [38:12] If you find yourself in a toxic relationship with someone, whether that be a friend, family or lover, step away. Those toxic people are standing in the way of other people who are waiting for an opportunity to be in your life.  [55:11] Take chances to try new things and allow opportunities into your life, but if you are finding those things take away from your energy to do the things you love, then you know those are not for you.    RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Kathleen Hanna: Kathleen Hanna's Website  Kathleen Hanna's Instagram  Kathleen Hanna's TikTok  Bikini Kill Website  Bikini Kill Instagram  Bikini Kill Twitter   Bikini Kill Bandcamp  Bikini Kill YouTube  Le Tigre World Instagram  Le Tigre World Facebook Links for Naz Riahi Naz Riahi's Website  Naz Riahi's Instagram    BIOGRAPHIES:  Katheleen Hanna: Kathleen Hanna is a punk singer, artist, and the front-woman of the influential bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. Hanna is a staple in feminist publications, from college curriculums to bestselling books, and a leading voice in the punk feminist movement. She has been named one of the best live performers of our time, earning acclaim from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, Interview Magazine, V Magazine, Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, BUST Magazine, NYLON and Los Angeles Times, to name a few. Naz Riahi: Naz Riahi (she/her) is a filmmaker, writer and artist. Much of her work explores the spaces, emotions and opportunities and humor of reaching for connection, informed by her experiences as an immigrant from Iran. She was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Her short film Sincerely, Erik received a Vimeo Staff Pick and won a Vimeo Best of the Year Award and was named a NoBudge Best Film of the Year. It has garnered praise from Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The New York Times T Magazine and Fast Company among numerous publications and cultural institutions. Her essays, journalism and fiction have been published widely in outlets such as Harper’s Bazaar, Oldster, Pipe Wrench, Food & Wine, Los Angeles Review of Books, Longreads, Catapult, The Fader, Guernica and more. Naz has performed original works at MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles) and at Dynasty Handbag’s Weirdo Night. She was the creator of the dialogical art project, Bitten. In recognition of Bitten, Naz was invited to SXSL at the Obama White House. An essay she wrote about the experience received public praise from President Obama. Her collection of short stories, Vibrations, will be published by Dopamine Press in 2025. Naz holds an MFA from the New School and is the recipient of a NYFA City Artist Corps Grant.

Welcome back to LaunchLeft! Today we are celebrating our 150th episode! This episode is a unique one, where Rain left voicemail questions for singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jonathan Richman. We then hear Jonathan’s responses in the form of voice memos, answering Rain’s inquisitive questions from how music found Jonathan, to learning his purest form of eroticism, and everything in between. Then Jonathan launches singer-songwriter, Jesse DeNatale. In this conversation, we learn how music found Jesse and about his musical career. We have the honor of hearing a snippet of Jesse’s song The Hands of Time from his latest album. Join the celebration in this great episode! -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:45] How did music find Jonathan Richman? [4:31] What advice does Jonathan have for young musicians/young artists? [5:32] Jonathan describes something he could draw to be animated. [6:07] What are the enduring preoccupations that arise again and again, and what has stuck with Jonathan even from childhood? [8:03] Jonathan explains his love of the song, The Wind, by Nolan Strong and Diablo. [10:44] What is the purest form of eroticism for Jonathan? [22:28] Jonathan introduces the artist that he wants to launch, Jesse De Natale. [23:26] The episode switches over to a conversation between Rain and Jesse DeNatale.  [26:30] How did music first find Jesse DeNatale? [31:18] Tune in to hear The Hands of Time by Jesse DeNatale. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [4:39] Advice for young artists: Do what you like for you, don’t worry about what the audience is going to like.  [28:44] Music finds you, it finds you in songwriting and song creation. The first inspirations are given from the gods, that first idea, and then it's up to you to continue to create it.    RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Jonathan Richman:  Jonathan Richman's Instagram  Jonathan Richman's Bandcamp Link  Jonathan Richman - Wikipedia  Links for Jesse DeNatale Jesse DeNatale's Website  Jesse DeNatale's Instagram  Jesse DeNatale's Bandcamp Link  Jesse DeNatale's Facebook    BIO for Jonathan Richman: Jonathan Richman (born May 16, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. In 1970, he founded the Modern Lovers, an influential proto-punk band. Since the mid-1970s, Richman has worked either solo or with low-key acoustic and electric backing. He is known for his wide-eyed, unaffected, and childlike outlook, and music that, while rooted in rock and roll, is influenced by music from around the world.   BIO for Jesse DeNatale Jesse DeNatale is a singer-songwriter in Northern California. He was born in San Francisco. He has released three critically acclaimed records: Shangri-La West (2000) Soul Parade (2006) and The Wilderness (2021). His next release, The Hands of Time, will be available July 14th 2023. We are excited to announce that it will also be on Blue Arrow Records. His music has been described as evocative and hopeful, a combination of poetry and storytelling. Over the years his love of various musical genres has inspired him to expand his ideas of songwriting as he continues to find a way to reflect back the realities of being alive. Rich with imagery, intelligence and passion, his music remains timeless. Its soulful accessibility is what has garnered him praise from other artists and has kept his devoted fans listening.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain welcomes Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips of LUNA. They talk about how they first met, how music found them, performing live versus the recording studio, and the volatility of the music industry. Dean shares what’s up next for them, both as a duo and as solo artists. Dean & Britta launch Ryder the Eagle to close the show and we hear about the new single and album “Autotango”. He discusses what led him to write the record and what we can expect to hear from him next. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts today!  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:44] How did music find Dean and Britta? [6:00] Do Dean and Britta write together?  [8:06] Do they ever wish they had chosen a different profession?  [10:09] Dean and Britta share about the shows they have performed.  [13:21] When did Dean and Britta meet? [15:55] What was the Hooky Wooky Tour? [19:59] What is up next for Dean and Britta? [23:49] Do they have the experience of time being too compressed?  [25:45] How do they use social media to promote their music? [29:33] Do Dean and Britta have any interest in composing for TV or film? [32:36] Ryder the Eagle joins the podcast and talks about his process of making music. [34:24] Where is Ryder from? [37:46] Ryder shares about his music that is being released soon.  [39:47] We hear Ryder’s new song Autotango. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [22:40] AI can be useful by using it to curate all the information that is at our fingertips that we waste so much time trying to sift through. If you can ask AI the right question, it can curate the information that you want to find online.   [28:32] Social media has benefits for a musician, one being that you can get your music out there affordably and it can be heard all around the world.  [37:25] For Britta, there is a big difference between singing in the studio and singing live for an audience. There is a feeling of being terrified, excited, vulnerable and exposed which gives her a big thrill.    RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Dean and Britta’s Links Dean and Britta's Website  Dean and Britta's Facebook  Dean and Britta's YouTube  Britta Phillips' Website  Dean Wareham's Website  Ryder The Eagle’s Links Ryder the Eagle Instagram  Ryder the Eagle Facebook  Ryder the Eagle Website  BIOGRAPHIES:  Dean and Britta BIO Dean & Britta are husband and wife team Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips, members of Luna. They have recorded several full-length albums and soundtracks. Their first two albums were produced by Tony Visconti (Bowie, T.Rex): L’Avventura in 2003 and Back Numbers in 2007. Their most recent release is the song “The Cloud is Coming,” which they wrote and performed for the Noah Baumbach film White Noise (they were also actors in the film). They live in Los Angeles. In addition to making records, Dean & Britta are active scoring films, notably Noah Baumbach’s The Squid & the Whale and Mistress America. They also composed songs and score for 13 Most Beautiful: Songs for Andy Warhol Screen Tests, a project commissioned by the Andy Warhol Museum, and continue to perform this multi-media show live in concert. Dean Wareham was the singer-songwriter-guitarist behind the Boston band Galaxie 500, who released three albums between 1987 and 1991. After this Dean went on to found NYC guitar band Luna, which released seven studio albums between 1992 and 2005.  Luna disbanded in 2005 but reunited in 2015 and continue to perform live. His most recent album (2021) is I Have Nothing to Say to the Mayor of L.A. Dean is also a published author — his memoir Black Postcards is a Penguin paperback. His most recent book — Hearing Voices — is a collection of selected lyrics, illustrated by artist Ed Templeton. Britta Phillips joined Luna on bass guitar in 1999, recording two albums with the band. She was formerly a member of the U.K. shoegaze band Belltower. She was also the singing voice of cartoon rocker Jem in the 1980s, and starred with Julia Roberts in Satisfaction, a film about an all-girl rock band. Britta released a solo album, Luck or Magic, in 2016.   Ryder the Eagle BIO My name is Ryder The Eagle. I was born under the sign of Cancer in the south of France and like the planets predicted, I dedicated the beginning of my life to finding true love. Two EPs, a marriage and a divorce later, I embarked on a "Follymoon", an incandescent kind of a honeymoon where loneliness meets the folly of freedom. I traveled across the USA on the Greyhound bus, lugging my microphone along sidewalks and crossings, diners, and traffic lights. I spent two years in London crafting my break-up songs and sang them all over the globe supporting Adam Green, Jonathan Bree, and a few others. I ended up in Mexico City, where I’m currently living. I’m driving an old Chevy Caprice which I don’t have insurance for. My trunk is full of memories from a past that I can’t let go. One day I went to this Scottish town called Plean, unloaded everything, and wrote nine songs about it. So if you ever need a ride, I’ve got room in the car now - and we can play my first album on the stereo. Can’t wait to meet you.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Chan Marshall of Cat Power joins Rain to introduce Linqua Franqa. Chan and Rain talk about everything from how they first met, how Cat Power was formed, the connection that music brings to people and how changing people’s perspective around money and the American Dream might  solve many of the problems we have today. Chan also shares what led her to Bob Dylan and, how activism then and now really does move the needle. Rain is then joined by Linqua Franqa to learn how they got started in music, teaching and activism and how they are all connected. At the end of the episode we hear “Wurk”, one of Linqua’s songs about Communication Workers of America, United Campus Workers of Georgia, and capitalism. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE:  [04:58] Chan describes how her, Rain and River Phoenix met. [17:51] What inspired Chan to get involved with music? [22:08] How did Chan take her music from her apartment to playing live for people? [43:52] What led Chan to start playing Bob Dylan’s music and what has it created? [53:23] Where did the American Dream come from? [57:57] How do children see the world? [58:53] What would it look like if women were voted in, how would they change the trajectory of our country?  [1:05:25] Mariah Parker, also known as Linqua Franqa, talks about the meaning of their artist name.  [1:06:11] What does Linqua do outside of music? [1:07:02] Who is Reverend James Lawson?  [1:08:50] Does Linqua agree with the fact that women in power could change our trajectory for the positive?  [1:10:46] Tune in to hear Wurk, one of Linqua’s songs about capitalism.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [50:20] Music is a way to connect with people and create community regardless of what is happening in their lives, regardless of socioeconomic status or upbringing.  [53:23] We don’t have to fall into the habit that seems to be the strongest one out there, which is to want to be rich and famous.  [56:41] We all want to be safe and happy.  [1:05:42] Linqua Franqa is a language used to communicate across cultural boundaries, as an artist, Mariah Parker wanted her music to do that, connect people across cultural boundaries.   RESOURCE LINKS:  LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link   CAT POWER LINKS: Cat Power Music Website  Cat Power Instagram Cat Power Facebook  Cat Power YouTube  Cat Power Twitter    LINQUA FRANQA LINKS: Linqua Franqa Instagram  Linqua Franqa Bandcamp Site  Linqua Franqa Facebook  Linqua Franqa Twitter    BIOGRAPHIES:  Cat Power BIO: Charlyn "Chan" Marie Marshall is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and occasional actress. She adopted the name Cat Power for her first band in 1992, and has since used the name as a moniker for all of her musical endeavors. Raised in the South primarily by her grandmother, Marshall showed interest in music at an early age, and was influenced by blues and rock'n'roll. In the early nineties, Marshall relocated to New York City, and became acquainted with Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth after opening at a show for Liz Phair. Shelley subsequently drummed on her first two albums, Dear Sir (1995) and Myra Lee (1996), both somber indie rock records featuring sparse instrumentation. After releasing several blues and folk rock-influenced albums throughout the late 1990s, Marshall released The Covers Record in 2000, which included a cover of "Sea of Love" that was featured prominently in the film Juno (2007). She released three more albums, You Are Free (2003), featuring collaborations with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder; The Greatest (2006); and Jukebox (2008). Marshall has had several endeavors in modeling, and has been cited as a muse of Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld. She made her acting debut in the film My Blueberry Nights (2007) in a minor supporting role alongside Jude Law. Her most recent record, Sun (2012) was released to critical acclaim, and entered the Billboard 200 at number 10, making it her first top-ten album in the United States.   LINQUA FRANQA BIO: Linqua Franqa is a cultural worker and emcee from Athens, Georgia. Their sophomore album, Bellringer, is also their PhD dissertation in Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia.

Ian MacKaye imbues 2024 with all goodness through his inspiring take on life and music. His knack for expressing the way he lives and what punk rock means to him dominates and radiates through this conversation with Rain. They discuss everything from spirituality to Fugazi, living life joyfully, and the importance of doing the work. We then launch The Bobby Lees and Sam shares about their decision to take a break in 2024 by highlighting the financial struggles bands face on the road. We close this special episode with THE BOBBY LEES infectious song “Radiator”.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [1:36] Rain and Ian talk about how they met each other. [10:52] All about Fugazi’s extensive archive  [17:56] Ian shares how he avoids producing trash.  [23:48] What is Ian’s belief and how does he focus on living? [37:57] What was it like growing up in Washington DC? [40:36] What led Ian to live in a way that doesn't compare and despair or make judgments about others? [48:35] How can you find and create joy in the despair that is also happening in life?  [55:15] How does Ian go about “selling” his music? [1:00:04] How did Ian learn to roll with the ups and downs of life? [1:19:17] Rain welcomes Sam from The Bobby Lees. [1:19:58] Did The Bobby Lees really play their last show? [1:24:00] What is Sam’s plan for 2024 since they won’t be touring? [1:26:32] How did music find Sam originally?  [1:27:56] What was the point that Sam realized she wanted to make music?  [1:30:57] Does Sam have any advice for young or up and coming artists? [1:33:02] Listen to “Radiator” by The Bobby Lees.   Watch the interview on YouTube. Listen to “Radiator by The Bobby Lees on YouTube. Connect with The Bobby Lees on Instagram    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [20:09] There are warehouses filled with records that were never sold, and they are just sitting there as trash/product waste. [46:19] Let’s not forget that life is rich, there’s so many good people are doing so many incredible things all over the world every day.  [48:34] There will always be pain and beauty happening simultaneously. You can choose to focus on the pain and suffering which pushes into the negative, but you also need to create joy because that's how to balance the energy.  [1:23:33] It’s hard to be a US band on the road and break even financially.    RESOURCE LINKS LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link  Ian MacKaye Ian MacKaye Wikipedia  Ian MacKay Dischord Site  Dischord Website  Fugazi Live Series: A to Z The Bobby Lees The Bobby Lees Website  The Bobby Lees Instagram  The Bobby Lees Facebook   BIOGRAPHY:  Ian Mackaye founded Dischord Records as a teenager in 1980 with partner Jeff Nelson. Their original intent was simply to release a single to document their recently defunct band, Teen Idles. However, the label has gone on to release music from more than 60 bands, with more than 160 albums over the last 25 years and counting. As musicians Ian and Jeff went on to form Minor Threat, who along with Bad Brains are credited in the early 80s with introducing the D.C. hardcore ethic to an audience well beyond Washington, D.C. In 1986, Ian formed Fugazi with Joe Lally, Brendan Canty and Guy Picciotto. Over 20+ years the band has released seven albums and toured the world extensively covering all fifty United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Japan and many points in between. Fugazi is self managed and maintains a policy of affordable access to their work through low record and ticket prices and all concerts are all-ages. In 2003 Fugazi decided to take an indefinite hiatus from recording and touring as young families and other priorities began to take center stage. Since 2001, Ian has played in The Evens, a duo with Amy Farina. The Evens revel in short-circuiting the conventions of rock music and perform mostly in non-traditional music spaces — libraries, art spaces, schools, theaters, etc. They have released two albums and have toured extensively in North America, Europe, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Ian has also been taking on speaking engagements, delivering talks that take the form of informal Question and Answer sessions.

Mike Mills of R.E.M. joins Rain to introduce The Lemon Twigs. Mike and the sibling duo, Brian and Michael, who make up The Lemon Twigs, prioritize harmony in their musical style. In today's conversation, Mike and Rain delve into politics, exploring how political language and ideas can create division within a family. Mike shares a personal anecdote about discussing with his uncle, each taking a different side. However, Mike developed a rule that they must hug and express love at the end of their conversations. Additionally, Mike imparts valuable advice to aspiring artists.   IN THIS EPISODE: [1:47] Mike Mills from R.E.M. discusses his last tour, his family and his journey in music.  [7:21] Mike discusses politics in general and in the state of Florida.  [11:51] Rain reflects on getting to sing with R.E.M. years ago.  [14:21] Mike talks about the baseball project, and he discusses how he learned to play the piano.  [18:31] Mike discusses the different instruments he plays and the decisions the band made to keep them together.  [27:28] Mike advises up-and-coming artists.  [29:54] The Lemon Twigs are launched, and discuss making music with Mike.  [40:31] Michael and Brian discuss what is coming up next, and listeners are treated to hear their song “In My Head” from the album “Everything Harmony”.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [8:47] Families from different political parties can have opposite opinions and political ideas but agree the disagreement will end in love. [14:14] The baseball project booked 19 shows in 21 days.  [18:31] Keeping a band together is challenging, but Mike tells how R.E.M. did it.   RESOURCE LINKS LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link  The Lemon Twigs - Bio and Website The Lemon Twigs - Instagram The Lemon Twigs - Twitter The Lemon Twigs - Facebook  

Tune in to today's episode of LaunchLeft, where Rain Phoenix is joined by MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger to launch Johanna Samuels. Rain and MC engage in conversations about the artistic process, exploring how the emotions and creativity of artists contribute to the final musical outcomes. They agree on the irreplaceable human element in music creation and songwriting, asserting that AI will never replicate this human touch. Johanna and MC recount their initial meeting, her new record, and the importance of a songwriters community. Listen to the end to hear Johanna's powerful song "Holy Mother." -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:OO] MC Taylor speaks about the inspiration for his music and his roots.  [07:35] He discusses the passion and process of creating music.  [10:27] MC Taylor talks about AI and its role in creativity. [14:00] MC Taylor shares how he and Johanna met, and they all discuss playing in smaller local venues in the LA area. [18:21] Johanna describes what her future schedule will be and discovers the “why” of what she is doing. [21:52] MC Taylor talks about his current state of happiness, how that has affected his recent writing, and how he’s feeling now. [33:15] Johanna describes her innermost feelings about music.  [35:38]  Listen to Johanna as she sings Holy Mother.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists are influenced by their emotions and world events. They want to be able to write from their heart and not by what they are directed to write. MC Taylor would rather create his music, which fluctuates financially, than secure jobs he hates. AI fails to enable the humanity of music creation due to the absence of emotion in the creative process.   BIOGRAPHIES:  HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER “I went looking for peace,” says songwriter M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger about his new album Quietly Blowing It, out June 25, 2021, on Merge Records. “It’s not exactly a record about the state of the world—or my world—in 2020, but more a retrospective of the past five years of my life, painted in sort of impressionistic hues. Maybe I had the presence of mind when I was writing Quietly Blowing It to know that this was the time to go as deep as I needed to in order to make a record like this. And I got the time required in order to do that.” He pauses and laughs ruefully. “I got way more time than I needed, actually.”Quietly Blowing It was written and arranged by Taylor in his home studio—his 8’ × 10’ sanctuary packed floor to ceiling with books, records, and old guitars—as he watched the chaotic world spin outside his window. “Writing became a daily routine,” he explains, “and that was a ballast for me. Having spent so much time on the road over the past ten years, where writing consistently with any kind of flow can be tricky, it felt refreshing. And being in my studio, which is both isolated from and totally connected to the life of my family, felt appropriate for these songs.” Between March and June, Taylor wrote and recorded upwards of two dozen songs—in most cases playing all of the instruments himself— before winnowing the collection down and bringing them to the Hiss band. In July, the musicians, with Taylor in the production seat, went into Overdub Lane in Durham, NC, for a week, where they recorded Quietly Blowing It as an organic unit honed to a fine edge from their years together on the road. “We all needed to be making that music together,” he recalls. “We’ve all spent so many years traveling all over the world, but in that moment, it felt cathartic to be recording those particular songs with each other in our own small hometown.”Throughout Quietly Blowing It, Taylor brings his keen eye to our “broken American moment”—as he first sang on Hiss Golden Messenger’s critically acclaimed, GRAMMY ® - nominated Terms of Surrender—in ways that feel devastatingly intimate and human. Beginning with the wanderer’s lament of “Way Back in the Way Back,” with its rallying cry of “Up with the mountains, down with the system,” Taylor carries the listener on a musical journey that continually returns to themes of growing up, loss, obligation, and labor with piercing clarity, and his musical influences—including classic Southern soul and gospel, renegade country, and spiritual jazz—have never felt more genuine. Indeed, Quietly Blowing It is a distillation of the rolling Hiss Golden Messenger groove, from the rollicking, Allman-esque “The Great Mystifier” to the chiming falsetto soul of “It Will If We Let It,” to the smoky, shuffling title track with its bittersweet guitar assist from Nashville legend Buddy Miller. The album ends with soulful lead single “Sanctuary,” a song about trying to reconcile tragedy and joy, with references to John Prine (“Handsome Johnny had to go, child...”), economic disparity, and the redemptive quality of hope. Indeed, when he sings, “Feeling bad, feeling blue, can’t get out of my own mind; but I know how to sing about it,” it feels like the album’s spiritual thesis. Throughout Quietly Blowing It, Taylor reckons with the tumultuous present in wholly personal terms, encouraging listeners to do the same. “These songs always circle back to the things that I feel like I have a handle on and the things that I’m not proud of about myself. When I think of the phrase ‘quietly blowing it,’ I think of all the ways that I’ve misstepped, misused my gifts, miscommunicated. ‘Born on the level, quietly blowing it.’ That’s what’s on my mind there. Always fuckin’ up in little ways.”Surrounding himself with a trusted cast of collaborators that includes Miller, songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, songwriter and Tony Award–winning playwright Anaïs Mitchell, multi-instrumentalist Josh Kaufman, Dawes’ brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, and his oldest musical confidant Scott Hirsch, Taylor has made his most audacious and hopeful work yet with Quietly Blowing It; it’s an album that speaks personal truth to this moment in which the old models of being feel broken and everything feels at stake. “I don’t know that the peace that I crave when I’m far from home exists, actually,” says Taylor. “It’s more complicated. I still don’t know what peace means for me because I can be sitting on the couch watching a movie with my family and be completely tangled up in my head. But if I keep on doing my own personal work on myself—writing records like Quietly Blowing It—I have to think that I’m getting closer.”JOHANNA SAMUELS  Johanna Samuels is broadening the confines of pop music. The New York and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter’s work is lyrically and melodically driven, singing about the depths and dualities of life with her unique bell-like voice. With her deep understanding and reverence for the musical greats of the 1960s and 70s, Samuels has created a sound and musical place that is all her own - and invites you in. Her debut album “Excelsior!” (2021), produced by Sam Evian and released by Mamabird Recording Co., garnered praise for its lush beauty and complex explorations. NPR described Johanna’s music as "...so compulsively listenable, and so smart in the way she assesses space and communication, it's just brilliant...what a voice." Johanna’s recent release EP "Scam Likely," produced by Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, The National, Bob Weir and Hiss Golden Messenger...) with collaborations with Fruit Bats is just a taste of what's to come. Her forthcoming work, sophomore LP "Bystander,” also produced by Kaufman, will be released in June 2023. Samuels has shared stages with artists such as Faye Webster, Madison Cunningham, The Hold Steady, Bonny Light Horseman, Lomelda, Courtney Marie Andrews, Tallest Man on Earth, Fruit Bats, Anaïs Mitchell, Cassandra Jenkins, Haley Heynderickx, Buck Meek, Sam Evian, Sean & Sara Watkins and more.   RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER LINKS: Hiss Golden Messenger - Website Hiss Golden Messenger - Email Hiss Golden Messenger - Instagram Hiss Golden Messenger - Twitter Hiss Golden Messenger - Facebook Hiss Golden Messenger - YouTube Hiss Golden Messenger - SoundCloud Hiss Golden Messenger - BandCamp JOHANNA SAMUELS LINKS: Johanna Samuels - Website Johanna Samuels - Instagram  Johanna Samuels - Twitter Johanna Samuels - Facebook Johanna Samuels Music - Facebook Johanna Samuels - Bandcamp  

Join Rain on LaunchLeft today as they welcome Oscar-nominated Son Lux to kick off Qasim Naqvi's launch. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Ryan, Ian, Rafiq, and Qasim Naqvi as they discuss their unique experiences and creative processes in music-making. This versatile group excels as a live band, studio recording artists, and composers, embracing various aspects of the art they cherish. As a special treat, you'll have the privilege of hearing Qasim Naqvi's captivating performance of "The Curve" at the end of the episode. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:23] Ryan tells how he and Rafiq came to collaborate.  [08:25] Ian explains how they became composers for Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.  [10:26] Rafiq shares what they have been working on recently.  [12:39] Ryan comments on the reward versus the work and how the work won out.  [17:42] Qasim Naqvi reveals how he met the members of Son Lux, and they all reflect on their times together.  [25:02] Ryan talks about how their music is visual, and Qasim Naquiv discusses the modular synthesis while they land on making music with what they have.  [40:03] Listen to “The Curve” by Qasim Naqvi.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  The difference between performing on stage and recording in a studio is night-and-day. When you find like-minded artists who appreciate each other's talents, you have a winning combination. Sometimes it’s the accident that makes the music. It’s called working with what you have.   BIOGRAPHIES::  SON LUX BIO: From the start, Son Lux has operated as something akin to a sonic test kitchen. The Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated band strives to question deeply held assumptions about how music is made and reconstruct it from a molecular level. What began as a solo project for founder Ryan Lott expanded in 2014, thanks to a kinship with Ian Chang and Rafiq Bhatia too strong to ignore. The trio strengthened their chemistry and honed their collective intuition while creating, releasing, and touring six recordings, including Brighter Wounds (2018) and the triple album Tomorrows (2021). The result is a carefully cultivated musical language rooted in curiosity and balancing opposites that largely eschews genre and structural conventions. And yet, the band remains audibly indebted to iconoclastic artists in soul, hip-hop, and experimental improvisation who themselves carved new paths forward. Distilling these varied influences, Son Lux searches for an equilibrium of raw emotional intimacy and meticulous electronic constructions. Son Lux has most recently scored the new Daniels film for A24, Everything Everywhere All at Once (March 2022). The full score album features new collaborations with Mitski, David Byrne, Randy Newman, and Moses Sumney, among others. Based in New York, Rafiq Bhatia is the first-generation American son of Muslim immigrant parents who trace their ancestry to India through East Africa. Early influences such as Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, and Madlib—as well as mentors and collaborators including Vijay Iyer and Billy Hart—prompted him to see music as a way to actively shape and represent his own identity, not limited by anyone else’s prescribed perspective. When Ian Chang describes his creative process, the phrase "third culture” keeps coming up. Born in the colony of Hong Kong in 1988, Chang has lived a nomadic life. Stationed out of New York for ten years and since relocated to Dallas, Texas, he built an impressive roster of progressive pop collaborators such as Moses Sumney, Joan As Policewoman, and Matthew Dear, among others, all while performing internationally and recording as a member of Son Lux and Landlady. Ryan Lott makes his home in Los Angeles but grew up all over the United States. Music was the one constant in his formative years spent at the piano. In addition to an extensive career writing music for dance, he has become a sought-after composer for advertising, television, and film. Lott’s feature film credits include The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014), Paper Towns (2015), and Mean Dreams (2017). He has co-produced and co-written music for and with Woodkid, Sufjan Stevens, and Lorde.   BIOGRAPHY: QASIM NAQVI  Qasim Naqvi is a drummer and founding member of Dawn of Midi. Outside of his role in D.O.M., Qasim works on various projects, from electronic music to composing for orchestras, chamber groups, dance and film.  His concert music has been performed/commissioned by The BBC Concert Orchestra, Jennifer Koh, The London Contemporary Orchestra, Stargaze, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Crash Ensemble, The Now Ensemble, The Erebus Ensemble, yMusic, The Helsinki Chamber Choir, Alexander Whitley, Cikada, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra(MusicNOW Season) and others. He has been a featured composer at the Musica Nova Festival in Helsinki, the Spitalfields Festival in London, Ultima Festival, Southbank Centre and the Rest is Noise Festival in Holland.   Qasim's soundtracks for the film have appeared on HBO, NBC, PBS, Showtime, New York Times Op-Docs, VICE Media, at The Tribeca, Sundance, Toronto, Rotterdam and London Film Festivals, at dOCUMENTA 13 and 14, The Guggenheim Museum, The Tate Britain (Turner Prize 2018), MOMA P.S. 1, IDFA, Berlinale and others. He has worked with such notable filmmakers as Laura Poitras, Mariam Ghani, Marc Levin, Naeem Mohaiemen, Smriti Keshari, Prashant Bhargava and Erin Heidenreich. Acoustic trio Dawn of Midi has released two albums. Their most recent Dysnomia was acclaimed by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Spin, The Guardian and the New Yorker. Radiohead personally picked Dawn of Midi as their support band for two sold-out concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden for their Moon Shaped Pool tour.    Qasim earned his B.F.A in performance from the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music program and his M.F.A in composition and performance from California Institute of the Arts. He studied drums and performance with Andrew Cyrille, Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, Ralph Peterson Jr., Charlie Haden and Rashied Ali and composition with Wolfgang von Schweinitz, James Tenney, Morton Subotnick, Marc Sabat, Wadada Leo Smith, Michael Jon Fink and Anne LeBaron. He is a 2016 N.Y.F.A Fellow in Music and Sound and has received other fellowships and awards from Chamber Music America, The Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Mid-Atlantic Arts Council, Harvest Works, The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, S.T.E.I.M. and Art OMI. Presently, Qasim lives in Brooklyn, New York and works on various projects as a freelance composer and drummer. He is represented by Erased Tapes Publishing.   RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft   SON LUX LINKS: Son Lux Music - Website Son Lux - Instagram Son Lux - Twitter Son Lux - Facebook Son Lux - YouTube Son Lux - Soundcloud   QASIM NAQVI LINKS: Qasim Naqvi - Website Qasim Naqvi - Instagram Qasim Naqvi - Twitter Qasim Naqvi - Bandcamp  

Rain welcomes Jim White who launches Ane Diaz today on LaunchLeft. Jim and Ane have an interesting history of 20 years, culminating in collaborating in the recording studio for her new record Despechada. Jim's ascent to fame followed an unconventional route that few artists experience. An author, composer and musician, Jim shares how David Byrne had a lot to do with lifting him up early in his career. Hailing from Venezuela, Ane possesses a captivating narrative behind the music she brings to life, the process of working with Jim and co-producer Paul Fonfara in the studio, and how she came to release Despechada on LaunchLeft’s label. Tune in to hear about the journey of these two talented individuals and stay to the end for the inspired song 'Carmela'. Album Ane Diaz Despechada: https://ingrv.es/despechada-6x4-m -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:57] Jim explains how he fell into the art of music and the other visual arts he’s explored.  [10:18] Jim talks about his unique sound, the people who formed his career and the breaks he got early on in his career.  [15:00] Jim shares how he and Ane met and how all the parts came together magically to produce her music.  [30:00] Ane is excited to share Venezuelan folk songs with people who are not Latino.  [31:42] The story of Yma Sumak.  [34:48] Ane shares her love for Venezuela and the history of the music, and she also reflects on the experience of working with Jim.  [40:29] The group discusses how the arts are funded in different parts of the world and Minnesota. The show closes with Carmela by Ane Diaz.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Often, you don’t need to understand the language of the art. You can feel the expression of what it is saying.  It’s exciting to work with musicians who are willing to work outside of their comfort zone. Towns that invest in the arts thrive because they bring people who want to live there and visit.  BIOGRAPHY:  “Despechada means heartbroken or without your soul,” explained Ane Díaz about the title of her evocative new album, out June 9th via LaunchLeft. “It’s a very powerful word used for love affairs, but that’s also how I feel about losing my country.” The beloved homeland that inspired Díaz is her birthplace of Caracas, Venezuela, where she was first exposed to the music she would go on to reimagine for Despechada. And while she moved to the United States decades ago, and carved her own path in the alternative music scene, now she is melodiously facing her innate homesickness with these songs, handpicked by her mother, on an intimate Venezuelan folk LP. The result is a sonically lush and lyrically nostalgic journey through her heritage.    “For people that lose their country, there’s always this sadness — this thing you can’t go back to,” said the singer and multi-instrumentalist. “That’s why I called it Despechada. “As time has passed, my memory of my country is fading. It’s almost like a loved one you’ve lost. I don’t want to forget their face or forget how they felt. So it’s this fear of losing my country that made me record this album.” The new record is being released by Rain Phoenix’s LaunchLeft, a Los Angeles-based label. Phoenix met Díaz in the late ‘80s in Gainesville, Florida’s thriving music scene. Their then-bands shared countless bills and even toured together. During the 1990s, Phoenix and Díaz connected again in The Causey Way, a punk-rock band on Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles label. By 2001, Diaz had formed her own band, Producto, comprising original songs sung in both English and Spanish. Along the way, her dynamic discography has earned praise from the likes of Jonathan Richman of The Modern Lovers (with whom she opened for in 2018) and Michael Stipe of R.E.M.  Looking back, Díaz said the long road through the American underground is what ultimately led her back to her Venezuelan roots. “After I went through a few genres, I realized, ‘this is me,’” Díaz reflected. “It’s my bliss. It’s really where my voice lives.” Aiding in the production, mixing and mastering of Despechada are Jim White, Paul Fonfara and John Keane. “I approached Jim White because his music is exactly what I wanted for these songs,” Díaz said. White is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, visual artist and author. “He understands sounds that are non-traditional. He knows how to create sounds with tin cans and forks ... it’s a super organic feeling. I wanted him to help create an environment that wasn’t anywhere else, something altogether unique in regard to these traditional folk songs, and I think he masterfully delivered. ” Her family roots are further utilized through the album’s cover art, which features a painting by her brother Miguel. “We have the same nostalgia, he and I. You can see it in his paintings,” Díaz said. “This one is really beautiful. It’s my cousin Vanessa sleeping.” Though, that sense of family is something that pervades her work on Despechada — just ask her old friend Michael Stipe, who said this about her catalog: “To meet her, to see her perform, to hear her music, to hear her voice ... you sense something,” Stipe said. “There is a familiarity; there’s that kind of thing. That electric pulling … that you feel when amongst family.”  Despechada TRACKLIST: Clavelito Colorado  Pueblos Tristes Mi Nostalgia El Colibri Carmela Fulgida Luna Mi Negra Angelitos Negros  Sombra De Los Medanos  Duerme Negrito RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft Jim White Music - Website Jim White - Facebook Ane Diaz Music - Website Ane Diaz - Instagram Ane Diaz - Twitter

Rain welcomes Peaches to launch Isis Salam on LaunchLeft Podcast today. Peaches describes her performing style and explains why humor is an effective way to reach an audience. Peaches also shares her journey into the music realm as an independent artist- then Isis and Peaches talk about how they met and why they bonded. Stay till the end to hear Isis Salam’s track “Free D Hard Way”.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:19] Peaches reflects on how she was perceived and why she embraces humor.  [05:11] Peaches talks about the difficulties she experienced when she started her career.  [08:50] Peaches shares her childhood and early adult experiences.  [18:19] Isis talks about how she and Peaches met and how she influenced her.  [22:13] What would Isis do if she had unlimited cash to create something and a discussion about the culture we live in.  [28:51] Peaches and Isis give their parting thoughts and introduce the soundtrack of Isis's track called Free The Hard Way.    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  It takes courage to pioneer a new path in music or any art form. The culture we live in needs music to draw us all together. Canada and Germany offer grants for musicians and artists that the United States does not provide.   RESOURCE LINKS LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link    Teaches of Peaches - Website Peaches - Instagram Peaches - Facebook Peaches - Twitter Peaches - YouTube   Isis Salam - Soundcloud Isis Salam - Instagram Isis Salam - Twitter Isis Salam - Auset Records Isis Salam - Facebook  

Rain welcomes Jim James to LaunchLeft today, where he launches Jenny O. Jim shares his history with Jenny O. and discusses her distinct musical style. In addition, they delve into Jim's band and the vital role that effective communication between its members has contributed to its success. They also explore the challenges of touring, being away from loved ones, and fatigue. This episode is fast, fun, and informative. Don’t miss it. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:49] Jim shares what the communication is like between the band  members and how they are authentic and open with each other.  [03:04] Jim reflects on his childhood and how watching the Muppet Show influenced his career.  [06:10] Jim tells how he met Jenny O. and they discuss her catalog.  [10:50] Jenny O. discusses touring versus the studio, and she shares the difficulty of touring and not having the same bands from venue to venue.  [16:32] Rain raised the topic of having grants to support artists like other countries do, and Jim discusses the importance of music in the world.  [18:57] Jenny O. desires to have her music help people and enlighten the world, infusing it with joy.  [24:06] Jenny O. asks Jim what brings him the most joy KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Communication is essential in having great working relationships. Playing music without the driving force of producing a song is therapeutic.  Music can be healing for the soul. Touring is difficult when you don’t have the same band at every venue. It is easier to stay in the studio as a solo artist if they cannot tour with their band. RESOURCE LINKS: Podcast - LaunchLeft Jim James - Website My Morning Jacket - Website Jim James - Instagram My Morning Jacket - Instagram Jim James - Twitter My Morning Jacket - Twitter Jim James - Facebook My Morning Jacket - Facebook Jim James Music- YouTube My Morning Jacket - YouTube My Morning Jacket - TikTok   Jenny O - Website Jenny O - Instagram Jenny O - Twitter Jenny O Music - Facebook Jenny O - YouTube Jenny O - TikTok Jenny O - BandCamp

Rain welcomes John Vanderslice to LaunchLeft today.  John launches Spacemoth, and together we discuss how getting away from the handbook and taking risks can make a lasting piece of art. John doesn’t hold back on his views of creativity, production, artists' treatment, and more. Spacemoth joins in to discuss recording studios and her music. Stay tuned to the end to hear Spacemoth’s vibey track ‘UFO Bird’.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:08]John discusses his journey through what, how and why he writes his music.  [07:28] What two artists inspired John to step out of his comfort zone.  [10:27] John’s examples of ‘whatever it takes to get by’.  [11:55] John talks about his collection of instruments.  [13:57] What would John do if he ever stopped making music?  [17:31] What non-attachment means to John and how grieving informs an artist.  [20:29] How John spends his time in and out of the studio and his views of this creative art.  [27:51] Spacemoth talks about finding Tiny Telephone and the different vibes in studios.  [36:40] Listen to Spacemoth’s song “UFO Bird” from the album, No Past No Future.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists must always find something inspiring. They are constantly looking for gems in music and others. Sometimes when “accidents” happen in the studio, they can result in fantastic music. Collaboration in music is the key to making lasting records while the artists have fun and find joy in making them.   BIOGRAPHY:  The Reintroduction of John Vanderslice by Grayson Haver Currin Nearly 20 years ago, or just after the start of this century, John Vanderslice made some of his generation’s most masterful singer-songwriter records. Life and Death of an American Four-Tracker, Cellar Door, Pixel Revolt: Every year or so, he’d release another set of engrossing songs set expertly on edge, vulnerable excavations animated by a new dawn of endless-war unrest. Those albums sounded like little else, each blown-out drum line or warped calliope melody or sun-baked synthesizer layer a testament to Vanderslice’s laborious process and tireless ingenuity. (There were rumors, possibly true, he once cut 500 hours of tape for a single album.) This dovetailed, of course, with his emergence as a keen analog revivalist and the proprietor of one of the best studios in the country, San Francisco’s Tiny Telephone. But on a sunny winter day in his gently sloped Los Angeles backyard, feet from the little green cabin where he now makes music, Vanderslice beams as he disavows all of it. “I went from this scrappy dude who wanted to own a studio to someone able to record in a big room with a full orchestra, like fucking Frank Sinatra, the end result of an obsession with songwriting,” he says of his maximalist apogee, 2011’s White Wilderness, brushing hair so blonde it sometimes seems white from his suddenly trenched brow. “I should have wrapped it up right there—no more tape, no more reel-to-reel, no more linear format. Let’s blow it up. It took me a long time to learn how.” Let’s round it, in fact, to a dozen years: Crystals 3.0—the culmination of a span of ecstatic experimentation with harsh noise and hard drugs, curious samples and cascading sequencers—is both a new pinnacle for Vanderslice and the manifestation of a revelatory outlook. A seamless 19-minute sequence of melodies so memorable they belong in an ice cream truck, static bursts so meticulous they belong on a Merzbow tribute and beats so spring-loaded they belong on a trap record, Crystals 3.0 applies the unencumbered enthusiasm of vintage Vanderslice records to his ideas about breaking old molds, about avoiding easy interpretation. “Songwriting is inherently conservative, and I just don’t have the mindset to write something like ‘Exodus Damage’ again,” Vanderslice, now 55, says, grinning broadly in his contagious way. “I want to make music that poses more questions than it answers.” The essential elements here are nothing unprecedented for Vanderslice. He was, after all, the sample guy in his acclaimed band of ’90s weirdos, MK Ultra, and his approach to crosshatching rhythms and hooks in playful patterns betrayed a love of hip-hop and electronica at least since 2004’s Cellar Door. During pandemic lockdowns, though, a budding fascination led him to embrace those elements unabashedly—drugs, from acid and coke to mushrooms and MDMA. After years as the songwriter who didn’t drink on tour for fear of how it might impact his craft, the spoils of a libertine Los Angeles became distinct tools, allowing him to tunnel into his creativity in distinct ways. He would build electronic trances on ecstasy or up the mushrooms on recording days, looking for unimagined connections. During 2022, Vanderslice would often sit in his backyard studio in some pleasant psychedelic state and work while a film—maybe something by the Maysles Brothers or Frederick Wiseman—played in the background. If something caught his ear, he’d often weave it into the music, using the distortion inherent in those decades-old documentaries to counter the rigidly clean tones of digital instruments. No context, just the serendipity of overlapping moments. Those samples populate Crystals 3.0 like reawakened ghosts, maybe guests of honor at one of the drug parties Vanderslice throws in the backyard with his partner, Maria. The whole dense little record feels like a distilled fête, its 13 overlapping tracks functioning as fragments from conversations and encounters. Bits of singing that might have fit on Pixel Revolt about sequences that Chicks on Speed would have loved; celebrations of jungle drums run into sunken-keyboard miasmas, like an old friend pulling you aside to deliver some bad news. Vanderslice spent a year building, sorting, and stitching together these pieces; despite the brevity, you may spend just as long trying to unpack every layer, and decode every secret. It is no mystery that the music Vanderslice made at the start of this century is no longer in supreme vogue, not a source of major cachet. He’s not only OK with that but also invigorated by it, the way it permits him to pursue whatever excites him. When he talks about music, he hopscotches between modern rappers and classical composers, abrasive producers and Charles Mingus, beaming as he goes. He gloats about one day dying broke, about creating with no master plan except what’s right in front of him. “You have to move on to more challenging silos,” he says, “or you’re just going to be a boring fucking artist.” Named for a novel method of synthesizing pure LSD, Crystals 3.0 overflows with youthful vim, the sense that to settle into an old pattern is to be dead already. If you have previously loved John Vanderslice, you will hear him here instantly, whether it’s that familiar warble during “Crystals 26” or the way he cavorts with hooks. If you’ve never known him, you will instead instantly hear a mind on post-modern fire, trying, like always, to make sense of our modern mess. This side of John Vanderslice’s sound hid in plain sight for two decades on records that remain essential because of those very interests; it has never sounded more full, dauntless, or thrilling than on Crystals 3.0.   RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft John Vanderslice - Website John Vanderslice - Twitter John Vanderslice - Facebook John Vanderslice - Instagram John Vanderslice - Bandcamp - Website John Vanderslice - Wikipedia Spacemoth - Website Spacemoth - Bandcamp - Website Spacemoth - Instagram Spacemoth - Twitter Spacemoth - YouTube

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alex Ebert joins LaunchLeft and launches Try. Is there such a thing as a “happy accident?” Can a human fail in ways AI cannot? Tune in for thoughtful conversation with Rain, Alex and Sam i + Shmuck the Loyal from Try. Try music was born during the pandemic, and you will hear about their new, innovative, and creative process. Listen to the end to hear Try’s music and the full lively conversation between these award winning artists. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:49] Alex describes what drew him to New Orleans [05:03] Alex gives the definition of AI, the limitless possibilities of AI and what artists need to do to stay a step ahead.  [16:12] Sam i and Shmuck the Loyal began their collaboration during the pandemic.  [18:33] Shmuck describes the process of working remotely and how they took advantage of what most would say is a disadvantaged situation.  [22:25] Humans can work within limitations, and AI cannot. That allows for happy accidents.  [23:21] Shmuck and Sam i reveal their new project and speak about the unusual process of producing their music.  [27:34] How music and legacy have changed for Alex and Sam i after having children.  [34:41] Sam i and Shmuck talk about the fun and joy of making music.  [39:50] The music of Try.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists are fallible, whereas AI is not. Our achievements going forward will be because of human mistakes. AI will need to catch up to those happy accidents.  The pandemic was a creative time for artists who recognized the advantages of time alone to create. Your life can be music, or music can be a part of your life. So take time to see the art in nature and other people. BIOS:  Alexander Ebert is an American singer-songwriter and composer. He is best known for being the lead singer and songwriter for the American bands Ima Robot and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. On January 12, 2014, Ebert won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score for his musical score to the film All Is Lost (2013).   Shmuck the Loyal is an experimental music producer based out of Nashville, TN. His idealistic approach to production is driven by the pursuance of maximalism and a deeper, more emotive side of electronica. After a stint of exclusively focusing on working for artists such as , ,  and others, Shmuck developed a finely tuned project that defines his most realized creative self. The diversity and versatility that he showcases during this project superbly highlights his talents as an upcoming electronic music artist. His music and visuals showcase the overlay of his passions for music, film and car culture.   Grammy-nominated producer, DJ, composer, music director and film director Sam i is a multifaceted artist. His latest album, Random Shit From The Internet Era, features collaborations with Doja Cat, Anderson .Paak, Tropkillaz, Sia, Busta Rhymes and more. His recently released single, Shake feat. Alex Greenwald of Phantom Planet fuses alt-pop vocals with disco, funk and electro-pop and features a remix by French Ed Banger legend Breakbot. Sam i's music has been used in countless films, TV and commercials. Most recently, Suéltate feat. Anitta, BIA & Jarina De Marco has been the focus track for Sing 2, charting in Brazil and gaining momentum around the world. With his recently retired DJ duo N.A.S.A., Sam collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, M.I.A., Childish Gambino, David Byrne, George Clinton, Lykke Li and many more. He's also produced artists like Lizzo, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Crystal Castles, and Fatlip. RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft Alex Ebert - Twitter Alex Ebert - Instagram Alex Ebert - Facebook Alex Ebert - YouTube Alex Ebert - Wikipedia Alex Ebert - Badguru Trymusic - Instagram Trymusic - Twitter Sam_i_universe - Instagram Shumck the Loyal - Instagram Shumck the Loyal - Facebook Shumck the Loyal - SoundcloudSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founding member of pioneering band The Raincoats, Gina Birch joins LaunchLeft to discuss the independence she has shown throughout her career, her love of the arts and the transformative impact creativity has had on her life. Gina’s new album, I Play My Bass Loud, dropped on February 24th on Third Man Records. Gina pays it forward by launching Tianna Esperanza and her fantastic debut record Terror. The granddaughter of The Slit's Palmolive, Tianna embodies a depth of talent and heart well beyond her years. Tune in to hear vibrant conversations and excitement from these two talented artists.   -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [00:47] Gina shares how she came to write her record and tells us about her inspiration to paint and make Super 8 films.  [08:42] Gina talks about her art and how it reflects a time of abuse in her teenage years. She also expresses her views about the current generation and how difficult it must be for them.  [17:00] Having humor in her work is very healing, and Gina shares an example of that in her song, Feminist Song. [19:53] Gina explains how she came to know Tianna.  [24.37] Tianna reflects on her creative passions and how she landed a music career. She also shared that it was not her famous grandmother that led her into music, but her love of writing and poetry.  [29:23] Tianna talks about her dreams and aspirations and her desire to write with a variety of artists. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artistic individuals often can take several career paths because of their raw talent. Circumstances surrounding an artist frequently develop that passion and are expressed in their medium. You are never too old or too young to follow your artistic flair. BIOS:  GINA BIRCH Gina Birch is a founder member and songwriter of pioneering post punk band The Raincoats. Over 4 albums, The Raincoats helped shape the timeless notion that punk is what you make it to be – an act of raw expression, not any one sound. They set a crucial precedent for feminist work within a DIY punk context. Gina has made videos and super 8 films, performance art, played with Red Crayola /Art and Language, and among many other achievements she has been raising two daughters with her husband Mike. Birch has been painting solidly for four years. TIANNA ESPERANZA Tianna Esperanza is a singer/songwriter who embodies a depth of talent and heart well beyond her years. Her music has been described as having hints of Sade, Public Enemy, and Gil Scott-Heron. Tianna is known for her personally inspired lyrics with roaring protest undertones, making for a powerful and unforgettable experience. RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft Tianna Esperanza - Website Tianna Esperanza - Instagram Gina Birch - Website Gina Birch - InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Lee and Ione Skye join this episode of LaunchLeft. They discuss how a couple can work together and thrive, activism, and quantifying success. Later in the show, Ben and Ione Skye launch Emily Wurramara, an Australian songwriter who composes her music in English and her native indigenous language. She performs her song “Stay the Fuck Away from Me” acoustic to close this genuinely inspiring episode.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:34] Rain, Ben, and Ione catch up on New Year’s activities and how going through the pandemic has made them appreciate being able to socialize once more.  [05:32] Ben and Ione discuss how they decided to make their podcast called Weirder Together.  [15:03] The couple shares their beliefs on what success looks like.  [27:20] What brought Ben and Ione together as a couple, and with what topics are they socially active? How can those topics impact you negatively on social media?  [36:41] Why Ben feels responsible for young artists giving them a hand up, as was done for him.  40:05] Ben introduces Emily Wurramara. Emily performs a song at the end of the episode.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  LaunchLeft’s mission is to highlight and empower artists and give them a platform to launch their careers. There is a cultural brainwashing that holds to the tenant that if you are rich, you are successful.  However, the flip side of that coin is, are you happy and enjoying life?  Shouldn’t you enjoy the process and not only concentrate on the reward? Collaboration can be painful, but it can produce a better product when people from diverse situations and ideas come together to form an exciting product better than one person could do alone.  RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft Website - Emily Wurramara Facebook - Emily Wurramara Instagram - Emily Wurramara BIO:  Originating from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, the AIR award-winning and ARIA-nominated artist released an 11-track album Milyakburra, educating and informing in both English and Anindilyakwa languages. The critically acclaimed 2018 album features the emotive Lady Blue (over 6.5 million Spotify streams) and Black Smoke, amassing over 1.2 million Spotify streams and rotation on Triple J, ABC Local, and ten weeks in the AMRAP charts. Emily has performed on many global stages, including Woodford Folk Festival, Bluesfest, TEDX Sydney, GARMA, Port Fairy Folk Festival, BIGSOUND, and International Folk Alliance showcase in Kansas, Canada, and New Orleans, as well as shows in Chicago, New York, Paris and across so-called Australia. She has toured and played with iconic artists, including Archie Roach, Mavis Staples, John Farnham, Busby Marou, Coloured Stones, Missy Higgins, Shellie Morris, Jessica Mauboy, Cat empire, and John butler, just to name a few! Emily is a six-time Queensland Music Award winner; she was selected for the AMP Tomorrow Maker Award and won the AIR Awards Best Blues and Roots Album of the Year. What's next? Emily recently signed to the record label ABC Music and is currently in the studio working on her new album, set for release in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rooney Mara joins Rain on LaunchLeft and launches Suay Sew Shop. The conversation begins with family, film, music, and activism before welcoming Lindsay Rose Medoff, CEO and Lead Designer of Suay. Lindsay tells us about the mission and services that this unique retail shop provides. The best news is that Suay is cultivating a workforce of textile recyclers dedicated to eliminating post-consumer waste and giving opportunities for under-appreciated workers fair pay and recognition. With its original location in Los Angeles, Suay will open another location in New York. Don’t miss this episode of LaunchLeft to catch up with Rooney Mara and learn all about Suay Sew Shop. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:52] Rooney Mara reflects on her childhood.  [06:10] Choices made in life, deciding not to relinquish control in an acting career and her film, Women Talking.  [16:30] Rooney discusses motherhood and being a co-partner in a two-actor home and the creation of the production company, Valentine Pictures.  [21:29] Reflecting on a catalog of work starting with Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, how music played a role, and living the life of a vegan.  [36:37] Rooney launches Suay Sew Shop. Lindsay Rose Medoff, CEO and Lead Designer of Suay, describes their mission and services.  [42:44] Empowering manual laborers and paying for the value they bring to the table. The difference between saying you want to help make a change and being willing to be uncomfortable and make the change. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Rooney Mara takes on causes, films, lifestyle, and “shopping” in ways that she can be proud of and that can positively impact the world.  Suay Sew Shop in Los Angeles is a unique business employing skilled manual laborers. They provide free clothing to the needy that they have repurposed. In addition, they are working on becoming worker-owned, which empowers workers that otherwise would remain an overlooked population.  There are ways to close the gap between the impoverished and business tycoons. It’s a decision to share the wealth and take less in profits. It’s one thing to stand on a soap box and “talk” about making a difference and quite another thing to put people over profits. RESOURCE LINKS Website - Rooney Mara Instagram - Rooney Mara Facebook - Rooney Mara Website - Suay Sew Shop Instagram - Suay Sew Shop Facebook - Suay Sew Shop LinkedIn - Lindsay Rose Medoff BIO:  Rooney Mara:  Actress and philanthropist Rooney Mara was born on April 17, 1985 in Bedford, New York. She made her screen debut in the slasher film Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005), went on to have a supporting role in the independent coming-of-age drama Tanner Hall (2009), and has since starred in the horror remake A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), the biographical drama The Social Network (2010), the thriller remake The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), and the romantic drama Carol (2015). Patricia Rooney Mara is one of four children of Kathleen McNulty (née Rooney) and NFL football team New York Giants executive Timothy Christopher Mara. Her grandfathers were Wellington Mara, co-owner of the Giants, and Timothy Rooney, owner of Yonkers Raceway, and her grand-uncle is Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, the former Ambassador to Ireland. She is the great-granddaughter of Art Rooney, the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers football franchise. Her father has Irish, German, and French-Canadian ancestry, and her mother is of Irish and Italian descent. After graduating from Bedford's Fox Lane High School, she went to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia in South America for four months as part of the Traveling School, an open learning environment. She attended George Washington University for a year and then transferred to New York University, where she studied international social policy psychology and nonprofits. She took her degree from New York University in 2010. Her studies focused on non-profit organizations, as her family has a tradition of involvement in philanthropic causes. She had thought of acting after watching old movies and attending musical theater, but did not think of it as a serious vocation and was afraid she might fail at this. As a result of her reservations, she appeared in only one play while in high school. She began seriously focusing on acting when she was at New York University, appearing in student films. Inspired by her older sister, actress Kate Mara, she began to pursue the craft, auditioning for acting jobs at age 19. She appeared with her sister Kate in the video horror movie Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005), billing herself as "Patricia Mara". As "Tricia Mara", she had guest roles on television and won her first lead in the movie Tanner Hall (2009), which was shot in the fall of 2007. She originally auditioned for the supporting role of Lucasta in "Tanner Hall", a $3-million independent film, but director Tatiana von Fürstenberg was so impressed by the young actress, she had her return to audition for the lead role of Fernanda, which Mara won. Furstenberg was delighted with her nuanced performance, saying, "Still waters run deep". Continuing to call herself Tricia Mara, this was during the making of "Tanner Hall" that she considered changing her professional name to Rooney Mara, soliciting the advice of the cast and crew. After premiering at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival, her performance in "Tanner Hall" brought the rechristened Rooney Mara a "Rising Star" award at the 2009 Hamptons Film Festival and a "Stargazer Award" at the 2010 Gen Art Film Festival. She received her first lead role in a major feature, in the $35 million remake A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010). The movie proved disappointing at the box office, grossing only $63 million domestically and racking up a worldwide gross of just under $116 million. However, she was noticed by critics in the small but pivotal role of the Boston University undergrad Erica Albright who dumps Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network (2010). Director David Fincher subsequently cast her as the lead, Lisbeth Salander, in his thriller remake, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), based on Stieg Larsson's Millennium book series. She received critical acclaim for her performance, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama. She starred in the thriller film Side Effects (2013), the independent drama Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013), and the acclaimed sci-fi romantic drama Her (2013). The following year, she starred in the adventure drama Trash (2014). She garnered further critical acclaim for her performance in Todd Haynes' romantic drama Carol (2015), for which she won the Best Actress Award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama and the SAG, BAFTA, and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the spirit of her family's philanthropic endeavors, Rooney created Faces of Kibera, a charity that provides food, medical care and housing to orphans in Nairobi, Kenya's Kibra district, a small slum that houses a million people. There are many orphans as AIDS is rampant in the slum.   Lindsay Rose Medoff, CEO and Lead Designer of Suay:  SUAY SEW SHOP is creating a culture of community and reuse. As our global community demands change from corporations, our dedication to design, coupled with a drive for activism, is putting reclaimed products at the center of a social, economic and environmental revolution. Cultivating upcycling as the priority will not only massively impact our planet, but our daily quality of life. SUAY is a Los Angeles based 100% vertical sewing, production and consulting shop founded in 2017 by CEO, Lindsay Rose Medoff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johanna Warren joins LaunchLeft to talk about her new album, Lessons for Mutants, and share her thoughts about the creative process. Johanna is also involved in writing a play, The Buckeye, and will do a live workshop in Bristol, England, in February. In addition, Johanna speaks boldly about how she has found energy and creativity in nature and discusses rebelling against parts of society that put deadlines and expectations on artists and people in general and how that can compromise your well-being. The episode closes with a live performance of her song "Lessons For Mutants" from the Garden Sessions at PULP studio in Gainesville, Florida. Join us this week for a truly inspiring episode.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [00:55] Johanna shares about the time spent in Wales and her childhood.  [09:07] Johanna is working on a musical called The Buckeye.  [10:25] Discussion of what sparks creativity and taking time for yourself.  [23:56] The state of the music industry and how Covid gave Johanna a time of quiet reflection.  [29:40] Johanna describes her collaboration with local farmers and herbalists. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  The effect of losing someone resonates in the art that you create. It’s essential to be mindful of how you feel and what you spend time on. It’s good to take a break when your body speaks and says slow down, even if it affects a schedule in place. Put your well-being first.  The music industry doesn’t value new talent. Instead, the focus is on those who have become stars; consequently, they get the notice and the benefits. RESOURCE LINKS Podcast - LaunchLeft Album - Johanna Warren Instagram - Johanna Warren Facebook - Johanna Warren Twitter - Johanna Warren Soundcloud - Johanna Warren Bandcamp - Johanna Warren BIO:  As a little kid, I knew who I was: a wild magical creature who delighted in the gifts of the Earth and the mysteries of the universe - feasting on red clover and honeysuckle, grinding berries between stones to make "potions," thatching faerie huts with slabs of damp moss, talking to bugs, singing to birds, drawing channeled images of interdimensional angels, and happily passing long afternoons with my face pressed in the dirt watching golden light dance through blades of grass. Then, as most of us do, I forgot. The magic was conditioned out of me and replaced with corn syrup, plastic and The Pledge of Allegiance. And I got very sick, and very very sad. I was slapped with a long string of diagnoses, including Type 1 diabetes. My adolescence and young adulthood was a horrorshow of illness and medications that caused side effects for which more medications were prescribed. After ten years of this nightmare, I realized I had no idea who I was without the antidepressants, birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medications, antiandrogens, prescription migraine drugs and insulin injections I had been taking regularly since before I was old enough to question any of it.  I started experimenting with phasing out pharmaceuticals and exploring "alternative" (ancient, sacred) healing modalities: herbalism and folk medicine, acupuncture, Qi Gong, meditation, fasting. I started working on biodynamic farms and learning directly from plants. Getting back outside to be in direct communion with the natural cycles of the Earth, as I did so naturally as a child, has been absolutely vital to my personal healing. Since most of my illnesses were stemming from toxic foods, getting directly involved with the source of my nourishment was pivotal. I can’t overstate how difficult it was to get off the pharmaceuticals, but I was determined — I knew in my bones that there was a better way. Over the course of a harrowing year, I weaned myself off the insane slew of drugs I’d been on for years — all except insulin, which I still currently rely on to help manage Type 1 diabetes (a profound teacher I am continuing to learn from!) The next major event in my training as a healer came In 2012, when I was in a fatal car crash. At the moment of the collision, I had a lucid experience of being saved by the angelic form of my best friend, who had died a year prior: I felt his presence as a warm bubble of white light that shielded me from injury. By all accounts, given the circumstances and severity of the impact, it was miraculous that I lived at all – but in fact I was left without a scratch on my body.  The car crash was an initiation. It cracked me wide open. It was like I was catapulted into a different dimension where magic was real again. Suddenly I was talking to dead people, seeing colors I’d never seen before, feeling like I could start a fire with the light and heat coming out of my hands.  My work as a healer has been about finding my way home, back to the wise child who knew who she was, and helping others do the same. Remembering that we are all deeply connected. Reclaiming our magic. Dancing for the trees. Singing for the squirrels. Fasting in the wilderness sometimes. Learning from plants. Learning from people. Listening within. Falling more deeply in love with myself/ You/ Nature/ God every day.  As I continue to walk the healing path, I come again and again to the understanding that pain, suffering and disease are invitations: portals to awakening. Our bodies are constantly communicating to us in poetic metaphors densely encoded with information, and they can teach us everything we came here to learn. All we have to do is listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JJ Kramer, who is rebooting Creem Magazine, joins LaunchLeft today. JJ shares about the  impact of Creem Magazine and what it means to bring back the iconic magazine his father started in the 70s. He launches Zachary Lipez, the Editor at Large, who discusses his love for writing, music and even going into the office. Listen in on this enthusiastic conversation between music lovers about the history and future of Creem Magazine.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:43] JJ Kramer discusses the void created when Creem 1.0 had its last print run in 1989.  [09:44] How the magazine and the creator, JJ’s father, Barry, are inextricably intertwined, and the desire to preserve the legacy.  [14:51] Bringing Zachary Lipez on as Editor at Large.  [17:10] Zachary tells how he began his writing career.  [29:53] The goal of Creem Magazine is to be true to itself and its readers.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Creem Magazine is based in Detroit and focuses on all genres of music, making it a magazine for everyone. Creem Magazine tells it like it is. It embraces humor, clarity, opinions, the music culture, criticism, and praise of the musician or band. Detroit was and still is the home of Creem Magazine. It pays homage to its Detroit roots but is a magazine for anyone and everyone who loves music. RESOURCE LINKS Website - Creem Magazine Facebook - Creem Magazine Twitter - Creem Magazine Instagram - Creem Magazine Facebook - JJ Kramer Facebook - Zachary Lipez Linkedin - JJ Kramer Linkedin - Zachary Lipez BIO:  JJ Kramer, Chairman, CREEM Magazine JJ Kramer is the only child of CREEM's late founder, Barry Kramer.  After his father's death in 1981, CREEM was bequeathed to JJ who, at four years old, was named the magazine Chairman. For the better part of his adult life, JJ has been fighting to preserve CREEM's storied legacy (including an actual fist fight). In 2022, JJ comes full circle and resumes his role as Chairman of CREEM Entertainment. In addition, as a practicing intellectual property and entertainment attorney with 20 years of experience, JJ has worked with some of the world's biggest brands, influencers, and recording artists.    Zachary Lipez, Editor at Large, CREEM Magazine Zachary Lipez is a writer and bartender based in NYC. His byline has appeared in The Washington Post, Talkhouse, VICE/Noisey, Bandcamp Daily, Pitchfork, The Fader, and Penthouse. He is the co-author (with Stacy Wakefield and Nick Zinner) of 131 Different Things, Please Take Me Off The Guestlist, Slept In Beds, and No Seats On The Party Car. He sang in the post-punk band Freshkills (about which he wrote the Talkhouse essay, “Playing in a Band No One Likes”). He is currently the singer in two bands, Publicist UK and Telematics, both goth-adjacent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carey, Wisconsin-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, joins LaunchLeft. Most notably as the drummer and backing vocalist of Bon Iver, S. Carey shares with Rain how he balanced writing a very personal album while collaborating with other artists to create Break Me Open. He also talks about his experience growing up with his music teacher father, finding his love for percussion, and how many art forms have inspired and shaped his career in the music industry. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] S. Carey talks about how music found him as a young child.  [04:00] The collaborative work of S. Carey’s new album, Break Me Open.  [05:11] The inspiration S. Carey finds in other art forms.  [08:24] Producing other artists and what he learns from the experience.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Musical inspiration can come from many art forms and perspectives.  Using different instruments can inspire a new adventure and challenge when producing and writing new music.  Producing other artists can teach you new ways to do things and build trust in the creative relationship.  RESOURCE LINKS Carey Website Carey on IG Carey on Twitter Carey on Facebook Carey on YouTube Carey on SoundCloud BIO:  Carey is the moniker of Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Sean Carey, commonly recognized as the drummer, backing vocalist, and second-longest serving member of Bon Iver. Over the past decade, Carey has fostered his flourishing solo career via themes of nature and sustainability, songwriting built from jazz beginnings, and heartfelt, emotive lyricism. His latest and fourth album, Break Me Open, adds to a discography of three full-length releases, two EPs, and countless collaborations. As S. Carey developed his songwriting and producing talents, he was commissioned by Will Arnett to write the track "Rose Petals" for his Netflix series Flaked, co-wrote "Hold The Light" with Dierks Bentley for feature-length film Only The Brave, contributed to Sufjan Stevens' album Carrie & Lowell, and has produced for and written with the likes of Low, Mike Kinsella, Pieta Brown, and Ed Tullett of Novo Amor. Carey and his adept band of longtime friends and collaborators celebrate their 12th year of touring everywhere from international headline shows to intimate living room performances to theater stages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scout Willis has always been musical throughout her life, but she didn’t know she would end up focusing on music in such a big way. Choosing to do a solo record was a big decision, leading to her first self-titled album, Scout Larue Willis. On this episode of LaunchLeft, Scout shares with Rain about the art of creative collaboration, her earliest musical memories, and excitement about performing her new songs in front of an audience.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] Scout’s decision to record a solo album.  [09:00] How music influenced Scout throughout her life.  [15:00] What drives Scout in regards to service to others.  [18:00] Listen to Scout’s song from the album. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  A lot of vulnerability and sensitivity goes into an artist’s music.  Letting go of judgements of yourself can help you feel compassion for others. RESOURCE LINKS Scout on IG Scout on Twitter Scout on YouTube Scout on Soundcloud BIO:  Imbued with wistful melodies and eloquent, eccentric arrangements, Scout LaRue Willis’ self-titled debut is an unflinching chronicle of hard decade, a coming-of-age album that turns this young auteur’s darkest fears into hurt yet distinctly hopeful songs that both soothe and catalyze.  From her first lonely notes on “Blue Moon” until the final rowdy sing-along on “Red Road Home,” she comes across as an artist who grounds her music in vivid inspiration as well as honest experience; In the exquisitely simple and authentic expression of Patsy Cline, in strange dreams half remembered upon waking, in old cowboy trail songs, in the 1960s classic rock passed down by her father like an heirloom, in the everyday challenges of being a human and in the operatic way Roy Orbison delights in his voice. Willis constantly marshals her resolve as she conveys hard truths in her graceful rasp: “And I will pass this test, ‘cause I know I am strong,” she declares on the anthemic “Woman at Best.” “I won’t call out your name, I’ll just sing out this song.” While it’s immediately apparent that she’s an original voice, it took her many years to find the courage to share it. After harboring tender, childhood aspirations of being a musician, she felt discouraged by certain experiences in high school and all but suppressed the dream.  It wasn’t until she started writing songs and singing as one-half of the duo Gus + Scout while at Brown University that she realized it was something she could really pursue. In between classes they managed to tour and record a 2012 EP that mixes early rock and doo-wop sounds. “We’d go away for the weekend, play a little festival and then have to come back and finish papers.  It was thrilling getting to run away and moonlight as a rockstar for a little while.” The pair paused musically upon graduation, and Willis spent years believing she couldn’t pursue music as a career. “Somewhere between fear and misperception I had this idea that I shouldn’t and couldn’t pursue music full time. My reasoning was based in self judgement, that I needed a ‘real job’ and that especially coming from privilege, music didn’t fall into that category. Later though, I realized this was just a very clever way to hide from the deep, unconscious fear I had around sharing myself and my art with the world” This safety net led her to a number of other jobs in the interim, all the while continuing to first teach herself to play guitar and then starting to write music on her own for the first time.  In February of 2016 Willis played her first ever solo show and began writing prolifically.  After a number of years of feeling lost with her work, this was a moment of rededicating herself wholly to music.  Though she knew she wanted to make an album, the songs she wrote during this period were also a means of processing the intensity of her emotions, “I’d have feelings that were so enormous I thought they’d destroy me, and the best tool I had at my disposal was music, so I would just start writing. I wrote ‘Love Without Possession’ in the throes of massive love addiction. I wrote it in real time, as it was all happening, and performed it live the day I finished it, as a means of communicating with the person I wrote it about. I was nearly crying onstage, such high drama! Even with all of the emotional ups and downs, it was such a beautiful and growth provoking time in my life!”  Even as she compiled a poignant and honest catalog of songs, Willis made little progress towards recording and releasing them. “In my conscious mind, I really wanted to get my musical career off the ground and share my work, it always felt like there was a wrench in the machine though and nothing was happening.” She says of the period between 2017 and 2019 especially “Ultimately, I came to realize that I was unconsciously holding myself back, which made sense because of course music is the thing I am most proud of in the world, it’s my heart laid bare and if I were to finally share that and still be found lacking somehow, either internally or externally, it would feel like death! After this realization it became much easier to be compassionate towards the parts of myself that were terrified to wholeheartedly pursue the thing that matters most to me. I came to see how this old story and the protective mechanisms around it had been running the show, enabling me to find a million different reasonable excuses to put it off” Understanding the subtle workings of her inner world proved to be the key because within a few months of that epiphany, Willis was in the studio recording her debut solo record.   Working with Producer Greg Papania (Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani) at Lucy’s Meat Market, an intimate studio in Highland Park, California, Willis set about searching for the ultimate version of each song—the version that would most effectively and deliciously deliver the truth of her lyrics. The songs are all centered around her unique voice and inventive guitar playing, with imaginative flourishes of strings and theremin. “I wanted every song to be its own episode, its own ride.” “Do You Trust Me Enough” marries the playful, skipping melody seamlessly with the heart wrenching lyrics. “Oh, I’m in love with your potential, but what of the man that you are,” she sings among the fluttering birds. “And oh, we’re addicted to each other, and that can only take us so far.” Anchoring these ingenious arrangements are sounds you won’t hear, but you’ll certainly feel. “In addition to recording the entire album in 432 tuning, we embedded specific tones in each song,” she says, “396hz clears fear, guilt, shame, anger and self-loathing, 417hz helps to release trauma.”  They added those tones underneath the tracks although they’re largely imperceptible to the ear. “For me music is a healing modality and Greg’s insight into 432 tuning and the use of these tones helped me to take that as far as it could go. I am really excited to hear about people’s response to the music and whether they can feel it as well as hear it!”  Scout LaRue Willis is, ultimately, a record of personal growth. It’s both an ode to the relationships that have helped her grow and to the relationship she has developed with herself. Even on “Last Night” the most recently written song on the album that Willis says, “is the first out and out love song” she’s ever written, there is a sense that it’s about the mirror her relationship holds up to herself.  Over a delicate finger-picked guitar and a sympathetic mandolin, Willis sings, “I think it was the first time, I started to believe, that you could love me, even when I’m a mess, that you could love me, with all the feelings I possess.” She could be singing to herself just as easily as to a lover. This album is a love letter to not only her triumph, but to her pain as well, to music as a healing force, and it offers her a vantage point to see how far she’s come. “Looking back through the lens of this album and my own personal growth work, I’m in love with every experience that inspired these songs, every moment of challenge, heart break and victory, because each of them conspired to get me to this exact moment and I’ve never been more in love with myself and my life than I am right now.  I feel like I am singing these songs to the girl I was—that young, thrashed, courageous version of myself who just kept making art no matter what. I feel so grateful to finally be at this point, ready to send these stories out into the world to have a life of their own”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Steens, Elijah and Isaiah, are two brothers from Orange County, CA, who formed their band in 2021. Growing up in the music and TV production industry, the brothers had a lot of influence from early on in their lives. Tune in to hear the brothers and Rain talk about growing up with music and how they used it to evolve into the duo they are now.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:32] The Steens talk about their goals for the future of their duo.  [06:30] The brothers talk about their top favorite books and records.  [09:00] Advice the brothers would give to anyone in the teen demographic about working towards their goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Things that happen in your life can shape your perspective.  Influences can be gathered starting at a young age.  Work with what you have and don’t be afraid to be weird and go big. BIO: The Steens are two brothers from Orange County, CA. They formed their band in 2021 using their surname.  Naming the band was an easy decision with the duo’s sound and vision being firmly planted in their roots. At an early age their father was actively working in the music industry as an A&R/ artist manager while their mother was pursuing a promising career as a stylist. This all changed when their dad was arrested and went on to serve a 10 year prison sentence. The Steen’s “future rock n’ roll” sound picks up where their fate dropped them off. Feeding back and buzzing like gleaming gold through a distorted lens, the brother’s have woven a sound very much in tune with their childhood. Blown out 808s clip your speakers while fuzz injected guitars and vocals invite ancestors like Little Richard to perhaps take some more uppers. Someone suggested their band was like “the Black Strokes or something.” The Steens weren’t offended by the comparison but later stated, “The Strokes are great, but they’re a little polite, no? If we were gonna be the “black anything” and not “the Black Beatles” can’t we at least be “the Black Iggy Pops.” RESOURCE LINKS The Steens on IG The Steen's on FB  The Steen's on Sound CloudSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s special guest is poet and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jewel. Her new album, Freewheelin’ Woman, was written to encapsulate a feeling of empowerment and freedom that she’s gained in her life. In this episode, Jewel shares with Rain about recording her new album, her journeyed musical career, her personal life dealing with trauma, and much more. Be sure to tune into today’s enlightening episode.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:10] Jewel describes her experience in the studio recording her album.  [15:30] Discovering herself as an artist, while also healing trauma.  [22:00] Jewel discusses recognizing her past to help her in her music career and life.  [27:30] The process of change and creating new habits.  [34:29] Jewel tells Rain about the Inspiring Children Foundation. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Change can be a messy process.  We are responsible for our own happiness and healing.  Happiness is a byproduct of choices we’ve made. RESOURCE LINKS Jewel.com Jewel on Twitter Jewel on IG Jewel on Facebook Jewel on YouTube BIO:  Jewel is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter, poet and actress. Her debut album, 'Pieces of You,' yielded the hit single "Who Will Save Your Soul.". Jewel has received four Grammy Award nominations and, as of 2021, has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Jewel was raised near Homer, Alaska, where she grew up singing and yodeling as a duo with her father, a local musician. At age fifteen, she received a partial scholarship at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she studied operatic voice. After graduating, she began writing and performing at clubs and coffeehouses in San Diego, California. Based on local media attention, she was offered a recording contract with Atlantic Records, which released her debut album, Pieces of You, in 1995; it went on to become one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, going 12-times platinum. The debut single from the album, "Who Will Save Your Soul", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100; two others, "You Were Meant for Me" and "Foolish Games", reached number two on the Hot 100, and were listed on Billboard's 1997 year-end singles chart, as well as Billboard's 1998 year-end singles chart. Her subsequent album, Spirit, was released in 1998, followed by This Way (2001). In 2003, she released 0304, which marked a departure from her previous folk-oriented records, featuring electronic arrangements and elements of dance-pop. In 2008, she released Perfectly Clear, her first country album; it debuted atop Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and featured three singles, "Stronger Woman", "I Do", and "'Til It Feels Like Cheating". Jewel released her first independent album, Lullaby, in 2009. Jewel has also had endeavors in writing and acting; in 1998 she released a collection of poetry, and the following year appeared in a supporting role in Ang Lee's Western film Ride with the Devil (1999) which earned her critical acclaim. On December 15, 2021, Jewel won the sixth season of The Masked Singer as the Queen of Hearts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fences is an American Indie Rock band formed by lead vocalist and guitarist, Christopher Mansfield. On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by Chris and producer Dru DeCaro as they talk about their short film and music project ‘Destination Angels’ honoring Jack Kerouac and narrated by Norman Reedus. The episode closes with a live performance of the title track from the film.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] Chris and Dru DeCaro discuss their project featuring Jack Kerouac.  [10:16] Working with Norman Reedus, and narrating Destination, Angels. [14:00] How Chris and Dru connected for their collaboration.  [30:00] Important world issues to Chris & Dru.  [34:00] Chris shares a sneak peek into Destination Angels’ sound. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Finding another person to collaborate with can bring out the best in both artists.  Combining music, art, and film can connect with others and different cultures.  A single song can be inspired by and express opposite emotions, like gentleness and aggression. BIO:  Fences is an American indie rock band from Seattle, Washington formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Christopher Mansfield, guitarist Benjamin Greenspan, bassist and vocalist Lindsey Starr and drummer Elliott Garm Chaffee. They released their debut studio album Fences in 2010 and Lesser Oceans in 2015. RESOURCE LINKS Fences on Instagram Fences on Twitter Fences on Facebook Fences YouTube Fences Band CampSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by members of Starcrawler, a rock band from Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from many artists and bands, the group has its own signature raw and eclectic sound. They talk about starting a band and creating their third album at such a young age and the music they drew inspiration from while growing up. Tune in to learn more from Starcrawler. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Starcrawler talks about creating their music and albums at a young age.  [06:35] Working on their third album with a new producer.  [10:11] Where the band draws inspiration from.  [20:00] Starcrawler’s idea of success for them as a group. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  The band drew inspiration from various artists and bands.  Success can look different to everyone.  Anyone can pursue a career doing something that scares them, they just need the inspiration to start and the motivation to keep going. BIO:  Starcrawler is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 2015. The band consists of lead singer Arrow de Wilde, guitarist Henri Cash, bassist Tim Franco and drummer Seth Carolina, pedal steel/guitar player Bill Cash. They have released two studio albums, Starcrawler and Devour You. Starcrawler’s third album She Said releases soon.  RESOURCE LINKS Starcrawler Music Online  Starcrawler on IG  Starcrawler on Twitter Starcrawler on Facebook Starcrawler on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diamanda Galás has spent a lot of her life representing the underrepresented. While working on music, she also created work dealing with AIDS, genocide, and mental disease, as well as compositions for voice and piano set to the works of exiled poets. On this episode of LaunchLeft, Diamanda and Rain have a great conversation about her work, artist collaborations, and how she uses music and art to tell the stories and experiences of forgotten people.   -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:30] Groups of people Diamanda has felt drawn to represent through her art.  [06:00] Diamanda’s work in her own terms- representing the underrepresented.  [12:00] Collaborating with artists and the new ideas it can inspire. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists can draw inspiration from other artists’ creative processes.  Sharing the hard parts can help others to relate and see the end result of working out these situations. BIO:  The San Diego-born Galás came up playing both classical and jazz music. She not only accompanied her Anatolian Greek father’s gospel choir and joined his New Orleans-style band, but also performed as a piano soloist with the San Diego Symphony at the age of 14. She went on to play with various groups that included heavies of the new-jazz thing, such as a circa-’74 combo in Pomona, California, that included cornetist Bobby Bradford, sax man David Murray bassist Mark Dresser, and drummer Stanley Crouch. She made her first public performance in 1979, collaborating on an opera with Vinko Globokar and Amnesty International about the arrest torture, and assasination of a Turkish woman for treason. In 1982 she released her debut album, The Litanies of Satan, which showcased her early forays into unorthodox vocal expression and multiphonics, and which included an 18-minute performance piece titled “Wild Women With Steak Knives.” She has created work dealing with AIDS (including the recently re-mastered The Divine Punishment), genocide and mental disease, as well as compositions for voice and piano set to the works of exiled poets. She also collaborated with Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones on the 1994 album The Sporting Life. RESOURCE LINKS Diamanda Galás Website Diamanda on IG Diamanda on Twitter  Diamanda on FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode Courtney Barnett launches Danny Cohen and his vivid 16mm film, Anonymous Club, that chronicles her world tour of the album, Tell Me How You Really Feel. Featuring Barnett’s unguarded narration from her audio diary, the film delivers frank and unprecedented insight into Barnett’s creative process, the sacrifices and inner conflicts set in motion by fame, and the sometimes dark backdrop to her whimsical, relatably poetic compositions. Tune in to hear more on how Courtney and Danny worked together to give the audience a perspective on their three-year journey together.   -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] How music found Courtney as a child.  [05:27] Being in the moment as a live performer.  [10:05] Danny Cohen and Courtney chat about their film, Anonymous Club. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists can draw inspiration from other artists’ creative processes.  Sharing the hard parts can help others to relate and see the end result of working out these situations. BIO:  Shot on vivid 16mm film over a three-year period, ANONYMOUS CLUB chronicles notoriously shy, Melbourne-based musician Courtney Barnett’s ups and downs on the world tour for her album Tell Me How You Really Feel. Featuring Barnett’s unguarded narration from her audio diary, recorded on a dictaphone provided by filmmaker Danny Cohen, the film delivers frank and unprecedented insight into Barnett’s creative process, the sacrifices and inner conflicts set in motion by fame, and the sometimes dark backdrop to her whimsical, relatably poetic compositions. RESOURCE LINKS COURTNEY BARNETT LINKS: Courtney Barnett Website Courtney on IG Courtney on Twitter  Courtney on Facebook Courtney on YouTube DANNY COHEN LINKS: Danny Cohen Website Danny on IGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Success looks different for everyone. Born in Canada, twin sisters Tegan and Sara have sold more than one million albums during their musical career. On this episode of LaunchLeft, the Grammy-nominees join Rain to talk and launch Jen Clement of Big Rig. Tune in as the sisters define their own success and discuss their evolution and growth as musicians and people. Be sure to listen till the end to hear Big Rig’s new single, "Crying in a Corn Maze". -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [06:00] The idea of success and how it can look different for everyone.  [15:00] Tegan and Sara talk about how they got started in music.  [20:00] Tegan and Sara new single and album.  [26:00] Jen Clement of Big Rig, shares more about her new record and musical career. [32:00] Listen to Big Rig’s single "Crying in a Corn Maze".  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Success can look different for everyone. You get to define your own version of success.  Embrace your art and authenticity and don’t worry about what others may think. Don’t be afraid to challenge and change your ways. It may lead to a new success. BIO:   Twin sisters born in Canada, Tegan and Sara have sold more than one million albums, and have received seven Gold certifications, one Double Platinum certification, three Juno Awards, two Polaris Prize nominations, and a Grammy nomination. They have performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, from the 2015 Oscar Telecast to major festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury.  Tegan and Sara have openly identified as queer since the beginning of their career in 1998, and have been outspoken feminist advocates for LGBTQ equality and gender justice. The essential message that underpins their worldview and identity is inclusion. The Tegan And Sara Foundation is an extension of their work, identity and longstanding commitment to supporting and building progressive social change. RESOURCE LINKS Tegan & Sara Tegan & Sara on IG Tegan & Sara on Twitter Tegan & Sara on Facebook Tegan & Sara's YouTube Channel Tegan & Sara FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music is a universal language, and music is how Grammy-Award Winner Ben Harper feels he makes a connection with others. On this episode of LaunchLeft, Ben sits down in person with Rain to chat about finally returning to live music and what it means to him as a performer. They also discuss his new record, Bloodline Maintenance. Tune in to hear more from Rain and Ben! -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [07:05] Ben talks about playing live music again and his new record.  [12:00] Rain and Ben discuss impermanence and being present with the people you care about.  [19:00] Staying out of the comparison trap.  [25:00] Making connections with music. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Music is a universal language that helps people from all over make connections.  Being aware of our own impermanence helps us strive to be the best version of ourselves.  Live music is such an immersive and personal experience for every person in the crowd. Every show has something special about it. BIO:   Grammy award-winning guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader Ben Harper grew up listening to blues, folk, soul, R&B, and reggae. He started playing guitar as a child and began to perform regularly as a preteen. During his adolescence, he focused heavily on the acoustic slide guitar, which eventually became his signature instrument. Harper enjoyed cult status on the jam band scene in the 1990s largely due to the success of his debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World, and its follow-up, Fight for Your Mind, before gaining wider attention near the decade's end. During the 21st century, he transcended the genre to become a wildly diverse performer, collaborator, and sideman who has worked with artists ranging from the Blind Boys of Alabama and Charlie Musselwhite to John Mayer.  Harper drew his influences from classic singer/songwriters, blues revivalists, guitar slingers, and jam bands like Blues Traveler and Phish, which meant he was embraced by critics and college kids alike. Despite finding commercial success with the radio single "Steal My Kisses" in 2000, Harper continued to explore different (and often challenging) musical textures during the early 21st century, enjoying a solid fan base at home and a considerable amount of fame in Europe, where he was named 2003's Artist of the Year by the French branch of Rolling Stone. RESOURCE LINKS Ben Harper  Ben Harper on Instagram Ben Harper on Twitter Ben Harper on FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by esteemed singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Perry Farrell. Perry discusses Heaven After Dark, his new series of shows, and the creative process behind the series. Rain and Perry also share about their inspirations in the music industry, Perry’s family, and spirituality. Tune in to learn about the importance of originality as an artist and the power of putting on a good show.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [03:58] How Perry’s newest series, Heaven After Dark, came to life.  [08:39] Art and creativity impacts countless lives. Allowing artists to live out their creativity is vital to their art.  [22:00] Perry and Rain discuss forgiveness, redemption, and peace.  [25:03] Kindness over competition in art and why it’s important.  [28:15] Impactful shows aren’t decided by the number of the crowd, but the energy and passion and creative spin that the artist or band brings to the stage.  [37:50] Perry shares his creative process and involvement in events and projects. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  As artists, we just don’t know how one little thing that we do creatively or that anyone does in our waking life affects someone else.  Strive for originality.  You don’t want to be the 25th person copying a musical legend.  You want to create something original so that it really resonates with people.  A band can play for half a million people one night and fifty people the next night and still put on a unique and impactful show. BIO:   Over the last several decades, esteemed singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Perry Farrell has revolutionized alternative music, underground culture, and the modern festival experience. With the seminal alt-rock outfit Jane’s Addiction Farrell created his own fusion of ‘70s psychedelia, metal, ‘80s new wave, punk, and proto-grunge; it established the band as the vanguard of what Farrell would hail as “the alternative nation.” The Farrell-fronted group earned an MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video (“Been Caught Stealing”), cracked the top spot-on Billboard’s “Alternative” chart, and defined a generation. As a style icon, Farrell’s gender-fluid “nothing’s shocking” persona made him an aesthetic lodestar of the moment and multiple generations to follow. He founded Lollapalooza in 1991, the most influential American music festival since Woodstock, and remains at the helm of the event 30 years later. But that was merely the beginning. The New York and Florida-raised, Los Angeles-based artist has become undoubtedly one of the most consequential artists on earth. Currently, Jane’s Addiction is planning a return to action. Additionally, for the first time in nearly a quarter century, Porno for Pyros will be releasing new music.  But at the spiritual essence of his being Farrell is most dedicated to two things: his family and his philanthropic work. In 2001, he helped to free people in South Sudan from human bondage, raised money for the homeless in Los Angeles, and physically removed debris in the 9th Ward of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina; he’s canvassed for charities helping to treat young people for addiction, and met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss climate change. Farrell’s most emphatic hope is to help affect peace in the Middle East through the universal language of music and festivals. Ultimately, his art and work are a vessel to help both the individual and the collective world mend. Perry Farrell is a perpetual revolution. RESOURCE LINKS Perry Farrell Website Perry Farrell Instagram Perry Farrell Twitter Perry Farrell FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music runs in the family for The Womack Sisters. Daughters and granddaughters of musical legends, sisters, BG, Zeimani, and Kucha, are forging their own paths as they step into the spotlight with their music. Listen to this episode as they sit down with Rain to discuss growing up traveling around the world with a musical family, the inspiration behind creating their own music, and what’s coming up next for them.   -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] The sisters talk about growing up in the music industry [09:00] How the girls got started singing and playing instruments together [15:00] Living in Egypt and carrying the Womack/Cooke Family Legacy [20:35] The sister’s form of activism [29:00] Favorite records and influences. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Music can provide inspiration no matter what is happening in your life. As a legendary musical family, the sisters feel the need to carry on the family legacy within the musical community to honor them. Music can help give you a sense of pride and strength. THE WOMACK SISTERS LINKS: The Womack Sisters WebsiteThe Womack Sisters on IGThe Womack Sisters on TwitterThe Womack Sisters on FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Grammy Award winner Ben Harper launches Matthew Smith and Peter Andrus of The Volebeats. They talk about their friendship and collaborations, thrifting and vinyl collections, and give us a front-row seat to their masterful knowledge of obscure music trivia. They also expound upon their creative process and putting out their new album, Lonesome Galaxy, on Harper's record label. The record was released on Mad Bunny June 10th.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Ben introduces The Volebeats, Matthew & Peter, from his record label. [05:00] The making of their record, Lonesome Galaxy. [16:30] Matt’s process for recording songs. [23:00] Motown, Detroit, and where Matt finds inspiration for music. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Artists all have their own process for creating and recording music. Inspiration can be found in places you might not expect, like cities, history, and different cultures. BEN HARPER LINKS: Ben HarperBen Harper on InstagramBen Harper on TwitterBen Harper on Facebook THE VOLBEATS LINKS: The Volebeats on InstagramThe Volebeats on FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. On this special episode of LaunchLeft, Rain welcomes several artists to expound upon their struggles with mental health and the role art and music play in helping them through difficult times, including mental health crises. Tune in to hear more from guests Carolesdaughter, PUP, HODGY, and Poppy Ajudha. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Hodgy on music being a transformative space. [18:00] Zack Mykula from PUP on keeping the balance with his bandmates between work and doing something they love together. [25:00] Thea from Carolesdaughter on music as her healing space. [34:00] Poppy Ajudha on the highs and lows of touring and live performances. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Being open about mental health can really help others relate. You are not alone.   Music and creativity can be a mental healing space for many. Putting feelings into music and words can be a healing process and also help others heal too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain sits down with members of the band, Warpaint, Emily Kokal, and Theresa Wayman. Warpaint is an American Indie Rock band formed in 2004, including Jenny Lee Lindbergh and Stella Mozgawa. The band has released four studio albums, including Radiate Like This, which dropped May 6, 2022. Tune in to this episode as Rain, Emily, and Theresa talk about their album-making process, the impact of the pandemic on their tour, how they met as children through music, and what’s coming up next for them.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Emily and Theresa talk about their new Album, Radiate Like This. [09:00] How music has evolved in Emily and Theresa’s lives as their personal lives have changed and grown.  [16:00] How the pandemic impacted Emily and Theresa’s lives and music.  [23:00] The different experiences and energy Emily and Theresa get performing in certain places vs. others.  [32:00] Warpaint’s form of activism.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  The pandemic gave Emily and Theresa some time to sit back and slow down with their music and helped give them the time they might not otherwise have. As you grow within your personal life, it may affect your music and you should allow it to have new influence as it creates new points of view. Bio:  Blending psych-rock, post-punk, dream pop, hip-hop, and more into a smoldering style all their own, Warpaint are one of indie's most acclaimed bands. Their 2008 debut EP, Exquisite Corpse, demonstrated their gifts for hazy sensuality and stripped-down arrangements, qualities they refined on 2010's full-length The Fool (which also marked the debut of powerhouse drummer Stella Mozgawa). From there, the band evolved with each release, whether they polished their sound and added electronics and hints of dub on 2014's self-titled album or gave their music more urgency with 2016's Heads Up. With 2022's Radiate Like This, Warpaint took another leap forward by bringing more clarity to their sound and highlighting their intuitive interplay. Warpaint started work on their fourth album in early 2020, recording the foundations of its songs with engineer turned co-producer Sam Petts-Davies. When the COVID-19 global pandemic hit, the group's members worked on their own, recording their parts in their respective home studios. While the band created the album, Wayman released her second solo album, 2020's TT, and Warpaint performed a streaming acoustic concert in December 2020. They also released the April 2021 single "Lilys," which appeared in the HBO series Made for Love. Released in May 2022, Radiate Like This' tightly crafted songs reflected the time Warpaint spent honing the album. Around the time of its release, Lindberg issued her second solo album, Heart Tax, while Mozgawa and Boom Bip's project Belief debuted with the Versions EP. RESOURCE LINKS Warpaint Warpaint on Instagram Warpaint on Twitter Warpaint on Facebook Warpaint on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lola Kirke is an English-born American actress and singer-songwriter. You may recognize her from the films Mistress America, Gone Girl and American Woman, and the television series Mozart in the Jungle. On this episode of LaunchLeft, Lola sits down with Rain to chat about her new album, Lady for Sale, set for release this month. Inspired by her love of 80’s country and her new roots in Nashville, Lola tells Rain all about her process of recording and releasing this album. Tune in to hear more from Lola! -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] Lola talks about her record, Lady for Sale, and the inspiration behind it [05:30] What’s next in terms of her music and film career [10:30] Lola’s form of activism she is passionate about [16:00] Lola talks about the ability to express creativity as an artist and making connections with others while staying true to herself [21:00] How Lola got started with music KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Staying true to yourself and being creative can offer a gift you can share and relate to others. Inspiration can come from many different genre’s and sources and you can use that as a reference point in your own form of art Bio: Lola Kirke stands out like a flash of neon magenta in this nostalgic landscape of Americana tin-types. While many of her singing, and songwriting peers look further back for inspiration, Kirke’s sweet spot is decidedly in the excess of the 80’s. Anyone only familiar with Kirke through her on-screen performances (Mistress America, Gone Girl, or Mozart in the Jungle) may be surprised by just how dazzling Lola-playing-Lola can be. Just a few lines into “Better than Any Drug,“ it’s clear no written role could reveal more of Kirke’s wit, lust for life, and sense of humor than this record captures with the help of producer Austin Jenkins (White Denim, Leon Bridges). Scheduled for release in April 2022, the 10-song sophomore full-length album showcases Kirke’s unselfconscious, country-twinged vocals alongside a brightly colored candy shop of glam-twang guitar riffs, department store tv commercial synth stylings, and swooping, lilting, unabashedly feminine background vocals. Lady For Sale channels a high-spirited insouciance that feels invigorating and familiar, decidedly more easy-going and fun-loving than what we’ve come to expect from its genre (and the world in general) in recent years. This is a party you’ll want to attend.  RESOURCE LINKS Lola Kirke Music Lola Kirke on Instagram Lola Kirke on Twitter Lola Kirke on Facebook Lola Kirke on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional has released their 9th studio album, All the Truth That I Can Tell. The album was worked on throughout their tour and also through the pandemic. Drawing inspiration by surrounding himself with other songwriters and artists, Chris worked on this album for an extended time before the release this past February. Hear more about his process and about how music has evolved in his life on this episode of LaunchLeft. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Chris talks about working on All the Truth That I Can Tell, while on tour. [09:30] Finding a creative company and how it helped inspire him. [15:30] Chris’s form of activism in the community. [22:00] Albums that Chris and Rain find timeless and relatable across generations. [32:30] Chris shares about some new artists he’s worked with. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Songs aren’t always written in one sitting, sometimes they take weeks, months, or even years to be complete. Finding inspiration can come from other artists of different media- whether it be songwriters, singers, or musicians. Chris found great influence from others while working on this album.  Many classic albums stay relatable and timeless across generations. Bio: Christopher Carrabba is the lead singer and guitarist of the band Dashboard Confessional, lead singer of the band Further Seems Forever, and is the vocalist for the folk band Twin Forks. In February of 2022, Chris released All The Truth That I Can Tell, Dashboard Confessional’s ninth studio album. RESOURCE LINKS Dashboard Confessional Website Dashboard Confessional Instagram Dashboard Confessional Twitter Dashboard Confessional FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musical artist Bitch makes witchy poet pop using violins and synthesizers. Her new album Bitchcraft came out on Kill Rock Stars February 4th, 2022, and today she joins Rain to talk about her career as a queer music icon. This album being her ninth studio album, Bitch reflects on the evolution, notable collaborations, and journey of her career. She also expounds upon her hopes of what she'd like to portray in her music to her listeners and fans. Tune in to hear more from Rain and Bitch on this episode of LaunchLeft.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Bitch talks about her evolution as a music artist.  [06:00] The experience Bitch had from touring and how it influenced her artistry [14:00] Bitch talks about her online presence and upcoming tour [24:00] Listen to Bitch’s song “Pages” from album, Bitchcraft KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Don’t be afraid to collaborate with other artists and have them put their own spin on things too.  Bio: Bitch makes witchy poet pop. She does it with violins and synthesizers. The resulting songs from her new album Bitchcraft which came out on Kill Rock Stars February 4th, 2022 are heartbreaking, spectral, political and beautiful. Bitch is based in Los Angeles after living in New York for many years. She’s a longstanding queer music icon and “Bitchcraft” is her 9th studio album. RESOURCE LINKS Bitch Music Bitch on Instagram Bitch on Twitter  Bitch on Facebook Bitch on YouTube Bitch on BandcampSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses joins Rain today on the podcast to talk all about going out on his own creatively and releasing his new album. Ben talks all about music, bands, and albums that influenced him from a young age and how that directed his own musical career. Tune in to hear more from Rain and Ben on this episode of LaunchLeft. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [04:00] Ben talks about going out on his own creatively and professionally [08:00] Ben talks about how music found him at a young age [14:00] Bands and records that influenced Ben’s teenage years [18:00] Rain asks what Ben has done differently on this album compared to his others KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Having the confidence to pursue your own path may take some time, but believing in yourself and your message can help you feel like you need to share it with others.  It’s okay to pay homage to your influences, but don’t get too caught up in re-creating what they’ve already done! The key is in finding your own voice. Creating art is often a journey of self-discovery, and it can be rewarding to see how your work has evolved over time. Be proud of where you’ve come from and let that reflect in your music. RESOURCE LINKS Band of HorsesBand of Horses on InstagramBand of Horses on TwitterBand of Horses on FacebookBand of Horses on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Alynda Segarra of HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF, launches artist Amelia Jackie. Turning to music as a young kid, Alynda was inspired by Amelia’s songwriting to write songs and play their music. Alynda talks about how their move to New Orleans influenced many things in their lives and how it helped shape their life and music career. Stick around to the end to hear the song “All Around Town” from Amelia Jackie. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [1:15] Alynda talks about how they turned to music as a young kid and moving to New Orleans when leaving home [11:00] Alynda talks about identifying as an adventurer and stepping out of themselves to finish projects and start a new chapter in life [17:00] How Amelia Jackie inspired Alynda to write songs [20:00] Rain introduces Amelia Jackie and talks about meeting Alynda [28:00] Hear Amelia Jackie’s song, “All Around Town” KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Stepping out of your comfort zone can help start a new chapter in life as well as inspire projects and career paths. A new city can help to inspire those feelings. HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF LINKS: HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF HFTRR on Wikipedia HFTRR on Instagram HFTRR on Twitter HFTRR on Facebook HFTRR on YouTube AMELIA JACKIE LINKS: Amelia Jackie Amelia Jackie on Instagram Amelia Jackie on Facebook Amelia Jackie on Sound Cloud See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode REWIND of LaunchLeft, Summer & Rain Phoenix get to talk with Kev Marcus and Wil B. of the musical duo, Black Violin. Kev and Wil B. are classically trained string instrumentalists who have combined classical music with hip-hop. Today, our guests share with us their musical influences, their goal for others to be inspired and active in the music community, and to help provide others with opportunities. Tune in to this episode and stick around to the end to hear a LIVE performance at Gold Diggers LA of one of their songs! -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [03:00] Kevin & Wil B. of Black Violin, talk about their musical style and new album [06:00] Kevin & Wil B. explain how they found music in their lives, studying classical music, & how they decided to marry classical music with hip hop [13:00] The musical influences in their lives that have inspired their music [21:00] How the duo’s music creates common ground among people  [26:00] Kevin & Wil B. share how their hope to inspire others  [37:00] How they use their artistry as a form of activism [40:34] Listen to a LIVE song from their latest album LINKS: https://blackviolin.net  https://www.instagram.com/blackviolin/ https://www.facebook.com/BlackViolinMusic/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13qVNV7MWSB54MegD5C19w See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoon’s tenth album, Lucifer on the Sofa, is the band’s newest record to date. Texas-made, it is the first set of songs that the quintet has put to tape in its hometown of Austin in more than a decade. Today, Britt Daniel sits down to chat with Rain about the band's upcoming tour, how music found him, recording their new album and even some 4 track nostalgia! Stay tuned till the end as Britt launches Andrew Cashen and discusses their recent collaborations.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. ---------------------IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Britt talks about recording Spoon’s new album, Lucifer on the Sofa [07:00] Rain and Britt chat the upcoming tour for their new album [09:00] Britt’s journey with music starting at a young age and learning the bass [16:00] Rain and Britt discuss the recording process and editing  [20:00] Britt introduces artist Andrew Cashen   LaunchLeft SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Exclusively today on our YouTube channel, the legendary George Clinton of Parliament - Funkadelic. Watch this full video conversion with P-Funk’s Clinton for the first time and don’t miss the end as he’s launching 3GP aka 3 generations of P-Funk, the group that includes himself alongside his daughter and grandaughter. We reach him at his home in Florida for this very special episode chock full of wild stories from his life on the road and many otherworldly experiences. Haunted Summer’s pre-save link is live.We are happy to share about our new label artist Haunted Summer and celebrate by posting the pre-save of their first single You Put My Love Out the Door a Daniel Johnston cover) streaming everywhere Valentine’s Day. Did you know PRE SAVES allow more streaming algorithms to detect the release, which translate into streams on release day…? We appreciate your support. PLEASE PRE SAVE TODAY!   SPOON LINKS: https://spoontheband.com  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_(band) https://www.instagram.com/spoontheband/  https://twitter.com/spoontheband  https://www.facebook.com/spoontheband  https://www.youtube.com/user/spoontheband  https://soundcloud.com/spoontheband   ANDREW CASHEN LINKS: https://www.agiantdog.com/newwp/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Giant_Dog https://www.instagram.com/agiantdog/ ; https://www.instagram.com/andrewcashen/  https://www.facebook.com/agiantdog ; https://www.facebook.com/andrewcashenmusic/ https://twitter.com/agiantdog ; https://twitter.com/andrewcashen  https://agiantdog.bandcamp.com ; https://andrewcashen.bandcamp.com BIO: Spoon’s tenth album, Lucifer on the Sofa, is the band’s purest rock ’n roll record to date. Texas-made, it is the first set of songs that the quintet has put to tape in its hometown of Austin in more than a decade. Written and recorded over the last two years – both in and out of lockdown – these songs mark a shift toward something louder, wilder, and more full-color. From the detuned guitars anchoring “The Hardest Cut,” to the urgency of “Wild," to the band’s blown-out cover of the Smog classic “Held,” Lucifer on the Sofa bottles the physical thrill of a band tearing up a packed room. It’s an album of intensity and intimacy, where the music’s harshest edges feel as vivid as the directions quietly murmured into the mic on the first-take. According to frontman Britt Daniel, “It’s the sound of classic rock as written by a guy who never did get Eric Clapton.”  While Spoon’s last album, Hot Thoughts (2017), bristled with drum machines, synths, and astral moods, the nonstop touring that followed in its wake tugged the band back toward a stripped-down sound. “I liked where we’d gone on Hot Thoughts – it had a specific style and it covered new ground for us – but we kept noticing on the road that the live versions of the songs were beating the album versions,” says Daniel. “And it got us thinking”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by Meg Remy of US Girls to talk about life, art, music, authenticity and her connections to humanity and the world through her music. Rain shares a dream about water which leads to discussions about the planet and shared life experiences. Stay tuned at the end of the episode as Meg launches artist Dottie Imax on the podcast, and they talk about their art and collaborations. Listen to this episode to learn more from Rain, Meg, and Dottie. And be sure to look out for U.S. Girls sublime cover Born in a Prison from the tribute album Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono coming February 18th.-----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. ---------------------IN THIS EPISODE: [00:51] Meg from US girls talks about her dedication to authenticity  [09:29] Rain and Meg discuss the lost appreciation of our shared humanity [14:10] Meg’s experience as a mom [19:23] Dottie joins Meg and Rain on the podcast to chat art and how they met and know each other [22:11] Dottie talks about her work and collaborations LINKS: U.S. GIRLS LINKS: https://yousgirls.blogspot.com/https://www.instagram.com/usgirls.and.remy https://twitter.com/yousgirls https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0oPo8AHsibYz9p0CWJhNw https://soundcloud.com/usgirls DOTTIE.IMAX LINKS: https://imaxdottie.storenvy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dottie.imax/https://soundcloud.com/dottieimaxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You probably know Norman Reedus best from his portrayal of the character, Daryl Dixon on AMC’s The Walking Dead. In this episode, Rain gets to speak with Norman about his many current endeavors including photography, acting, writing a book, and his production company, Big Bald Head. Tune in to this episode of LaunchLeft to hear more from Rain and Norman as they chat about life and what the future has in store for him. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  --------------------- LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:27] Norman talks about what brings him joy, his early years and current happenings in his life [7:20] Norman talks about writing a book and the production company he started, Big Bald Head [12:30] Norman’s experience acting on the hit show, The Walking Dead [22:10] Norman waxes romantic about the burgeoning art scene in Los Angeles in the 90’s [42:12] Jake Lamagno closes the show to share a bit about his early entry into art, his sculpture and his work with thehuntnyc.com LINKS: https://www.instagram.com/bigbaldhead/https://twitter.com/wwwbigbaldheadhttps://www.normanreedusonline.comhttps://www.facebook.com/normanreedushttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005342/ Jake Lamagno https://www.instagram.com/instastupid/Thehuntnyc.com ABOUT NORMAN REEDUS: Norman is perhaps best known for playing the role of Murphy MacManus in the 1999 movie The Boondock Saints (1999) opposite Sean Patrick Flanery and Willem Dafoe. He also starred opposite Flanery in the 2009 sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009). As of 2010 he stars as Daryl Dixon in the AMC television series The Walking Dead (2010). The character was not originally in the comic book series of the same name, but was created specifically for Reedus after his audition for the character of Merle Dixon. The Walking Dead comic creator Robert Kirkman has stated he feels "absolutely blessed [Reedus] has honored the show with his presence, and the way he has come in and taken over that role and defined Daryl Dixon. A lot of Norman's portrayal of the character in the first season inspired all the writers to do what we did with him in the second season. We love writing him and end up doing cool stuff with him." In 2019, Norman founded Big Bald Head, a television and film production company. Big Bald Head is dedicated to quality storytelling at the highest level, with a strong emphasis on shining a light where others don’t. They recognize the role of pop culture in fostering progressive change and are deeply committed to making art that makes a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, artist Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene and K.D.A.P. joins Rain to talk about his new instrumental album and influences. They talk about his experiences as an artist, collaborating with others, and how social media affects music and artists today. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Dooms Dive, a song from his new album.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:10] Kevin talks about his journey in creating his instrumental album [05:00] The magic and importance of collaborating with others  [10:00] Social media and its effect and influence on artists [15:00] Finding new systems and putting things into place [22:00] Kevin talks about how music found him [25:00] Hear Kevin’s song from his new album, Dooms Dive KEY TAKEAWAYS: It truly takes a village to work together and learn what does and doesn’t work in the music world. Collaboration with others can create amazing things, as long as you are willing to compromise and deal with obstacles to accomplish your goals together.  Having more failures than successes isn’t a bad thing. It’s how you learn and grow as an artist and leads to better collaborations. It helps you create what you really want to and helps you not care about the critics. ARTIST LINKS: https://kevindrewmusic.com https://www.instagram.com/kevinselectionhttps://www.facebook.com/kevinselectionhttps://kevindrew.bandcamp.com/album/influenceshttps://brokensocialscene.cahttps://www.instagram.com/brokensocialscenehttps://twitter.com/bssmusichttps://www.facebook.com/brokensocialscenehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0NJ35DKvV05GD3KEUW83g   ABOUT KEVIN DREW: As a founding member of the experimental indie pop group Broken Social Scene, as well as a member of the label that puts out its music, Arts & Crafts, Kevin Drew worked with ten or more musicians in a collective that helped usher in the chamber pop movement. He grew up in Toronto and got his creative start attending high school at the prestigious Etobicoke School of the Arts along with two future members of BSS, Emily Haines and Amy Millan. After his interests changed from acting to music, he teamed up with Charles Spearin for a recording project called K.C. Accidental and released two records. The duo gradually blossomed into the more ambitious Broken Social Scene, and in 2007 he recorded his first solo release, Spirit If..., the first in a proposed series of solo records by various members of the mega-group. His second solo record wouldn't appear until seven years later, following the success, and eventual 2011 hiatus, of Broken Social Scene. While recording his solo follow-up, Drew began working with Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Kim of classic pop group the Archies, which reignited his creative flair and inspired him to finish his second offering Darlings, which was released in March 2014.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by Ellie Rowsell and Joel Amey from the band Wolf Alice as they talk about their newest album, Blue Weekend. Learn more about the process of producing the new album for the band and their tour across the US. Stay tuned to the end as we play a song from their new album, “The Last Man on Earth.” -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [01:39] Ellie and Joel of Wolf Alice explain their musical backgrounds and how they found each other and became bandmates [05:27] The band’s form of activism  [07:43] The experience the band had working with a producer for their recent album [13:25] Hear song “Last Man on Earth” from the band’s new album KEY TAKEAWAYS: The band uses different ways to share and collaborate on songs and lyrics and this helps them keep track of everything as they create.  Having all band members involved in the creation process keeps the ideas open and flowing allowing for better results in the end for the album ARTIST LINKS: https://wolfalice.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/wolfalicebandhttps://twitter.com/wolfalicemusichttps://www.facebook.com/wolfalicemusichttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3uvMO3ERiFphvVX_ct3GAhttps://www.tiktok.com/@wolfalicemusichttps://soundcloud.com/wolfalice   About Wolf Alice:With their distinctive blend of vintage '90s indie rock, folk, electronic, and dream pop, Wolf Alice are one of the most eclectic bands of the 2010s and 2020s. They're also one of the most acclaimed: The North London group's 2015 debut album My Love Is Cool -- which highlighted the delicacy and ferocity of Ellie Rowsell's vocals and lyrics -- counted Grammy Award and Mercury Prize nominations among its many accolades. The band won the Mercury Prize for 2017's Visions of a Life, an album that added more elements, as well as more polish, to their music, and on 2021's anthemic yet atmospheric Blue Weekend, Wolf Alice's ambitions and horizons continued to grow. Wolf Alice formed in 2010, when singer/songwriter Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie began playing as an acoustic duo and took their name from a short story by Angela Carter. After issuing a self-titled EP, the group expanded into a quartet with the addition of drummer Joel Amey and bassist Theo Ellis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Composer, singer, and songwriter Craig Wedren joins Rain today to talk about his work and ongoing projects. Music has always been a part of Craig's life, and it's evolved over the years to include his work composing music for feature films and tv shows and as a solo artist. Tune in to this episode of LaunchLeft to hear more from Craig, and we close the podcast with his song, "You Are Not Your Feelings."  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. ---------------------   IN THIS EPISODE: [01:38] Craig talks about his current composer work on TV shows, films and working on his projects in the evening hours [05:40] Craig describes his musical 'aha moment.' [11:17] Craig talks about his newest project and record [13:35] Listen to "You Are Not Your Feelings" from Craig's new album KEY TAKEAWAYS: As an artist, you set out to do something different and end up getting it wrong, but you might discover something new about yourself along the way that can put you on a fresh new artistic path. Allowing yourself as an artist to be open to working with other people can give you the opportunity to learn new things and create new projects, keeping your artistic perspective fresh. ARTIST LINKS: http://www.craigwedren.comhttps://www.instagram.com/craigwedrenhttps://twitter.com/craigwedrenhttps://www.facebook.com/craigwedrenmusichttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7tugZSuH8ZmIro4uLq3Bwhttps://soundcloud.com/craigwedrenCraig Wedren:   Craig Wedren is a composer, a songwriter, and a singer. He got his start fronting avant-punk pioneers Shudder To Think, before expanding into composing scores for film and T.V. As a composer, Wedren has scored a host of popular feature films including Wanderlust, Role Models, The School of Rock, Wet Hot American Summer, By The People: The Election of Barack Obama, Laurel Canyon, Roger Dodger, Afternoon Delight, How To Be A Latin Lover, and A Futile, Stupid Gesture. He has also written and performed music for television shows including New Amsterdam, Shrill, GLOW, Wet Hot American Summer, Fresh Off The Boat, Hung, The United States of Tara, Reno 911!, Children's Hospital, Burning Love, and The State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain welcomes Melanie Charles to talk about her new reimagined album, Y’all Don’t (Really) Care About Black Women. Melanie wanted to pay homage to known songs, and modernize and reimagine them in her own way to share. Learn more about Melanie’s background, working on her album during the pandemic, and her take on community involvement and activism. Also, stay tuned to hear Melanie’s reimagination of Marlena Shaw’s song, “Woman of the Ghetto.” Follow Melanie on Twitter and Instagram. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. ---------------------  IN THIS EPISODE:  [00:53] Melanie tells Rain all about her newest project developed [02:45] How music found Melanie at a young age, including piano, dance, and band classes as she grew up [07:30] Melanie’s reflection on past and current events, and her take on community involvement and activism  [12:36] Listen to Melanie’s reimagination of Marlena Shaw’s song, “Woman of the Ghetto” KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Melanie was inspired to create this album by wanting songs everyone knew, but reimagined in fresh new ways. The help of talented musicians and mixers helped Melanie create the sound she was looking for. To create her versions of the songs she chose, Melanie faced the challenge of working on her songs during the Pandemic lock-down. She had to pivot to create these songs at home instead of in a studio, truly putting blood, sweat and tears into the project.  As an artist, she feels the need to reflect on experiences and share them with others, and Melanie sees her album as a way of connecting with her community about past and current struggles with racial tension. ARTIST LINKS: https://www.melaniecharles.comhttps://www.instagram.com/melaniecharlesisdflowerhttps://twitter.com/melaniecharleshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFV1KSWQHnFHEiZjt35j3Fwhttps://soundcloud.com/melaniecharlesisdflowerhttps://melaniecharles.bandcamp.com Melanie Charles: There are very few artists whose sound can capture the sentiments of a generation. The Brooklyn born and raised, Melanie Charles, is one of these artists. Over the past few decades, she has made a name for herself through dynamic engagements with jazz, soul and R&B. Her bold genre-bending style has been embraced by a range of artists including Wynton Marsalis, SZA, Mach-Hommy, Gorillaz and The Roots. In 2021, she appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk and stunned with her eclectic style. Through it all, she has remained committed to making music that pushes listeners to consider new possibilities—both socially and politically. “Make Jazz Trill Again,” a project that she launched in 2016, demonstrates her allegiance to everyday people, especially the youth and is focused on taking jazz from the museum to the streets. “I love jazz, I really fell in love with it deeply. But I was interested in young people interacting with it,” Charles says. The album Y’all Don’t (Really) Care About Black Women is reflective of Charles’ tremendous versatility and imagination as an artist but of also her deep care for community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft strives to help emerging artists have a space to share their art. NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are a new and exciting way for artists to potentially thrive through their art. LaunchLeft is thrilled to discover with our audience some of the ways artists can do just that through maintaining royalties which has the potential to lead to generational wealth in their families.  Communities of NFT artists are helping fellow artists discover how to use the digital space to share their art. Tune in to this episode of LaunchLeft as we learn more about NFTs and how they can help support established and emerging artists. Find the participating artists in this episode on Twitter: @seanbonner, @Anngreenberg, @blackdave, @vintagemozart, @wellnesssbritt, @gmunk, @israelswilson, @CharlesP_photog, @nft_ish, @dianaesinclair, @ernestoasch   IN THIS EPISODE: What are NFTs and how do artists discover and use them Interest in NFTs and being able to use them to help emerging artists What do non-fungible tokens do for artists? How artists can learn about NFTs and where to find tutorials and information Diana Sinclair talks about finding her artist community, first tokenizing her work, and the future for emerging artists and NFTs Artists speak about their experience discovering NFT's, the empowerment it brings, and how they've connected more with their art community because of it How NFTs give artists more control and long term agency  NFTs fostering collaborations between artists creating a bigger artistry community  Letting go of comparing your work to other artists KEY TAKEAWAYS: NFTs as cryptocurrencies give artists a way to give systems of value to their work  People have to realize they will have to stand up for these new systems to work and building a community of like-minded artists will help that NFTs empower the artist to create art with value for themselves, instead of creating art for others.  One of the best things about NFTs for the artist community is the collaborations it helps foster.  Visit our website: https://www.launchleft.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In their debut album, Cinema, The Marías put together a collection of songs from throughout the years, including some written during the 2020 lockdown. Maria Zardoya and Josh Conway used inspirations from film to create the lavish and dynamic sound experience that is Cinema.  An eclectic variety of instrumentation and lyrics in English and Spanish lends the album depth while delivering a fresh new sound. The Marías share their excitement for playing live again and planning their multi-city tour in 2022. We close the episode with their infectious single “Hush”.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. ---------------------  IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:00] Rain and The Marías discuss the music on the new album, including the mix of English and Spanish languages  [03:28] Maria discusses her love for film and how she and Josh first wrote music for film and TV [04:01] How music found both Josh & Maria in their lives [06:25] Josh and Maria talk about their upcoming tour in 2022 and deciding their plan for their live shows [11:05] Maria talks about the form of activism the band has been involved in presently and over the last few years [12:30] Listen to The Marías song, Hush   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Combining a love for film and music helped create the dynamic sound and style for their debut album, Cinema. Using multiple instruments and even lyrics in English and Spanish gives the album depth and sounds never heard before. The Marías are paying close attention to details as they create a dynamic live set for the tour coming up in 2022 to create an experience for their audiences.    ARTIST LINKS: https://www.themarias.us  https://www.instagram.com/themarias/  https://twitter.com/themarias  https://www.facebook.com/themariasmp3/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChmZkdugBmAP_zpyzayv6VQ  https://themarias.bandcamp.com    The Marías On their highly-anticipated debut album Cinema, The Marías provide listeners an escape into a dynamic world that is alluring and mysterious while equally charming and inviting. In dreaming up their first full-length, frontwoman María Zardoya and multi-instrumentalist producer Josh Conway mined inspiration from such hyper-imaginative filmmakers as Pedro Almodóvar, achieving an untamed emotionality that acutely amplifies the most intimate of feelings. When met with the exquisite nuance of their sound—the lavish textures, shapeshifting percussion, lyrics sung in both English and Spanish—the result is a body of work that bends reality and heightens the senses to glorious effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this very special Episode of LaunchLeft, Rain talks about the film, My Own Private Idaho, which her brother, River, and Keanu Reeves starred in, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary. The episode features the film's writer and director, Gus Van Sant, the film’s producer Laurie Parker as well as the inspiration for River's character, Mike Parker. LaunchLeft also put out the call on social media for fans of the film to send in their testimonials about how MOPI profoundly impacted their lives which we hear throughout the show.  The episode also serves as a premiere of not one but two new artistic pieces directed by Laurie Parker inspired by the film. First, a special interview with Mickey Cotrell who played “Daddy Carroll” in the “Little Dutch Boy” scene of the film, and second, a music video starring Caroline Kingsbury with her inspired cover of “Deep Night” which appeared in the original film.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. --------------------   IN THIS EPISODE:  [05:34] Writer and Director, Gus Van Sant, talks about how they got Keanu Reeves and River to read the scripts and decide to take the movie [16:11] Mike Parker joins Rain and they talk about how River’s character in the movie, Mike, was based on his upbringing [18:11] Mike shares stories of River, including meeting his mom and also passing out food to the unhoused population on a day off from shooting [26:02] Advice to any young unhoused people and also his wish for his children [32:55] Guest Corina Haywood shares her experience with the movie as a 16-year-old in San Francisco in the 90’s [38:55] Laurie Parker shares memories of the film and of the dimensions that the film had in it  [43:46] Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview [46:56] Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film [50:23] Guest Jessica shares what the film meant to her and writing a thesis on it in university Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview, Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film, videos directed and introduced by MOPI producer Laurie Parker.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  My Own Private Idaho resonated with a lot of people, especially young people who were brought up through trauma or sexual identity issues, which helped them feel validated and know they belonged somewhere Sometimes it’s films and art that help give people a connection that they’re not alone, especially in times of confusion, and can give them an understanding of themselves as well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode of LaunchLeft, Rain speaks with music artist José Gonzalez. José has recently recorded his new album, Local Valley, in his home and a studio in Sweden. José chose to produce this album himself to give it a raw sound and feel. His album drew inspiration from worldwide and includes songs in English, Swedish, and José’s native Spanish. Tune in to hear more from Rain and José’s discussion on his background, his music, and how he found inspiration from current events in the world on this episode of LaunchLeft. We close the show with his song “El Invento.”  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent. --------------------  IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:10] José speaks with Rain about his plans to play his new record live and the writing and recording process for the album [03:43] Rain asks José to explain his writing process because he knows  languages English, Spanish, and Swedish and sang in all three on the record [06:04] José explains his background with music and how he began singing and playing guitar [10:05] José’s musical inspiration through humanistic worldview, philosophy, and research that influences his lyrics and sound [17:05] José talks about how one thing different on this album is the playfulness and silliness of some songs and how that varied the guitar and vocals as opposed to his typical classic singing and songwriting [20:06] How visual art inspires José and enjoying visiting galleries and museums that he will use as concepts when he is writing music [24:07] José’s inspiration for his title track coming from world issues and people being able to communicate and understand others differing opinions KEY TAKEAWAYS:  José used his broad cultural background to write and produce an album that connects many thoughts of differing opinions and hopes to bring people to see both sides of issues José’s background in science opened up his eyes to research and philosophy which gives him different views on the world, nature, and cultural differences which help give him a broad sound in his lyrics and music  ARTIST LINKS: Artist Website: https://jose-gonzalez.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jose.gonz.music/?hl=en  Twitter: https://twitter.com/_josegonzalez_?lang=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josegonzalezmusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOxQXnxLdxQjvu9FHk1jsdQ  Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/josegonzalez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of LaunchLeft, join Rain and special guest Chris Douridas as they pay tribute to the birthday of Rain’s late brother, River Phoenix. Chris Douridas is a DJ and musical tastemaker at Santa Monica, California's radio station KCRW, spanning a career of 31 years. Rain invites Chris on the podcast to recount and reminisce about an inspired conversation Chris had with River in 1991. Listen as we travel back in time and hear clips from the original interview between River and Chris, gaining insight into River’s unique approach to film-making and creating music. Finally, Rain reveals the emotions she felt when she heard River’s interview with Chris, finding comfort in the sadness as she looked back fondly on her late brother’s legacy. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain sits down with Grammy Award winner Rodney Crowell and new artist Vincent Neil Emerson. Crowell has written chart-topping hits for artists  Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban and many more. Today he talks with Rain about his family and growing up with music, his own writing and recording career, and working with a young artist like Emerson. Tune in to hear more about Rodney’s extensive music career, his form of activism, and hear about his collaborations with Emerson and his new song. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 100th LaunchLeft celebrates with a special livestream variety show from Gold-Diggers in Hollywood hosted by Rain Phoenix, including Summer Phoenix, Catherine Keener, Devendra Banhart, Simone Istwa, LA Can Freedom Singers, and the legendary Daniel Lanois all to benefit #HomesNotPrisons! The show also highlights Rain’s favorite excerpts from David Lynch, Jack Black, Jane Fonda, and a never-before-heard conversation between Rain, Summer, and Joaquin Phoenix. LaunchLeft’s mission to connect left-of-center artists in collaboration happens in real-time in this very special show. The audio stream is available free today wherever you hear podcasts, but if you wish to watch this experience, please consider becoming a Patreon patron today!  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Vega, an influential co-creator of the avant-garde band, Suicide, had a long, prolific career in music and the visual arts. Alan passed away in 2016, and his wife, Liz Lamere, joins Rain today to speak about his illustrious career and background and how she is continuing to produce and release his music posthumously. Even after his passing, Alan continues to influence other artists from his work. Tune in to hear all about Alan's life and involvement in the arts on this episode of LaunchLeft. We close this episode with the song "Muscles” from 'Mutator', the lost Alan Vega album produced and mixed by Liz Lamere and Jared Artaud, the first in a series of unreleased and rare material from the Vega Vault. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of LaunchLeft, host Rain Phoenix sits down with today’s guests, the band, Lightning Bug, members Audrey Kang, Kevin Copeland, and Logan Miley. Lighting Bug released the album, A Color of the Sky, their third album. A record with a specific sound and introspection, the album reflects the journey of its songwriter in a personal and spiritual journey through life. The songs are rich and smooth and document the changes and feelings of the songwriter as they go through a personal transformation. Tune in to hear more from Lightning Bug members on their specific sound and what they are hoping to share as an experience with their listeners. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Artist Takeover episode of LaunchLeft, Peter Matthew Bauer speaks with artist Caroline Kingsbury on her album he produced “Heaven’s Just a Flight.” Caroline explains how this album was really shaped by her growing up while making it. It deals with a lot of tough times in Caroline’s life such as the loss of her brother and coming out as queer and how that’s effected her family life. Tune in to this episode to hear more from Caroline and Peter as they explain the creative process of this album on this episode of LaunchLeft. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of LaunchLeft, join Rain in speaking with artist Sloan Struble, better known as Dayglow, about his sophomore album, Harmony House, which debuted on May 21st, 2021. The album was heavily inspired by his time in the year 2020 and how that influenced his music. Tune in to hear about Dayglow’s journey from growing up around music to working with a Garageband and learning to shoot and edit music videos for his new album. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rain speaks with 19-year-old musical artist Daniyel about his music journey and his new album, 82. Daniyel talks about his love for the intimate live performances they have, how he gets a personal connection to the audience, and its importance.  Daniyel has always had a love for film as well and has found ways to incorporate this with his music. Please tune in to this episode to hear more from Daniyel, his message to other young artists, and his upcoming plans. Finally, we close the show with his song "82nd". -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist and Filmmaker David Lynch joins Rain Phoenix in conversation this week on the podcast. Learn about David’s journey in artistic studies painting and sculpting, plus David’s experience living in Los Angeles since the 70’s. Tune in to hear about Lynch’s extensive career, how music found him and his deep connection with cinema and sound through his collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti. He shares his thoughts on art and culture, his mission with the David Lynch Foundation and even turns the table to ask Rain some questions of his own. Listen and enjoy wherever you hear podcasts! -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are happy to kick off pride month with Girl in Red! The 22 year old Norwegian musician shares how she was the only family member to find music as a profession, speaks openly about her sexual orientation, and discusses how her parents and family first reacted to her having a girlfriend. Tune in as Marie Ulven Ringheim aka Girl in Red guides us through the entire process of the creation of her new album, from lyrics and melodies to the final result, and how she is making her mind and body ready for the next live show. We close the show with her FINNEAS co-produced single, “Serotonin”.  -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marion Raw is a singer songwriter and visual artist. In a journey to get in touch with her roots, Marion splits her time between Mexico and Los Angeles which gives her art and music inspiration. Marion speaks about her childhood and how she found solace in music and visual art forms as she was uprooted from her life many times. Her journey with her mother’s and her own mental health through her upbringing helped bring her to music and art as her outlets. These events in her life had a strong impact on her debut solo album, Deep Cuts, that came out in April 2021. Tune in as Marion speaks about her new album, Mental Health Activism, and upcoming projects. -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allison Russell is a self-taught singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and co-founder of Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago. First, Allison speaks about music finding her from a young age and how the relationship with her mother played a massive role in her career. Then, Allison shares the story of finding her way out of a hazardous and life-threatening situation. Plus, Allison speaks about her first-ever solo project, Outside Child, and reveals the inspiration behind her work. Her project is all about resilience, survival, transcendence, the redemptive power of art, community, connection, and chosen family. Tune in as Allison launches her song Montreal from Outside Child. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Middle Kids are an alternative indie rock band from Sydney, Australia. Hannah Joy is the lead vocals, guitar, and piano. Hannah speaks about their latest album; Today We're The Greatest; there's so much texture, richness, moodiness, rawness, and realness to it. Hannah reveals how music found her at a young age, and we speak about Hannah's favorite form of activism. Plus we welcome Leeloo Hellie, a 17-year-old musician and Middle Kids fan, to ask Hannah Joy a few burning questions! We close the show with Middle Kids new single, "Stacking Chairs".  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shaun Ross is an American model, recording artist, and actor; he's appeared in the pages of GQ and Vogue and fronted campaigns for the likes of Alexander McQueen and Fendi. Shaun's first record is dropping in three days! We talk about the process behind Shaun's music and who he collaborated with for this first album. Then, Shaun reveals how music found him at a young age, and we talk about Shaun's passion for police reform. Later, we chat about the importance of being yourself, and Shaun gives advice on taking control of your life. Tune in as we hear Shaun's song, Living. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known as “The Man Who Shot the 70s,” famed photographer Mick Rock joins the show. First, we chat about the inspiration behind his photography career, and Mick reveals the details behind shooting some famous musicians like Lou Reed, David Bowie, and Lenny Kravitz. Tune in as Mick Rock launches Chris Greatti, an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft welcomes Simone Istwa to talk about their influences, growing up with their musical parents T Bone Burnett and Sam Phillips, and finding their unique voice in the industry. Also, on the show actor James Duval (Totally Fucked Up, Donnie Darko) and director Nina Ljet (Phoebe Bridgers "Kyoto") discuss their collaboration with Simone on their latest music video "So Sure". -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Elson, singer, songwriter, supermodel, and fashion icon, is a guest host for this Artist Takeover. Today, Karen is talking with her dear friend, singer, poet, fashion designer, and taste-maker, Chase Cohl. Chase opens up about the inspiration behind her album Dear Dear: Volume 1. As a woman, it can be challenging to find your voice in the music industry. Chase reveals how she found her voice as a woman through music and poetry. Plus, we chat all about Chase’s poetry book, lessons learned during the pandemic, and what it’s like to release music during these uncertain times. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Gallo is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and artist. Ron’s music is always authentic; his latest record PEACEMEAL is fantastic and something that you do not want to miss! First, we dive deep into Ron’s journey and the inspiration behind his musical career. Strange enough, Ron does not remember where he found his passion for music. However, we still dig deep, and Ron gives tons of practical advice on finding clarity and humanity during Covid. Tune in as we talk about Ron’s latest epiphanous moments and the importance of awareness on our journey.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the greatest male vocalists, songwriters, and composers of his generation. In this Artist Takeover episode, Rufus has an in-depth conversation with Glass Battles, the King of Spook Pop. Rufus and Glass Battles talk about their experiences since the pandemic began. One big lesson learned during these challenging times is that anything can happen – good or bad. What’s important is taking these situations and creating something beautiful and inspiring from them. Tune in as they reminisce about live shows and talk about the power of social media. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mxmtoon, also known as Maia, is an American singer-songwriter and YouTuber from Oakland, California. We discover the inspiration behind Maia’s music, art and how she came to share content online at the age of twelve. Always using her creativity as an outlet, she also hosts a podcast 365 days a year! We dive into mxmtoon’s newest EP, dawn, which challenged her to make a more optimistic group of songs, a definite departure from her more melancholy releases on ukelele. We then discuss other ways Maia fuels her creativity and the importance of collaboration for growth as an artist. And last but not least, tune in as we play mxmtoon's inspired cover of Radiohead’s CREEP to close the show. -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-centSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Artist Takeover, we welcome award winning director (Transparent, Pose, Dickinson) Silas Howard in conversation with celebrated writer and visual artist Harry Dodge. Long time friends and collaborators they discuss among other things working together on their film By Hook or By Crook about their experience in San Francisco’s queer community. They open up the show speaking about how narrative can be a powerful tool in films as the plot will closely overlap with activism.Plus,they discuss how representation is almost always disappointing- Sila’s meteoric rise as a trans filmmaker and we listen as Harry reads an excerpt from his new book, My Meteorite: Or, Without the Random There Can Be No New Thing. Tune in as Harry and Silas explain why Covid is the perfect opportunity to realize that we are all interconnected in society.  -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are grateful to have Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink of Azure Ray at such an opportune moment as they just celebrated 20 years since their first release. We learn about the inspiration behind Azure Ray's music and how tragedy can create beautiful art. In this episode. Maria and Orenda reveal how music found them and what it was like starting a band together. Tune in as we talk about releasing Azure Ray on vinyl for the first time, and we play their hit song "Sleep." -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we have Chris Stein on the show! Chris is an innovative guitarist, groundbreaking songwriter, and co-founder of Blondie. Plus, he is an acclaimed photographer. Chris's musical career gained inspiration from movie soundtracks such as West Side Story, and we talk about activism. Solo artist Grace McKagan joins the episode to talk about the backstory behind her latest single and the importance of being authentic on stage. We close the episode with Grace McKagan's song, "So Lucky." -----------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is an exceptional treat to have super icon Jane Fonda join the show! If you didn’t already know, Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, author, activist, and fitness guru. We dive right into the inspiration behind Jane Fonda's activism. We all want to feel that our life has meaning. For Jane, she knew that with fame came a massive platform. So, she became an active participant in lifting the suffering from our world. We dive even deeper into Jane's activism passions, including the wage gap and getting more women into leadership roles. Tune in as Madeline Carretero, Influencer Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager at Greenpeace USA joins the show to talk about Fire Drill Fridays. ------------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West London-raised musician/poet Arlo Parks joins LaunchLeft for a Portrait Series episode. Arlo dives into how music found her at a young age. As a child, jazz music was the soundtrack to Arlo's whole existence, plus her uncle gifted his vinyl collection to Arlo – the rest is history! Arlo discloses her writing process and why it's essential not to overthink things when creating a poem or song lyric. Plus, Arlo explains how she leads by example when championing the Black Lives Matter movement and mental health charities. We end this week’s show with “Hurt”, her latest single.   -------------------  LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE  https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON  https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft  TWITTER  https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft  INSTAGRAM  https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/  FACEBOOK  https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft  ---------------------  LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.  LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.  LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharoahe Monch of th1rt3en joins this week’s episode of LaunchLeft. Pharoahe opens the show talking about his hip hop - rock musical group, th1rt3en. 2020 was a rough year, but Pharoahe, Daru Jones, and Marcus Machado are looking to cut through the lies and misinformation that have been spreading like wildfire. We talk about the importance of spirituality and how we need a collective consciousness to unite as one in society. Tune in as we play "Cult 45" off of their latest album, "A Magnificent Day For An Exorcism." -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Harper opens the show speaking about Winter Is For Lovers, his instrumental record from October 2020, and the inspiration behind his brand new label, Mad Bunny Records. Ben has been able to launch his label and help artists during the pandemic. Ben gives his advice to emerging artists & shares what it's like to introduce artists into the world. Today, Ben is launching The Cush from Mad Bunny Records. Tune in as the members of The Cush join the show and launch their latest single, Haters.    -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani Di Franco joins me for an interview on LaunchLeft. Ani opens the show explaining how she lost her job yet has been busier than ever. Ani explains why she created her own label in the 90s. At the time, it seemed so foreign, but she was happy to cut out all the middlemen of the music industry and sell directly to her community. Plus, Ani gives advice for aspiring young artists; to get out in the world and show them what you're made of! Tune in for our portrait episode as Ani Di Franco shares her latest song, Revolutionary Love. In This Episode:[00:50] What Ani Di Franco thinks about most these days.  [02:35] Ani Di explains why she created her own label in the 90s.  [05:30] How Ani Di is reinventing herself during Covid-19 regardless of all the pitfalls that arise.  [15:50] Ani Di gives advice for young artists right now.  [22:20] At the age of 9, Ani Di asked her parents for guitar – she doesn’t remember where the idea came from specifically.  [24:40] Working on achieving justice and equality for all people. [27:00] Ani Di launches her latest song, Revolutionary Love. Key Takeaways:All human beings have to adapt to the circumstances we are given; many things are out of our control. Our best qualities aren't always forward-facing until there's a crisis.We share humanity together, regardless of our differences.To create justice and equality for all, it's just a matter of showing up daily for the people doing the good work. Links Mentioned:Guest Bio: Artist Website: http://anidifranco.comRighteous Babe Website: https://www.righteousbabe.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anidifrancoTwitter: https://twitter.com/anidifrancoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/righteousbaberecs-------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is our inaugural artist takeover show with guest host, Michael Stipe and his friend, Jem Cohen. Michael and Jem open the show talking about the role artists have in politics and activism and how artists want their work to carry on for generations. Fame is great, but infamy is really what an artist strives for. They talk about infamous works of art, like Moby Dick, that they simply haven't read, and notorious movies that Jem honestly wished that he had time to watch. Later, Michael reveals one of his most significant regrets and the greatest compliment he has ever received. Tune in as Jem explains how chance plays a significant role in his work, and Michael gives his advice to Jem.In This Episode:[02:10] The role that artists have in politics and activism.  [16:15] How art will carry on for thousands of years.  [23:00] Who has really read Moby Dick?  [35:20] Michael reveals one of his most significant regrets.  [44:00] Jem explains that there’s nothing bigger than chance in his work. [68:10] Michael gives advice to Jem. Key Takeaways:Sometimes it’s beautiful being in a hateful space; every place is part of our world, and there can be beauty in terrible things. We need to keep discovering new artists because we never know how much more joy we could have.The thing about street photography and about documentaries that matters so much is that you can't control it.MICHAEL STIPE:Artist Website: https://michaelstipe.com ; https://www.remhq.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/remhqYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7eaRqtonpyiYw0Pns0Au_gJEM COHEN:Artist Website: https://jemcohenfilms.comVimeo: https://vimeo.com/gravityhill/vod_pages-------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E from EELS opens the show explaining why releasing an album during the pandemic was sort of perfect. The EARTH TO DORA album was released October 30th; if you haven't already, you definitely need to check it out. Then, E explains how a little toy drum set led E to his bountiful musical career. Growing up, E would play the drum every single day and never lost interest. In sixth grade, E would write songs about his girlfriend on his mom's piano. Tune in as we talk about what it's like to perform virtually and how E writes music to help himself and help other people. At the end of the episode, E will introduce the video for his latest single, "Are We Alright Again."In This Episode:[00:30] About E from EELS and his latest album.[04:10] How music found E at the age of six from a little toy drum set. [07:30] What it’s like to perform virtually and how social media is playing a role. [12:15] How E’s music helps himself and helps other people. [15:45] E introduces the video for his latest single, "Are We Alright Again."Key Takeaways:No one is going to win the battle of having cell phones on at a concert; that ship has sailed.We need to get through Covid-19 with a positive outlook; eventually, things will get better.Don’t be afraid to put your art out into the world because your music will help other people get through tough times. Nothing is normal anymore; it’s time to figure out what you’re going to do next. Links Mentioned:Artist Website: https://www.eelstheband.comWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eels_(band)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEEELSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eelsthebandTwitter: https://twitter.com/THE_EELSYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/OfficialEels-------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Clinton, the founder of Parliament-Funkadelic collective, joins us in our first episode of 2021 to talk about his family's group called 3GP. George is a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and record producer; he is a man who revolutionized music, stepped out of the box, and colored outside the lines. We discuss George's music, collaborations, and what it's like to go on tour with a band of 12. Family members Tonysha Nelson & Brandi Scott join the episode to talk about 3GP, three generations of P-Funk. 3GP is a group comprised of family and friends; they are currently creating their first album. In this episode, we learn all about them being a family of musicians and 3GP's latest album plans. Check out the brand new episode.-------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Side B of our special year-end mixtape episode. You'll be hearing from various artists for quick Q&A before we play their featured song. I hope you enjoy side B of the 2020 LaunchLeft year-end mixtape featuring Rexx Life Raj, Tayla Parx, Deep Sea Diver, Tawny Newsome and Bethany Thomas, Divide and Dissolve, CHAII, Prayers, ON/NOTICE, Buzzy Lee, Evann McIntosh, Falu & Karyshma, and Duncan Fellows.Find us at Launchleft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a special year-end mixtape episode featuring new artists and their new songs. I hope you enjoy side A of the 2020 LaunchLeft year-end mixtape featuring Nana Adjoa, Alewya, SWIMM, Miloe, Leyla McCalla, Lo Talker, Henry Hall, Mobley, Couch Prints, B.Miles, Thunder Jackson, and Slow Pulp.In this episode:[00:50] Nana Adjoa - “National Song”[07:10] Alewya - “Sweating” [12:30] SWIMM - “Feel Better”[18:30] Miloe - “Winona”[22:35] Leyla McCalla - “The Capitalist Blues”[28:55] Lo Talker - “No Champagne”[34:50] Henry Hall - “Tattoo”[39:20] Mobley - “James Crow”[45:30] Couch Prints - “Tell U”[51:35] B.Miles - “Worst Enemy”[58:20] Thunder Jackson - “Caroline”[66:20] Slow Pulp - “New Horse” -------------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft --------------------- LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thurston Moore joins the show to talk about his latest record, By The Fire, and the launch of the London based band, Big Joanie. Estella Adeyeri, Big Joanie's bassist and co-vocalist, later joins the episode to share what the band is all about, what they are working on right now, and their involvement with Girls Rock London. Tune in as Thurston reveals the inspiration behind his music career, musical upbringing, and how politics interact with the music world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like to talk music with two friends who truly enjoy each other’s company? Well you’re about to find out when you tune into this week’s episode with The Kills. Alison and Jamie discuss their new Rarities Album 'Little Bastards', staying creative during quarantine and live shows versus live streaming... We end the episode with their new music video “Raise Me” which Alison starred, edited and directed. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Blake cites his family as earliest musical inspiration, details the difficulties of solo music making and shares how the mandated lock down in NYC added so much to his very collaborative new EP entitled Before. Khushi joins the conversation part way through and we learn about how they came to know each other and work together on his new EP INSTINCTS, then James launches Khushi’s powerful song/video “I Know” to close the show. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two for Tuesday! Pretty much everything is messed up about the thanksgiving holiday, historically speaking, it’s all kinds of wrong, but, the thankfulness part is something we can get behind! So for this holiday week we are also thankful for London-based punk trio Dream Wife – who released their explosive sophomore album ‘So When You Gonna’ produced and mixed by Bjork-producer Marta Salogni. The record deals with topics such as miscarriage and gender equality and was made entirely by a non-male engineering team. Dream Wife are donating all proceeds from digital Bandcamp orders of the record to Black Minds Matter and Gendered Intelligence. @blackmindsmatter.uk connects Black individuals and families with professional and mental health services across the U.K., and @genderintelligence aims to increase understandings of gender diversity, working with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives, with a focus on supporting young trans people 8-25. We are thankful to our guests and listeners! Find us at Launchleft.com or wherever you her podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two for Tuesday! Pretty much everything is messed up about the thanksgiving holiday, historically speaking, it’s all kinds of wrong, but, the thankfulness part is something we can get behind! So for this holiday week’s two for Tuesday first drop, we are thankful for new yorker Jackie Lynn, who introduces us to the bands concept record JACQUELINE about a long haul trucker... a day in the life of a woman both alone and together with her own thoughts. The conversation centers around creativity in isolation, finding her own voice and uncovering the unique visual component to accompany her live performances. --------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes sits down with LaunchLeft! He talks about how his band is adapting to the challenges of recording new material and playing LIVE during COVID, how he manages his anxieties as a creative and molecular activism! Later in the show we are joined for a short Q&A with launched artist Christian Lee Hutson and he shares his song “Northsiders” off of his latest record Beginners. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts. --------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LP sits down this week with LaunchLeft! The prolific singer/songerwriter expounds upon how she found her own voice in songwriting, how it evolved over time and eventually expanded her capacity to create music for different genres. She also shares her unique experience of her early days in the industry and the surprises that led to her current world-wide success. LP launches Nick Leng — closing out the episode with an acoustic medley of the lead singles off his debut record LEMONS. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.------------------LP will hold two drive-in concerts on SATURDAY, November 14thFor tickets to see her live, in-person in Anaheim, visit: http://www.axs.com/series/11359/lp-drive-in-tickets?skin=cngoa. Purchase livestream passes here: https://iamlp.shop.musictoday.com/dept/lp-live-from-the-gro--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standing in long lines to vote? Experiencing anxiety waiting for the election results? If you are, Wayne Kramer’s episode that dropped today is sure to leave you hopeful. His life, his journey and his experience with our favorite mashup, art & activism is sure to get you pumped for the long night ahead! But don’t worry there’s a healthy dose of music history to distract you when he breaks down his MC5 days and opens up about his influences. Wayne closes the show by launching Brad Brooks. Find us at LaunchLeft.come or whenever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resistance Revival Chorus joined together to breathe joy and song into the resistance, and to uplift and center women’s voices. On this week’s episode of LaunchLeft, hear the RRC go deep into art and activism, defining their music through strong purpose, message and inspiration. With the election only week away, their song and video “Rich Man’s House” off their brand new record 𝑇𝐻𝐼𝑆 𝐽𝑂𝑌 is sure to excite your spirit! Find us at LaunchLeft.come or whenever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Melua, Georgian-British singer/songwriter, joins the LaunchLeft conversation.  She discusses how she prepares herself for making a new record including how she finds ways to come out of “creative burnout” by “measuring your energies”.  We find out how music found her, her influences and so much more. We end the show with “Maybe I Dreamt It”, a track off her new record Album No. 8--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aloe Blacc, American soul singer, record producer, and activist joins LaunchLeft. He describes the profound moment music found him and turned him into an “active participant” and breaks down his recording process on some of his earliest songs. He expounds upon his form of activism and what his organization Artivist is doing to support and create music and art that inspires positive social transformation. We end this week’s show with “All Love Everything”, the title track off of Aloe’s new record.For more information about Artivist please visit their official website:http://artivistentertainment.com--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter and record producer Róisín Murphy joins LaunchLeft this week! Up for discussion: her earliest musical memories, her love for dance and the influence it has had on the music she creates. We talk about her latest disco-centric record Róisín Machine and close this week’s episode with an extended version of her new track “Simulation”. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy-nominated music producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founder of Nice Life Recording Company, Ricky Reed joins LaunchLeft. He discusses a “day in the life” at the studio and the dichotomy of working with Top 40 recording artists such as Lizzo and artist just beginning their journey in the industry. He also talks about balancing his work with fatherhood, how music found him and shares a little bit about his newest collaborative project The Room. We end the show with a track off of the album No Stone featuring The Dirty Projectors.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arlo Parks, breakthrough singer/songwriter/poet joins the LaunchLeft discussion. She opens up about her unique writing process by which she uses her poetry and “stream of consciousness” exercises as the foundation to her songwriting. Arlo also discusses some of her earliest musical memories and expounds upon her school of thought that not all art needs to be useful. We close out this week’s episode with her latest single “Hurt”. Art, music, activism and lots of left-of-center goodness on full display on this week’s installment of LaunchLeft.--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week LaunchLeft welcomes the legendary Daniel Lanois from his home studio in Los Angeles California! He walks us through some of his earliest days in music, expounding upon how he connected with Brian Eno and later went on to co-produce with him many seminal records including U2’s The Joshua Tree. He gives us behind the scenes vignettes of Peter Gabriel’s SO and the iconic Emmylou Harris record “Wrecking Ball”. He also shares new tracks from the band Heavy Sun and offers a glimpse of his master wizardry by deconstructing the songs in real time. A special live performance by Heavy Sun closes out this week’s episode!--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer/songwriter/musician Ondara sits down with LaunchLeft to talk about his new record, “Folk N' Roll Vol 1: Tales of Isolation” written entirely while in lockdown in Minneapolis over the course of a week. He shares about his deep need to create as a form of therapy, and how moving from Kenya to Minneapolis had an impact on his work. We close the episode with his timely and timeless song, “The Ballad of Nana Doline”. Find us wherever you hear podcasts or at LaunchLeft.com-------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain and Summer Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We have to think about each other,  [we have] same feelings, same actions whether black or white, we have to come together instead of fighting each other.“This powerful statement and many more from the legendary Toots Hibbert of Toots And The Maytals on LaunchLeft this week. In this brief but deeply personal conversation, Toots reveals some of his earliest music memories in church, his first ukulele made of fishing line and the story behind the Bob Marley cover on his fantastic new record “Got to be Tough”.  Listen to it here: http://toots.lnk.to/GotToBeTough--------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comLAUNCHLEFT PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeftTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine.LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands.LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rain in celebrating River through his music, words and friendships in this special Aleka’s Attic episode featuring conversations with 3 of his closest friends, Flea, Dermot Mulroney & Michael Stipe—all of whom contributed to the recently released single, 𝐴𝐿𝑂𝑁𝐸 𝑈 𝐸𝐿𝑂𝑃𝐸. You’ll get to hear stories of how they came to know River and his music and then through the magic of old press clippings, River answers LaunchLeft’s two questions- 1. how did music find you ? +2. what is your form of activism? Welcome to episode 52, Happy birthday River Phoenix!.....#riverphoenix50 #alekasattic #flea #dermotmulroney #michaelstipe #launchleft #rainphoenix #aloneuelope #artistslaunchingartists #runtotherescuewithloveandpeacewillfollow #happybirthdayriverphoenix #launchleftriverphoenix #launchleftalekasattic #single #newmusic #quotes #activism #brother #friendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long time friend and left-of-center inspiration Catherine Keener is Rain's special guest this week on LaunchLeft Podcast. With River Phoenix's 50th birthday celebration around the corner, Rain asks Catherine to share memories about her brother and family- the banter between them is comfortable, heartfelt and sometimes silly! A true 'fly on the wall' experience hearing them tease apart a nearly 40 year family friendship. Catherine also shares about meeting and befriending Summer Phoenix at age 12, which is the perfect segue into a 5 minute Q&A with Summer about her new single and video "Tiempo" via LaunchLeft's label imprint.---------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain and Summer Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fieldsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Native’s Kelsey Ayer joins the LaunchLeft conversation with Rain & Summer to discuss music and process. He gives a true sense of the band's long time dedication to each other and how they are able to achieve their special sauce of sound and vision. Don’t miss the quick Q&A with The Angel about her visually stunning video for “Words Like Daggers" (feat Jhelisa) directed by Mark Pellington, Sergio Pinheiro and Sweeten. She shares about the past, present and future collaboration that brought this powerful song solidly into 2020.---------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTERtwitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMwww.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy award winning rapper and producer spends a little time with LaunchLeft on the heels of his debut project “Spectrum”.  This young left-of-center artist is already making his mark in the industry by collaborating with the likes of Ariana Grande and Earthgang.  He shares his unique take the creative process of making music, family and his optimistic perspective on the current state of music and its trajectory.---------------------LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.com <https://www.launchleft.com/>TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft---------------------LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonah Yano sits down with LaunchLeft to talk about art, music and life as a left-of-center creative born in Japan, residing in Toronto on planet Earth during the time of Covid-19. He talks shop about collaborating with his estranged father through a 20 year old recording. If you haven’t heard Jonah’s soulful and soul-lifting music yet, you should… and you will!  Strap in for Episode 48 of LaunchLeft!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music Producer, drummer, artist and activist are just some of words to describe this enigmatic left-of-center force. Madame Gandhi sits down for a short but pithy conversation about a life in art and how it not only transformed her into a leading female voice in the music industry but created a platform for her to highlight social and political issues.We close the show talking to this week’s launched artist Ane Diaz about her latest latest single “Los Ejes de Mi Carreta”Watch her new video only on LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.Be sure to check out the new compilation album "Defund The Sheriff" featuring Madame Gandhi, Aja Monet, Mystic and many more. STREAMING EVERYWHERE!.....#madamegandhi #launchleft #podcast #launchedartist #anediazSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Violin, Viola, Hip Hop and activism - a match made in LaunchLeft heaven! Set in the amber light of Hollywood’s boutique hotel, music studio & dive bar Gold-Diggers, we welcome another group of truly one-of-a-kind, left-of-creatives. We explore Black Violin’s journey from childhood to adulthood through the lens of classical music and uncharted territory. This inspirational discussion covers all kinds of hearty goodness for the soul and followed by a special live performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week after this conversation was captured at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood, the world went into quarantine. It’s near romantic to hear about life on the road from Phantogram. This street beat, dream-pop duo do not mince words as they unpack their life-long friendship, creative process and the trials and tribulations that have fueled the engine of their creative and activism. They pay it forward and share about a band they love called Why? We welcome them on the heals of their latest record Ceremony.To close the episode a quick Q&A with Simone Istwa about her new single “Driving” available exclusively via the LaunchLeft label. #phantogram #rainphoenix #summerphoenix #artistslaunchingartists #simoneistwaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedy writer and author Bess Kalb joins LaunchLeft for a conversation about her latest, best-selling novel “Nobody Will Tell You This But Me”.  She also gives a vignette of her childhood, her career and what it has been like breaking through as a woman in a male dominated industry.We follow with a Q&A with launched artist Victoria Reed who shares among other things, how the stars and planets informed her song “Same Way”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain and Zach start the conversation on activism in relation to Portugal.The Man advocating for indigenous peoples during their concerts and through their foundation. It centers largely on the topic of personal responsibility and especially for those who identify as white, how to ask ourselves what we can do daily to learn more, humble ourselves and be willing to change deep rooted biases in our culture. This episode was captured before the mass protests began, but it’s obvious there was something in the air begging our attention. It’s time for change and LaunchLeft believes “artivists” will be at the frontlines of the new era. Our hats off to PTM for being an example and inspiration- we look forward to speaking to more artists and activists like them who encourage and uplift voices long stifled by ignorance. We close the episode with a short Q&A with Jack Gibson of Tenlons Fort with his song “Hey Dan” the 4th single from the “Launched Artist Digital Singles” on LaunchLeft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Songwriter/performer/musician/author and evocative rebel artist Jehnny Beth never stops creating. To her, the artist lives within and must be coaxed into the act of creation through inspiration. She gives a window into her creative process and how it has evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Settle in for this intimate and fascinating portrait of one of today’s most ground-breaking artist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early 2020 before Covid-19 found us inside for months and before we hit the streets in protest to mourn the deaths of innocent Black men & women calling out racist cops and to shine a bright light on systemic racism, LaunchLeft sat down with the self identified “Queer Pop” band MUNA at Gold Diggers to talk about their music and activism. They shared about their writing process, Black Lives Matter, racial injustice and the watershed moment at USC when they experienced firsthand the racial disparity on campus. The lyrics to their song “I know a place” directly spoke to their growing awareness that while the marriage equality act had passed, for trans women of color, to be physically safe was still an issue that needed our attention. Their record ‘Muna Saves the World’ centered largely on the idea that “the personal is political” and it was a privilege to hear how these young women use their music to activate their activism. Their inspirational conversation including their personal picks of favorite new music is followed by a quick Q&A with Simi Stone highlighting her new single “Beautiful One (Simi’s Remix)” - the third drop from our “Launched Artist Digital Singles”. .....#MUNA #LaunchLeft #SimiStone #artistslaunchingartists #MUNAsavestheworld #beautifulone #blm #golddiggers #artivism #activism #leftofcenter #LaunchedArtistDigitalSingleSeries #RiverPhoenix50See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne goes deep and head on with us into the universality of loss, grief, art and our shared humanity. Wayne says, “If you accept that the world is beautiful but it’s also brutal, what do you do about that? it’s up to us to put some light into it, put some love into it…” This wisdom and more in a conversation that bounces between the exultation of the mundane, painting, the middle way, helping, staying in the moment and the importance of impermanence. Deep cut, we get first hand story time about Yoshimi’s stream of consciousness origin story. The best possible palate cleanser? FUNKILLER’s new single “Divided Highway”, the second drop from the “Launched Artist Digital Singles” on LaunchLeft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join LaunchLeft in a very introspective conversation with Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. How do we as artists adapt to these times? What can we do to inspire while also balancing our own anxieties? What led us to art? Will it comfort and ignite our inspiration? A deep 30 minutes before we showcase the bands highly inventive music video Phenom; a truly emblematic piece for these strange times!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Icon, rebel, legendary songwriter, artist and forward thinker Lucinda Williams joins the LaunchLeft conversation to discuss her new record, politics, finding her soul mate, and just plain ‘ol caring about people. She opens up about collaboration, songwriting, true love, the magical musical time she grew up in and the importance of music and poetry in her life. We close the episode with a 5 minute Q&A with Capes, LaunchLeft label’s first “launched artist” of 2020 + their beautiful first single “Looking Out For Me”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we welcome 1 half of Tenacious D and 100% of the one and only Jack Black. We dig deep into his fascinating and often hilarious mind touching upon his early musical influences and experiences that led him down the creative path. He also discusses the importance of being your authentic self and the things that allowed him to find his “own voice” in music and film. Joining the conversation is Jack’s launched artist, The Haden Triplets where we explore their unique formula of blood harmony. Strap yourself in for this truly meaningful conversation with these totally unique left-of-center beauties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft welcomes Simón Mejía of Bomba Estéreo to talk about the power of nature and music through his travels from Afro-Colombian communities on the Pacific coast of Colombia to indigenous communities in the mountains as part of a new film project, Stand For Trees. Bastian Velasco won the global remix contest for the Stand For Trees teaser soundtrack and we close the show with Simón launching his song.To listen to the full song visit LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation travels far and wide with actor/director/writer/playwright and friend of LaunchLeft John Cameron Mitchell while he’s quarantining in Palm Desert. Art, theatre, music, sex, film and humanity -- AIDS, MacGayver auditions, drag queens and non-essential oils- it all gets covered in just over 40 minutes! Sob Sister pops in to close the show.Find us at www.LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts. #LaunchLeftatHome #LaunchLeft  #Podcast #artistshelpingartists #johncameronmitchellSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft welcomes Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s as she discusses her ups and downs as a touring musician, sharing the stage with the likes of David Bowie, The Police and The Rolling Stones and what it takes to be a female in a world class rock n’ roll ensemble. Kathy also gives us a vignette of her newly released memoir “All I Ever Wanted” and launches her favorite Toronto-based all girl band The Beaches!Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts. #artistshelpingartists #LaunchLeftatHomeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rufus Wainwright: Portrait Launched Artist: Ane Diaz We begin Episode #33 with an honest and topical discussion with Mr. Wainwright, whose been sharing his music freely on social media for some time now. Since quarantine he has redoubled/tripled/quadrupled his efforts with his robe recitals daily! We get 22 glorious minutes with him to discuss the current affairs and how artists are engaging in the quarantine landscape. Then on to one of our favorite artists for many years Ms. Ane Diaz. The Venezuelan chanteuse and long time Phoenix Family friend let’s us in on her gardening tips, her early days in America, her love of music, + a surprise pop in by Devendra Banhart before she plays us a Venezuelan folk song. Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When LA went into a “stay-at-home” mandate because of Covid-19, she masterfully was able to pivot the release of her newest shoe from her brick and mortar stores to the web in 2 days! She, like other artists are adapting quickly and making the best of a difficult situation. But, what we found most impressive about Melody is who she is on a soul level, her practice, her resilience, her passion, her grace. “The unknown is where all the magic happens” is just one of our favorite quotes of hers in this conversation- we received so much inspiration and think you will too! Bonus track, we even got a little quality time with her author/musician husband Flea to close the show. Find us at http://LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are here every Tuesday and things keep getting more surreal… So much so that, after this wonderful Linda Perry conversation, we will be connecting with artists from home in an effort to keep us all safe during our creative discussions. This episode is “LaunchLeft BC” (Before Corona) and, it is nice to go back in time with Linda Perry! We love how she spends so much air time talking about her launched artist Willa Amai. You will hear more from Linda and her WE ARE HEAR creative partner Kerry Brown via youtube later in the week. Artists Helping Artists Helping Everybody! We want YOU at home to be part of the discussion, so please comment with questions for our guests! Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts and leave a review, rate, and subscribe!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Respect your elders! Ageism be damned! The world has been rocked and we want to acknowledge how intense things have been for all of us and especially scary for those in our elder community. A perfect time to share the wisdom of the beautiful, effervescent and vibrant silver fox that is Ms. Denise Kaufman. Through this discussion, we learned so much that brought comfort and hope to us in regard to all that has been going on… Denise is a musician, songwriter, surfer, gardener, yogini, and grandmother. We don’t know how this interview lined up so we’ll with the intensity of this past week but it just does. She discusses everything that is so timely right now and takes us back in time to her 1960s all-female psychedelic rock band Ace of Cups. And then she shares a wide array of eclectic songs and artists she’s listening to now.Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts and leave a review, rate, and subscribe!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As luck would have it this conversation was had in the gap between touring and a new record for The Garden. Relaxed and near silly at times the OC twins share about peanut butter, punk rock, fashion by accident and more with Rain and Summer. Do yourselves a favor and catch them on tour/listen to their new single “clench to stay awake” on Spotify. Fletcher and Wyatt are true originals.Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts and leave a review, rate, and subscribe!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Roth may have been uncertain of what she wanted to be when she grew up- but, her willingness to show up helped to build her incredible success! The ever humble dancer turned nutritionist turned visionary behind the rockabye baby album franchise shows us how simple people skills can pave the way toward entrepreneurship. She candidly opens up about her journey, her artist family and how it’s important to just show up, put one foot in front of the other and JUMP! Pun intended.Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcasts and leave a review, rate, and subscribe!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft is obsessed with Gruff’s new record “Pang!” and we think you will be too. Pang! Experience the wealth of welsh music when Gruff launches artist Bitw and talks about the sunshine in Wales. Pang! This episode is a gentle conversation between a few super furry left-of-center animals and we hope it makes you joyful. Pang! Happy listening.Rate, subscribe and comment wherever you podcast or watch the episodes on LaunchLeft.comLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes there’s a plan A, no plan B, and miraculously plan A works! Such is the case with Nick’s story, part 1 of this “Two for Tuesday” episode. We think it should be called “advice for the left-of-center artist” cause it's chock full of inspirational moments and chance meetings that led Nick toward his dream but- it’s not all puppies and flowers…the conversation also covered the ups, downs and near-critical moments that shaped Devotchka. Then, sought after touring musician Frank Locrasto shares about his solo instrumental record for part 2 of this episode. Rain and Summer insist they both also answer the three important questions… Why music? Who are listening to? & What’s your form of activism?Rate, subscribe and comment wherever you podcast or watch the episodes on LaunchLeft.comLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sisters Phoenix welcome the incredible multi-platform artist, super activist and comedian Margaret Cho to the podcast. Never a lull in the conversation they cover a lot of ground and there are more than a few good one-liners too. Fierce and unapologetic Margaret is the perfect example of a left-of-center artist who created her own groove in the world of entertainment and successfully inspired others to do the same. Listen, rate, comment and subscribe- join the conversation!Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcastsLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician/songwriter/producer/label founder and gender-bending hero Lawrence Rothman aka Lillian Berlin is the latest artist to join the LaunchLeft conversation. From childhood to adulthood he’s carved his own path and been blessed with a myriad of creative experiences and unapologetic moments. Summer and Rain kick the episode off with a little of their own journey through music and collaboration via “six degrees of River Phoenix”.Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcastsLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fine artist, activist, DJ and virtuoso music lover Shepard Fairey is the latest guest on LaunchLeft. Ever generous and original, Shepard chose to launch 2 bands for his episode! The conversation delves into his artistic process and how it all relates back to music, how Z-Trip insisted he become a DJ plus we learn of his love for Velvet Starlings and The Tenth and so much more.Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcastsLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain and Summer go remote to interview David Longstreth aka Dirty Projectors before a show. He candidly unpacks his process of song writing, recording and live performance, unravels the mystery of the band name and tips his hat to bands old and new. While you’re tuning in, don’t forget to rate and subscribe! Find us at LaunchLeft.com or wherever you hear podcastsLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This intimate conversation centers around music and it’s healing power for Alejandro, in regard to both mental health and life path. He shares about his family life, homeschooling, his meteoric rise on American Idol and how his fight to maintain his self-expression ultimately won them over. Plus we find out he only started playing at age 19?! A virtuoso with a virtuous heart. Don’t miss this episode. So much about honesty and vulnerability and how we can “support, encourage and remind each other” to make art from that place.LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh my darlin’ Clementine Creevy is a peach! Don’t miss this conversation centered around her greatest passion music, how she discovered it in early childhood and how it has remained her North Star. Her love of guitar and how it guides her is so authentic and inspiring! You may also learn a few things about skincare and assume a new dude persona. The best part- when they discuss doing what you love for the art of it, not caving to critical opinion or anything that might take you away from your creativity. Welcome to the first LaunchLeft of the new decade.LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to LaunchLeft’s first annual Winter Solstice Showcase! A live wrap up of LaunchLeft artists and a few LA local artists Rain and Summer think you should know about. Many thanks to all who participated in this special benefit concert. Thank you for following, listening and subscribing. From all of us at LaunchLeft, Happy Happy New Year! 1. Kokomo “You Right”2. TENLONS FORT “Hey Dan”3 MARIA TAYLOR “If only” 4. LOUIS SCHEFANO “The future is now” 5. FRANKEL “Yes Yes Yeah” 6. ROY ALIAS “What’s Your Point Man” & “Easy” 7. ALEJANDRO ARANDA “Out Loud” & “The One You Love” &“10 Years” LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first ever LaunchLeft Podcast Live at Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles! Rain and Summer welcome very special guest Phoebe Bridgers who shares about her music through the years, her new record, being a legend at 10, guitar store concerts, life on the road, her collaboration in Boy Genuis and Better Oblivion Community Center + she launches her favorite new artist Charlie Hickey! Saving the best for last, Charlie and Phoebe perform a few songs to close the show.Happy Holidays!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@LaunchLeftINSTAGRAM@LaunchLeftRain Phoenix Official Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is so chock full of interesting subjects- music, high school, Jaco, Peter Buck, fine art, podcasts, universe, spirit, Narcissism, God, youth, Lou Reed, old age, good times, Charles Bukowski, family, bad times - oh heck....just listen and watch cause you won’t be disappointed! To tie it all together there are some important moments of silence and an insanely catchy song by Grandma!Music:  Grandma"Downtown Life"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain & Summer sit down with the indomitable Ms. Sparks to talk art punks, heavy music, L7’s comeback record “scatter the rats”, eating with River Phoenix, early musical inspiration, an upcoming documentary, her Lou Reed cover band in blue and why she’s come back to bitch. Plus she shares about her launched artist Surfbort and why they win her vote.Music:  Surfbort"High Anxiety"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sisters P and Michael Fitzpatrick discuss acceptance and how it pertains to control, opera music tuned all the way up + how all your dreams coming true can sometimes not be what you thought...especially if you don’t have anyone with whom you’re deeply connected to share them with. Tune in. Turn on. LaunchLeft!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a formidable career and devoted following that spans decades Maria Taylor takes the time during her busy record release schedule to shine a light on Louis Schefano via LaunchLeft. She shares about how Azure Ray came to be, her experiences on and off the road with Daniel Johnston, her time as a drummer in Conor Oberst's band, and most importantly her passion for helping other artists through her label collaboration Flower Moon Records. Bonus track, she and Louis play live in the studio and the conversation may or may not have cured her of her social anxiety too! Welcome to LaunchLeft Episode 13!Music:  Maria Taylor and Louis Schefano"If Only"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aside from the letter B and music, what do Beth Orton and Briston Maroney have in common? Well, they're both on LaunchLeft this week for the podcast's first ever "Two for Tuesday" episode. First we'll hear from the incomparable Beth Orton about Mecury Rev, Bobbie Gentry and how music unexpectedly found her through the theatre. And then, Rain and Summer talk shop and launch Briston Maroney who shares about his passion for music, the importance of being kind, the joy of thrifting + he performs "Caroline" live in the studio. Doctor's orders...double up on your left-of-center artists this week!Beth Orton Segment: Beginning - 34:18Briston Maroney Segment: 34:18 - endMusic: Briston Maroney"Caroline"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raised by Wu-Tang and most assuredly “The Baddest Bitch in the Room”, please welcome author, Shaolin warrior and badass mother of two Ms. Sophia Chang. The Phoenix sisters rejoice as she flexes her fierce brand of soul force on LaunchLeft.LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No joking Batman! Rain and Summer welcome their brother Joaquin Phoenix to LaunchLeft for this sibling powered episode. They ask questions and offer opinions on Joker as Joaquin graciously shares some great on and off screen moments. The Phoenix’s also reminisce about childhood, making their parents go vegan and their love of music. And finally, Joaquin launches Rain’s new record ‘River’ as they discuss the profound impact their older brother had on them growing up. Close to home. A very special LaunchLeft.Music: Rain Phoenix"Immolate"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain and Summer get front row seats and Q&A privileges with the effortlessly kind and articulate Pete Yorn. Subjects covered include creative writing, older brothers, how to tell your dad you’re switching majors, when to take advice on songwriting and when not to, Scarlett Johansson dream to reality plus the epically talented Adam Melchor and his song “Real Estate”.Music: Adam Melchor"Real Estate"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Road games, global warming, mom’s advice, how music finds you and consciousness are just some of the topics discussed when Rain and Summer meet Tank and the Bangas at LaunchLeft HQ. You won’t want to miss this one!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEwww.launchleft.comTWITTER@[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Liz Phair launches Asher Dauer.A pioneer recording artist and an unapologetic rockstar. Part philosopher. Part sexpot. Part mom.Liz Phair IS NOT Two dimensional.A lot has changed in the music business since Liz’s gold-selling debut album, “Exile in Guyville” was released in the early ’90s. Rain and Summer Phoenix explore her meteoric rise and take a deep dive into some of Liz’s more harrowing experiences being a lead female artist in the music industry.Music: Asher Dauer"Plans"LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain & Summer launch Clarke and the Himselfs. Sometimes the coolest bands only have one member- case in point, Clarke and the Himselfs. Not only can she play the drums, guitar and sing at the same time but, she can expound on Stanley Kubrick's work and implore us to remember to stay interested in life. A fierce rocker with authentic raw power and contagious melodies- check it live to hear for yourself.Music: Clarke and the Himselfs"Don't Turn Around"NEW Album Pot Sound: Releasing on Scavenger Cult records on October 18thLAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iconic Devo frontman and superstar composer Mark Mothersbaugh shares about Akron, Eno, and Bowie all while heralding the talents of his “launched artist” Ward White. Sisters Phoenix hold space for Mark and Ward to talk music and artistic process- and then... a live acoustic performance to close the show!Music: Ward White“Cowboy”LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode finds Rain & Summer Phoenix in conversation with the maverick maestro of Bat for Lashes Ms Natasha Khan. She expounds on her music, teaching meditation in schools, the healing power of nature, creativity as a way of life and why Julianna Barwick is the next ‘launched artist’ you need to know about. Music: Bat for Lashes“So Good”Music: Julianna Barwick“The Magic Place”LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if Sam Phillips and T- Bone Burnett had a lovechild? What would it be like to have River Phoenix as your number one fan? These questions and more answered when LaunchLeft’s Rain & Summer are joined by critically acclaimed powerhouse recording artist Sam Phillips and her virtuoso dynamic daughter Simone (aka S.I Istwa). Sam shares about her record World on Sticks, making art because you have to, self-love and earth activism while Simone talks prepared music, wanting to produce her moms next record, animatronic bands and the pure genius of Angeline. Icing on the cake- Ms. Phillips launches S.I. ISTWA’s song “Fucked up, Insecure, Neurotic, Emotional (FINE)” to close the show.Music: S.I. ISTWA“Fucked up, Insecure, Neurotic, Emotional (FINE)”LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, visual artist, spiritual warrior and South American sweetheart, Devendra Banhart shares a little about a lot in this intimate artist portrait. Joy was exploited. A super group formed. Summer and Rain are still smiling.Camera: Brent ByeSound: Michel TayabjiMusic: Devendra Banhart"Kantori Ongaku""Abre Las Manos""Memorial"DEVENDRA WEBSITEhttp://devendrabanhart.com/LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain and Summer talk with longtime friend Flea about what success means, giving without props, inner peace leads to world peace, music as salvation, honesty in struggle, vulnerability in strength and how the coolest don't give a fu@k about cool. Flea gives insights into his upcoming memoir and launches Maize's band NIGHT THINGS who share a video performed live for their song ”REASONS”.LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sisters Phoenix, LaunchLeft explained, name flubs, REM doppelgängers, a Berninger biopic, 400 birthdays, magic mushrooms, activism and a song with "no name"...Welcome to Episode 1!LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://www.launchleft.comTWITTERhttps://twitter.com/LaunchLeftINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/launchleft/Websitewww.rainjphoenix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to LaunchLeftSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.