Episodes

  • IAN ROGERS launches Strand Of Oaks

    IAN ROGERS launches Strand Of Oaks
    Jul 23 2024
    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.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • SUMMER PHOENIX launches Riley Polanski

    SUMMER PHOENIX launches Riley Polanski
    Jun 25 2024
    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.
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    28 mins
  • KATHLEEN HANNA launches Naz Riahi

    KATHLEEN HANNA launches Naz Riahi
    May 21 2024
    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 ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • JONATHAN RICHMAN launches Jesse DeNatale

    JONATHAN RICHMAN launches Jesse DeNatale
    Apr 30 2024
    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.
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    37 mins
  • DEAN & BRITTA launch Ryder The Eagle

    DEAN & BRITTA launch Ryder The Eagle
    Mar 26 2024
    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 ...
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    46 mins
  • CAT POWER launches Linqua Franqa

    CAT POWER launches Linqua Franqa
    Feb 27 2024
    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.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • IAN MACKAYE | LAUNCHED ARTIST THE BOBBY LEES

    IAN MACKAYE | LAUNCHED ARTIST THE BOBBY LEES
    Jan 23 2024
    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.
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • MIKE MILLS launches The Lemon Twigs

    MIKE MILLS launches The Lemon Twigs
    Dec 12 2023

    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

     
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    49 mins