LaunchLeft

Latest Episodes:

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE'S KEVIN DREW | Portrait Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

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.

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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

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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.

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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/kevinselection
https://www.facebook.com/kevinselection
https://kevindrew.bandcamp.com/album/influences
https://brokensocialscene.ca
https://www.instagram.com/brokensocialscene
https://twitter.com/bssmusic
https://www.facebook.com/brokensocialscene
https://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.

WOLF ALICE | Portrait Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

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.”

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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

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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/wolfaliceband
https://twitter.com/wolfalicemusic
https://www.facebook.com/wolfalicemusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3uvMO3ERiFphvVX_ct3GA
https://www.tiktok.com/@wolfalicemusic
https://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.

CRAIG WEDREN | Portrait Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

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."

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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

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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.com
https://www.instagram.com/craigwedren
https://twitter.com/craigwedren
https://www.facebook.com/craigwedrenmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7tugZSuH8ZmIro4uLq3Bw
https://soundcloud.com/craigwedren
Craig 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.

MELANIE CHARLES | Portrait Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

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.

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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

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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.com
https://www.instagram.com/melaniecharlesisdflower
https://twitter.com/melaniecharles
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFV1KSWQHnFHEiZjt35j3Fw
https://soundcloud.com/melaniecharlesisdflower
https://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.

NFT'S | Artists Launching Artists Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

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.

THE MARÍAS | Portrait Oct 12, 2021

Show notes

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”.

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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

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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.

LOVE IS LOVE: My Own Private Idaho Turns 30 Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

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.

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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

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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.

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ | Portrait Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

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.”

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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

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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.

RIVER PHOENIX | The Lost KCRW Tape Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

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.

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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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RODNEY CROWELL launches Vincent Neil Emerson Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

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.

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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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.