LaunchLeft artwork

LaunchLeft

151 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 176 ratings

LaunchLeft is a music discovery podcast where famed creatives launch emerging artists. Hosted by Rain Phoenix you can expect in-depth conversations with well-known musicians discussing their process and, throwing light to emerging artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of artists who break from the norm and lean into the unique. We enlist famed creatives to launch emerging artists. For full video episodes go to LaunchLeft.com/Podcast

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Episodes

DEAN & BRITTA launch Ryder The Eagle

March 26, 2024 03:00 - 45 minutes - 41 MB

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 ca...

CAT POWER launches Linqua Franqa

February 27, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB

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...

IAN MACKAYE | LAUNCHED ARTIST THE BOBBY LEES

January 23, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour - 87.5 MB

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...

MIKE MILLS launches The Lemon Twigs

December 12, 2023 03:00 - 49 minutes - 44.2 MB

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...

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER launches Johanna Samuels

August 29, 2023 03:00 - 41 minutes - 37 MB

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 meeti...

SON LUX launches Qasim Naqvi

July 25, 2023 03:00 - 46 minutes - 41.5 MB

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 captiva...

JIM WHITE launches Ane Diaz

June 27, 2023 03:00 - 51 minutes - 45.8 MB

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 t...

PEACHES launches Isis Salam

June 13, 2023 03:00 - 35 minutes - 31.3 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT...

JIM JAMES launches Jenny O.

May 30, 2023 03:00 - 29 minutes - 25.9 MB

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 w...

JOHN VANDERSLICE Launches Spacemoth

April 25, 2023 03:00 - 42 minutes - 37.7 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.laun...

Alex Ebert Launches Try

March 28, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 40.2 MB

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. I...

GINA BIRCH launches Tianna Esperanza

February 28, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 30.4 MB

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 tal...

BEN LEE and IONE SKYE launch Emily Waurramara

January 31, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 49.8 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchle...

Rooney Mara Launches Suay Sew Shop

January 03, 2023 08:00 - 58 minutes - 53 MB

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 rec...

Rain Phoenix Launches Johanna Warren

December 20, 2022 08:00 - 40 minutes - 36.6 MB

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 c...

Creem Magazine | JJ Kramer launches Zachary Lipez

December 06, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 37 MB

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 W...

S. CAREY | Portrait

November 22, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.73 MB

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 indus...

SCOUT LARUE WILLIS | Portrait

November 08, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

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 OFFI...

RAIN PHOENIX launches The Steens

October 25, 2022 07:00 - 13 minutes - 11.7 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON  https://www.patreon.com/La...

JEWEL | Portrait

October 11, 2022 07:00 - 46 minutes - 41.7 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.lau...

Fences x Falconry on Destination Angels

September 27, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutes - 36.9 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT P...

STARCRAWLER | Portrait

September 13, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 25.7 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHL...

DIAMANDA GALÁS | Portrait

August 30, 2022 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16 MB

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.   -----------------  ...

COURTNEY BARNETT launches Danny Cohen

August 16, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.1 MB

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 hea...

TEGAN AND SARA launches Big Rig

August 02, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 32.2 MB

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". -----------------  LA...

BEN HARPER | Portrait

July 19, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MB

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 WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com  LAUNCHLEFT PATREON  https://...

PERRY FARRELL | Portrait

July 05, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 40.1 MB

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 WE...

THE WOMACK SISTERS | Portrait

June 28, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 30.8 MB

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 WEBSITE https://...

BEN HARPER Launches The Volebeats

June 14, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 27.6 MB

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.  --------------...

MHA | Art & Mental Health

May 31, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutes - 37.4 MB

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 ...

WARPAINT | Portrait

May 10, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 31.6 MB

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 childre...

LOLA KIRKE | Portrait

April 26, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MB

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...

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL | Portrait

April 12, 2022 12:00 - 36 minutes - 32.1 MB

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. -----------------  ...

BITCH | Portrait

March 29, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.5 MB

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 ...

BAND OF HORSES

March 15, 2022 07:00 - 27 minutes - 24.1 MB

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  ...

HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF launches Amelia Jackie

March 01, 2022 08:00 - 33 minutes - 29.3 MB

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 OFFI...

EPISODE REWIND | Black Violin

February 22, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40 MB

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...

SPOON launches Andrew Cashen

February 08, 2022 08:03 - 29 minutes - 26.3 MB

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.  ------------...

US GIRLS launches Dottie.Imax

January 25, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 22.4 MB

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,...

NORMAN REEDUS launches Jake Lamagno

January 11, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 42.4 MB

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 htt...

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE'S KEVIN DREW | Portrait

December 28, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 28.6 MB

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...

WOLF ALICE | Portrait

December 14, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 16.9 MB

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 ...

CRAIG WEDREN | Portrait

November 30, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.2 MB

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.launc...

MELANIE CHARLES | Portrait

November 09, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.4 MB

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...

NFT'S | Artists Launching Artists

October 26, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MB

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 s...

THE MARÍAS | Portrait

October 12, 2021 14:43 - 16 minutes - 14.5 MB

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 plann...

LOVE IS LOVE: My Own Private Idaho Turns 30

September 28, 2021 15:31 - 55 minutes - 49.6 MB

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 profou...

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ | Portrait

September 14, 2021 09:00 - 36 minutes - 32.2 MB

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 curr...

RIVER PHOENIX | The Lost KCRW Tape

August 24, 2021 16:15 - 35 minutes - 31.3 MB

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 bet...

RODNEY CROWELL launches Vincent Neil Emerson

August 03, 2021 08:00 - 42 minutes - 38.3 MB

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 ac...

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