LaunchLeft

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."

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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. 

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."

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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. 

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.

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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. 

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.  

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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. 

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.com
• Righteous Babe Website: https://www.righteousbabe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anidifranco
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/anidifranco
• YouTube: 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.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/remhq

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7eaRqtonpyiYw0Pns0Au_g

JEM COHEN:

Artist Website: https://jemcohenfilms.com

Vimeo: 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.com

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eels_(band)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEEELS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eelstheband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/THE_EELS

YouTube: 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.