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”.

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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 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.

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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.