In this episode of LaunchLeft captured at Licorice Pizza, Rain Phoenix welcomes Courtney Taylor-Taylor of The Dandy Warhols. They delve into The Dandy Warhols' history, touching on the 90s and how the band has adapted over three decades and the changing landscape of the music industry, from the MTV era to the current digital age. Courtney launches Miranda Lee Richards, who offers insights into her own musical career. The discussion shifts to the creative process, with both Courtney and Miranda sharing their approaches to songwriting. The episode culminates in a special acoustic performance of Kristin Hersh’s iconic song “Your Ghost”, showcasing the raw talent of both artists.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

[02:04] The Dandy Warhols' 30-Year Journey: Courtney reflects on the band's longevity and the importance of listening to each member's voice.

[06:11] Songwriting and Creative Process: Discover how music serves as therapy and the balance between creating art and entertainment.

[35:52] Music Industry Transformation: Explore the impact of MTV's decline and the current state of the music industry.

[44:29] Protest Songs and Social Commentary: A discussion on the absence of protest songs and the challenges of writing socially conscious music.

[57:51] Touring and Recording Experiences: Miranda and Courtney share stories from their European tour, highlighting the balance of work and fun.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

Maintaining a long-running band requires adapting to changing dynamics and respecting each member's creative input

The shift from the MTV era to the current digital landscape has dramatically altered how artists create and distribute music.

Songwriting often involves a balance between conscious effort and subconscious inspiration, with the best lyrics often surprising the writer

Collaborations and live performances continue to be vital aspects of the music industry, offering unique experiences for both artists and audiences

RESOURCE LINKS: 

LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link

@launchleft

DANDY WARHOLS:

https://www.dandywarhols.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thedandywarhols

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-HcL5BBMRHXkijhIniuu0Q

Wine Acoustics Podcast

MIRANDA LEE RICHARDS:

https://www.mirandaleerichards.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mirandaleerichards/

https://www.facebook.com/mirandaleerichards

https://x.com/MirandaRichards

https://soundcloud.com/mirandaleerichards

https://www.youtube.com/user/MirandaLeeRichards1

BIOS: 

Courtney Taylor-Taylor is an American singer-songwriter from Portland, Oregon. He is the lead singer and guitarist of alternative rock band The Dandy Warhols, a band he co-founded. Taylor-Taylor has written the majority of the band's songs.

Miranda Lee Richards is known for her distinctive brand of enchanting “chamber folk rock meets cosmic country," Miranda Lee Richards’ latest long-player, Existential Beast, is provocative in every sense, from the breadth of musical ambition to its politically-driven lyrics (10/10 Americana UK).

She has collaborated in the studio and/or performed onstage with The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Mark Gardener of Ride, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Dandy Warhols, Bridgette St. John, Susan Vega, Grant Lee Philips, The Cordovas, Juliana Hatfield, Albert Hammond, GospelbeacH, The Beachwood Sparks, and Charlie Overbey, among many others. Miranda Lee Richards is currently working on an album of solo Americana material, and two collaborative folk albums: one with the U.K.-based Lords of Thyme and another with the Los Angeles-based MIROMA trio. In 2019, she was voted best folk-roots artist by the LA Weekly.