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LaunchLeft

LaunchLeft

Auteur(s): LaunchLeft and Kast Media
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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

2023 LaunchLeft and Kast Media Musique Politique Sciences sociales
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  • LYDIA LUNCH launches Genre is Death

    LYDIA LUNCH launches Genre is Death
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of LaunchLeft, guest host Donita Sparks is joined by legendary no wave pioneer Lydia Lunch, celebrating her fearless artistry and the launch of Genre is Death. Lydia Lunch dives deep into her boundary-busting career, from her start in the 1970s New York underground to her influence across music, spoken word, and activism. The episode also shines a spotlight on emerging NYC band Genre is Death—members Taylor and Ty join the conversation, sharing their journey from Georgia to the NYC scene. Together, they explore the spirit of artistic rebellion, creative resilience, and the power of radical self-expression. Tune in for candid stories, inspiration, and a special performance from Genre is Death’s upcoming album, Attractive People. What You’ll Learn This Episode: ✅Lydia Lunch recounts her teenage escape to New York, driven by the inspiration of the New York Dolls, her formation of Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, and the gritty, creative chaos of 1970s and pioneering “no wave” ✅Insights into Lydia’s constantly shifting creative identities—from tight, abrasive bands to big band projects and experimental spoken word. She breaks down her approach to musical collaboration, creative ownership, and why she curates her own sonic universe. ✅Lydia and Donita reflect on giving back, including workshops for women writers, bringing newcomers onto the spoken word stage, and the power of solidarity among outsider artists. ✅From Lydia’s ongoing podcast “The Lydian Spin” to new recordings, collaborations, and upcoming tours—plus tales of performing anywhere for the love of art, even in alleys ankle-deep in urine. There’s also talk of legendary collaborations, archival ambitions, and what it means to keep hustling in independent music. LaunchLeft champions artists for whom radical creativity is a necessity. Support these artists by streaming, sharing, and showing up at live events. Donate to keep independent, left-of-center voices thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review to help more listeners discover LaunchLeft! IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Intro: Lydia Lunch’s Origins: From Runaway Teen to No Wave Pioneer 02:22 1970s New York City: Chaos, Cheap Rent, and Artistic Revolution 05:11 The Birth of No Wave: Rejecting Genres and Reinventing Sound 09:16 Art as Instigation: Owning Your Work in Underground Music 13:24 Confrontational Performance Art: Politics, Anger, and the Stage 20:40 Mental Health, Trauma, and Survival as a Creative 31:05 Being a Woman in Radical and Experimental Music Spaces 47:08 Genre Is Death is Launched: Supporting New Bands and the Future of No Wave Spirit 53:13 Performance video of Genre is Death’s new song Attractive People KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎Inventing a Genre, Defying Rules: Lydia discusses the birth of “no wave,” her resistance to artifice, why her work is “no everything,” and the difference between no wave’s personal/creative revolt versus punk’s political edge. 💎Confrontation as Art: Lydia self-identifies as a “cuntfrontationalist”—always willing to push boundaries and provoke thought. The episode gets candid about being a woman in a hyper-male art world, using language as a weapon, and surviving decades in radical art. 💎Launching Genre is Death: Lydia introduces Taylor and Ty from Genre is Death, a rising New York duo merging heavy fuzz bass and DIY performance art. Learn how they met Lydia, relocated from Georgia, and found their creative family in NYC’s underground. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Lydia Lunch links: https://www.lydia-lunch.net https://www.instagram.com/lydia.lunch.official/ https://www.facebook.com/LydiaLunch/ https://www.youtube.com/c/lydialunchofficial https://lydialunch.bandcamp.com Genre is Death Links: https://www.instagram.com/genreisdeath/ https://genreisdeath.bandcamp.com BIOGRAPHIES: Donita Sparks Best known as the co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the pioneering punk band L7, Donita Sparks is a cultural force whose influence spans decades. Her creativity, artistry, and humor have made her an iconic figure in music. In 2026, Sparks joins LaunchLeft as a guest host, bringing her insight and generous spirit to conversations with independent and emerging artists. In 2024, GID was crowned the 3rd hardest working band in NYC by Oh My Rockness. In March 2025, the duo played the New Colossus Festival. Their debut LP 'Talk' was released November 1st, with a limited run of cassettes released by Insecurity Hits. The pair have opened up for legendary acts Gogol Bordello, Lydia Lunch, Cherubs, Bush Tetras, and will be opening for Jon Spencer February 1 in Philadelphia. Their upcoming record was recorded with celebrated sound engineer Martin Bisi & will be out this year on IN THE RED Records. Lydia Lunch is passionate, confrontational and bold. Whether attacking the patriarchy and their pornographic war ...
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    57 min
  • RAIN PHOENIX launches Evelyn Frances

    RAIN PHOENIX launches Evelyn Frances
    Dec 16 2025
    It’s time to turn the tables in this special episode of LaunchLeft. Rain Phoenix passes hosting duties over to punk icon Donita Sparks of L7. Donita interviews Rain about the origins of LaunchLeft, her lifelong journey in music and artistry, collaborating with her brother River Phoenix, navigating grief, and the evolution of her creative process. Rain also shares updates on her current projects, including Escape Artist Lovers and the inspiration behind her next solo record. Together, Rain and Donita explore artistic identity, spiritual growth, joyful collaboration, and the power of feeling ‘seen' in the artistic community. Then, Rain launches Evelyn Frances, who shares her experimental approach to music, blending classical, jazz, and electronic soundscapes to explore climate change, human connection, and personal transformation. This episode is perfect for musicians, music lovers, independent artists, and fans of LaunchLeft, offering insight into how collaboration, grief, and purpose-driven art can shape careers and creative paths. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN THIS EPISODE ✅ Rain’s goal for creating LaunchLeft to uplift independent artists and creatives✅ How music shaped Rain’s life from childhood to her current projects✅ The evolution of Escape Artist Lovers and Rain’s creative partnership with Kirk Hellie✅ Rain’s mission-oriented solo record and her work as a death doula✅ Evelyn Frances’ experimental music process and the themes of her albums Seed and Human Patience✅ How collaboration, grief, and personal growth influence creative partnerships IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Introduction: Meet Donita Sparks03:42 How Rain stays grounded while navigating the pressures of the music industry07:15 Early experiences that shaped Rain’s artistic identity and mission12:08 Rain’s approach to vulnerability and honesty in her creative work16:54 Overcoming obstacles on her artistic path and lessons learned21:30 Maintaining community and connection while uplifting emerging artists26:02 The role of creative partnership in Rain’s journey with Escape Artist Lovers31:40 Balancing artistic expression with the realities of the music business36:12 Advice for artists struggling with self-doubt40:55 Key takeaways from Rain’s mission-driven work and what she hopes listeners carry forward KEY TAKEAWAYS 💎 Visibility from a respected artist can transform the career of an emerging musician💎 Creativity evolves through grief, growth, and reinvention💎 Music becomes a refuge, a truth-teller, and a way back to oneself💎 Purpose-driven art brings comfort at life’s most vulnerable moments💎 Experimental and avant-garde music blends genres to challenge perception and inspire reflection RESOURCE LINKS LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link: https://www.launchleft.com Rain PhoenixWebsite: https://www.rainjphoenix.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainjphoenix/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainjphoenix333/ Donita SparksWebsite: https://www.donitasparks.comL7 Official: https://www.l7theband.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/donitasparksSpotify Artist Page (L7): https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vYzyVYjv80FVRbH0qD5GG Evelyn FrancesWebsite: https://www.evelynfrancesmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynfrancesmusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evelynfrancesmusic/ Prim: https://sundaydrive-records.com/collections/prim?srsltid=AfmBOorkjt4_3eLFgL5LNXafSW2uGKPx3bQ0O33m9hcCmyd80yP4til4 BIOGRAPHIES Rain Phoenix: Musician, activist, and creator of LaunchLeft, Rain has spent her life in music and artistic projects, from performing with her brother River in Aleka’s Attic to leading projects including Paper Cranes, Venus and the Moon, and Escape Artist Lovers. Her work blends artistic expression with spiritual intention, uplifting emerging independent artists while exploring vulnerability, joy, and truth. Rain’s forthcoming solo album Lullaby (BYE) expands her mission to bring comfort through music at pivotal life moments. Donita Sparks: Best known as the co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the pioneering punk band L7, Donita Sparks is a cultural force whose influence spans decades. Her creativity, artistry, and humor have made her an iconic figure in music. In 2026, Sparks joins LaunchLeft as a guest host, bringing her insight and generous spirit to conversations with independent and emerging artists.Evelyn Frances is an experimental, avant-garde musician and songwriter from Upstate New York, now based in Seattle. Her work blends classical flute and jazz training with electronic soundscapes to explore climate change, humanity’s relationship with nature, and personal struggles with mental health. Her first album, Seed, was recorded at Electric Lady Studios while she interned there and met producer Phil Joly. Her second album, Human Patience, was created over five years with Matthew Politoski (producer/mixing engineer), Phil Joly (producer/mixing engineer), Tristan Allen (producer), ...
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    49 min
  • RAIN PHOENIX launches Team LaunchLeft

    RAIN PHOENIX launches Team LaunchLeft
    Nov 18 2025

    In this inspiring episode of LaunchLeft, host Rain Phoenix chats with Lorraine Petel, Geoff Ryan, Jennifer Tefft, and Rich Tupica, aka the team behind LaunchLeft! Take a dive deep into the creative process, independent music, film, and the challenges facing artists today. From Geoff Ryan’s journey in narrative filmmaking and experimental shorts to Lorraine Petel’s rise in radio and underground music curation, the conversation covers the intersections of creativity, community, and the evolving digital landscape. Jennifer Tefft shares her insights on live music venues and fostering community engagement, while Rich Tupica reflects on finding audiences and promoting indie artists in a saturated music world. The episode also explores artist sustainability in the age of streaming, social media’s influence on creative discovery, and the importance of physical venues for cultivating artistic communities. Whether you’re an independent musician, filmmaker, or visual artist, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building a career in the arts, navigating industry challenges, and celebrating radical creativity.

    What You’ll Learn This Episode:

    ✅Meet the creatives who make LaunchLeft happen.

    ✅How to sustain and promote creative projects in today’s digital and streaming-focused environment.

    ✅The role of live venues and community spaces in developing artistic careers and fostering audience connections.

    ✅Strategies for independent artists to navigate the challenges of modern media, from social media algorithms to audience engagement.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Introduction to LaunchLeft and supporting underground music, independent artists, and creative communities

    06:42 Geoff’s experience in filmmaking, experimental shorts, and indie film production, including challenges in the industry and returning to music video projects

    11:05 Lorraine Petel shares how she fell into radio, her career at NTS London, underground music curation, and artist promotion

    16:30 Jennifer Tefft on the importance of live music venues, audience engagement, and community-building, comparing in-person experiences to social media discovery for artists

    20:31 Geoff Ryan’s experiences filming under challenging conditions, music video production, and creative collaboration

    24:52 Lorraine Petel discusses the growth of her show at NTS and supporting underrepresented musicians, promoting indie artists, and curating unique music

    28:26 Artist income, streaming challenges, indie music promotion, and sustaining creative careers in a digital-first world

    35:00 Rich Tupica on connecting with fans, online communities, promoting music, and supporting artistic growth, highlighting strategies for success in the modern music and art landscape

    44:00 Local music venues & community spaces showcase the importance of live performance spaces, artist development, indie music venues, and community engagement

    52:00 The team reflects on the year, expresses gratitude to the LaunchLeft community, creative collaborators, and indie artists, and encourages listeners to support music, art, and independent filmmaking

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    💎Independent artists face challenges in income, audience reach, and digital saturation, but community support and live venues can bridge the gap

    💎Experimental projects and creative exploration are essential for artistic growth, even outside of mainstream success

    💎Platforms like NTS London, Bandcamp, and LaunchLeft empower underground and independent artists, providing visibility and connection with audiences

    💎Building a local and online community is critical for sustaining artistic careers, from small venues to curated online spaces

    💎Supporting artists directly through merch, ticketed events, and Bandcamp can have a tangible impact on their ability to create

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link
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    55 min
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