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 planning their multi-city tour in 2022. We close the episode with their infectious single “Hush”.  -----------------  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. ---------------------  IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:00] Rain and The Marías discuss the music on the new album, including the mix of English and Spanish languages  [03:28] Maria discusses her love for film and how she and Josh first wrote music for film and TV [04:01] How music found both Josh & Maria in their lives [06:25] Josh and Maria talk about their upcoming tour in 2022 and deciding their plan for their live shows [11:05] Maria talks about the form of activism the band has been involved in presently and over the last few years [12:30] Listen to The Marías song, Hush   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Combining a love for film and music helped create the dynamic sound and style for their debut album, Cinema. Using multiple instruments and even lyrics in English and Spanish gives the album depth and sounds never heard before. The Marías are paying close attention to details as they create a dynamic live set for the tour coming up in 2022 to create an experience for their audiences.    ARTIST LINKS: https://www.themarias.us  https://www.instagram.com/themarias/  https://twitter.com/themarias  https://www.facebook.com/themariasmp3/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChmZkdugBmAP_zpyzayv6VQ  https://themarias.bandcamp.com    The Marías On their highly-anticipated debut album Cinema, The Marías provide listeners an escape into a dynamic world that is alluring and mysterious while equally charming and inviting. In dreaming up their first full-length, frontwoman María Zardoya and multi-instrumentalist producer Josh Conway mined inspiration from such hyper-imaginative filmmakers as Pedro Almodóvar, achieving an untamed emotionality that acutely amplifies the most intimate of feelings. When met with the exquisite nuance of their sound—the lavish textures, shapeshifting percussion, lyrics sung in both English and Spanish—the result is a body of work that bends reality and heightens the senses to glorious effect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft

THE MARÍAS | Portrait

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 profoundly impacted their lives which we hear throughout the show.  The episode also serves as a premiere of not one but two new artistic pieces directed by Laurie Parker inspired by the film. First, a special interview with Mickey Cotrell who played “Daddy Carroll” in the “Little Dutch Boy” scene of the film, and second, a music video starring Caroline Kingsbury with her inspired cover of “Deep Night” which appeared in the original film.  -----------------  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. --------------------   IN THIS EPISODE:  [05:34] Writer and Director, Gus Van Sant, talks about how they got Keanu Reeves and River to read the scripts and decide to take the movie [16:11] Mike Parker joins Rain and they talk about how River’s character in the movie, Mike, was based on his upbringing [18:11] Mike shares stories of River, including meeting his mom and also passing out food to the unhoused population on a day off from shooting [26:02] Advice to any young unhoused people and also his wish for his children [32:55] Guest Corina Haywood shares her experience with the movie as a 16-year-old in San Francisco in the 90’s [38:55] Laurie Parker shares memories of the film and of the dimensions that the film had in it  [43:46] Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview [46:56] Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film [50:23] Guest Jessica shares what the film meant to her and writing a thesis on it in university Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview, Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film, videos directed and introduced by MOPI producer Laurie Parker.  KEY TAKEAWAYS:  My Own Private Idaho resonated with a lot of people, especially young people who were brought up through trauma or sexual identity issues, which helped them feel validated and know they belonged somewhere Sometimes it’s films and art that help give people a connection that they’re not alone, especially in times of confusion, and can give them an understanding of themselves as well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LOVE IS LOVE: My Own Private Idaho Turns 30

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 current events in the world on this episode of LaunchLeft. We close the show with his song “El Invento.”  -----------------  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-cent. --------------------  IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:10] José speaks with Rain about his plans to play his new record live and the writing and recording process for the album [03:43] Rain asks José to explain his writing process because he knows  languages English, Spanish, and Swedish and sang in all three on the record [06:04] José explains his background with music and how he began singing and playing guitar [10:05] José’s musical inspiration through humanistic worldview, philosophy, and research that influences his lyrics and sound [17:05] José talks about how one thing different on this album is the playfulness and silliness of some songs and how that varied the guitar and vocals as opposed to his typical classic singing and songwriting [20:06] How visual art inspires José and enjoying visiting galleries and museums that he will use as concepts when he is writing music [24:07] José’s inspiration for his title track coming from world issues and people being able to communicate and understand others differing opinions KEY TAKEAWAYS:  José used his broad cultural background to write and produce an album that connects many thoughts of differing opinions and hopes to bring people to see both sides of issues José’s background in science opened up his eyes to research and philosophy which gives him different views on the world, nature, and cultural differences which help give him a broad sound in his lyrics and music  ARTIST LINKS: Artist Website: https://jose-gonzalez.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jose.gonz.music/?hl=en  Twitter: https://twitter.com/_josegonzalez_?lang=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josegonzalezmusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOxQXnxLdxQjvu9FHk1jsdQ  Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/josegonzalez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ | Portrait

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 between River and Chris, gaining insight into River’s unique approach to film-making and creating music. Finally, Rain reveals the emotions she felt when she heard River’s interview with Chris, finding comfort in the sadness as she looked back fondly on her late brother’s legacy. -----------------  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-cent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RIVER PHOENIX | The Lost KCRW Tape

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 activism, and hear about his collaborations with Emerson and his new song. -----------------  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-cent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RODNEY CROWELL launches Vincent Neil Emerson

The 100th LaunchLeft celebrates with a special livestream variety show from Gold-Diggers in Hollywood hosted by Rain Phoenix, including Summer Phoenix, Catherine Keener, Devendra Banhart, Simone Istwa, LA Can Freedom Singers, and the legendary Daniel Lanois all to benefit #HomesNotPrisons! The show also highlights Rain’s favorite excerpts from David Lynch, Jack Black, Jane Fonda, and a never-before-heard conversation between Rain, Summer, and Joaquin Phoenix. LaunchLeft’s mission to connect left-of-center artists in collaboration happens in real-time in this very special show. The audio stream is available free today wherever you hear podcasts, but if you wish to watch this experience, please consider becoming a Patreon patron today!  -----------------  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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaunchLeft 100

Alan Vega, an influential co-creator of the avant-garde band, Suicide, had a long, prolific career in music and the visual arts. Alan passed away in 2016, and his wife, Liz Lamere, joins Rain today to speak about his illustrious career and background and how she is continuing to produce and release his music posthumously. Even after his passing, Alan continues to influence other artists from his work. Tune in to hear all about Alan's life and involvement in the arts on this episode of LaunchLeft. We close this episode with the song "Muscles” from 'Mutator', the lost Alan Vega album produced and mixed by Liz Lamere and Jared Artaud, the first in a series of unreleased and rare material from the Vega Vault. -----------------  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-cent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ALAN VEGA | Portrait

In this episode of LaunchLeft, host Rain Phoenix sits down with today’s guests, the band, Lightning Bug, members Audrey Kang, Kevin Copeland, and Logan Miley. Lighting Bug released the album, A Color of the Sky, their third album. A record with a specific sound and introspection, the album reflects the journey of its songwriter in a personal and spiritual journey through life. The songs are rich and smooth and document the changes and feelings of the songwriter as they go through a personal transformation. Tune in to hear more from Lightning Bug members on their specific sound and what they are hoping to share as an experience with their listeners. -----------------  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-cent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LIGHTNING BUG | Portrait

In this Artist Takeover episode of LaunchLeft, Peter Matthew Bauer speaks with artist Caroline Kingsbury on her album he produced “Heaven’s Just a Flight.” Caroline explains how this album was really shaped by her growing up while making it. It deals with a lot of tough times in Caroline’s life such as the loss of her brother and coming out as queer and how that’s effected her family life. Tune in to this episode to hear more from Caroline and Peter as they explain the creative process of this album on this episode of LaunchLeft. -------------------- 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PETER MATTHEW BAUER x CAROLINE KINGSBURY | Artist Takeover

In this episode of LaunchLeft, join Rain in speaking with artist Sloan Struble, better known as Dayglow, about his sophomore album, Harmony House, which debuted on May 21st, 2021. The album was heavily inspired by his time in the year 2020 and how that influenced his music. Tune in to hear about Dayglow’s journey from growing up around music to working with a Garageband and learning to shoot and edit music videos for his new album. -------------------- 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAYGLOW | Portrait

In this episode, Rain speaks with 19-year-old musical artist Daniyel about his music journey and his new album, 82. Daniyel talks about his love for the intimate live performances they have, how he gets a personal connection to the audience, and its importance.  Daniyel has always had a love for film as well and has found ways to incorporate this with his music. Please tune in to this episode to hear more from Daniyel, his message to other young artists, and his upcoming plans. Finally, we close the show with his song "82nd". -------------------- 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.

DANIYEL | Portrait

Artist and Filmmaker David Lynch joins Rain Phoenix in conversation this week on the podcast. Learn about David’s journey in artistic studies painting and sculpting, plus David’s experience living in Los Angeles since the 70’s. Tune in to hear about Lynch’s extensive career, how music found him and his deep connection with cinema and sound through his collaboration with Angelo Badalamenti. He shares his thoughts on art and culture, his mission with the David Lynch Foundation and even turns the table to ask Rain some questions of his own. Listen and enjoy wherever you hear podcasts! -------------------- 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.

DAVID LYNCH | Portrait

We are happy to kick off pride month with Girl in Red! The 22 year old Norwegian musician shares how she was the only family member to find music as a profession, speaks openly about her sexual orientation, and discusses how her parents and family first reacted to her having a girlfriend. Tune in as Marie Ulven Ringheim aka Girl in Red guides us through the entire process of the creation of her new album, from lyrics and melodies to the final result, and how she is making her mind and body ready for the next live show. We close the show with her FINNEAS co-produced single, “Serotonin”.  -------------------- 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.

GIRL IN RED | Portrait

Marion Raw is a singer songwriter and visual artist. In a journey to get in touch with her roots, Marion splits her time between Mexico and Los Angeles which gives her art and music inspiration. Marion speaks about her childhood and how she found solace in music and visual art forms as she was uprooted from her life many times. Her journey with her mother’s and her own mental health through her upbringing helped bring her to music and art as her outlets. These events in her life had a strong impact on her debut solo album, Deep Cuts, that came out in April 2021. Tune in as Marion speaks about her new album, Mental Health Activism, and upcoming projects. -------------------- 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.

MARION RAW | Portrait

Allison Russell is a self-taught singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and co-founder of Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago. First, Allison speaks about music finding her from a young age and how the relationship with her mother played a massive role in her career. Then, Allison shares the story of finding her way out of a hazardous and life-threatening situation. Plus, Allison speaks about her first-ever solo project, Outside Child, and reveals the inspiration behind her work. Her project is all about resilience, survival, transcendence, the redemptive power of art, community, connection, and chosen family. Tune in as Allison launches her song Montreal from Outside Child. -----------------  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-cent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ALLISON RUSSELL | Portrait

Sisters Rain and Summer Phoenix have grown up eating, sleeping and living left-of-center. Raised in an artist activist family growing up Phoenix meant it was normal to think outside the box and color outside the lines. Welcome to LaunchLeft where famed creatives launch the next wave of music rebels. LaunchLeft aims to create an intentional space that highlights and empowers all artists for whom radical creativity is not a choice but a necessity. LaunchLeft begins with music but will eventually include all art forms. 

hubhopper

LaunchLeft

hubhopper