LaunchLeft

By: LaunchLeft and Kast Media
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • SHARON VAN ETTEN launches Maxim Ludwig

    SHARON VAN ETTEN launches Maxim Ludwig
    Sep 24 2024
    This week, on LaunchLeft, Rain is joined by Sharon Van Etten. In this episode Sharon talks with Rain about how she got into music and what inspires her to write. We hear about Van Etten’s latest single Every Time the Sun Comes Up, and her happiness with finding a band that excites and moves her musically. Sharon then introduces Maxim Ludwig to the conversation and we learn about his new music, how they met, and some of their great stories, insights, and revelations about art, touring, and friendship. The episode closes with Maxim’s song Baby, I Wanna Be Your Lover Tonight. ----------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://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 --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [1:17] Where does Sharon draw inspiration creatively? [5:32] Sharon discusses her newly released single Every Time the Sun Comes Up.[7:56] Did Sharon ever envision being a musician?[14:18] Does Sharon prefer playing in the studio or live?[18:12] When was the first time Sharon really felt connected to music?[24:40] Maxim joins the show and Sharon share’s how they met.[37:03] How do music and visual art tie in together for Maxim? [40:39] What are everyone's thoughts on backing tracks?[48:40] How long has Sharon been following Maxim? [51:04] How did Maxim pick out the guitar for Sharon? [56:44] Why is live music so amazing? [1:00:20] Maxim introduces his song Baby, I Wanna Be Your Lover Tonight. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Take your time with your music, the pieces will fall into place when it's meant to be. Sharon is just now feeling like she has her band together after years and years of being a musician. Find like minded people and mentors to help you get started. Maxim started by helping Sharon, but learned so much and has been able to make his own music. There is nothing quite like the energy connection between audience and performer. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Sharon Van Etten: Sharon Van Etten's Website Sharon Van Etten's X Sharon Van Etten's Instagram Sharon Van Etten's Facebook Sharon Van Etten's YouTube Sharon Van Etten's TikTok Links for Maxim Ludwig: Maxim Ludwig's Instagram Maxim Ludwig's YouTube BIOGRAPHIES: Sharon Van Etten is an artist and recognized as one of the most influential and iconic songwriters of our time. She released her sixth full-length album, We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong, this past May. Leading into its release, Pitchfork profiled Van Etten stating, “Sharon Van Etten Is an Institution Now,” while Rolling Stone called her “one of the most fearless, soul-shredding songwriters on the planet.” Van Etten made her return to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in support of the new album and took the “soul-strengthening” (New Yorker) Wild Hearts Tour with Angel Olsen and Julien Baker all over the country. In support of Van Etten’s 2019 release, Remind Me Tomorrow, she was profiled in The New York Times’ Arts & Leisure section and the album was featured prominently in best of 2019 lists by NPR Music, Billboard, Fresh Air, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, ESQUIRE, The New Yorker and more. Van Etten has collaborated with artists ranging from Courtney Barnett and Joshua Homme to Norah Jones and Angel Olsen, and been covered by artists including Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams, Big Red Machine and Idles. She has performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Austin City Limits TV and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Van Etten was a guest star in the Netflix series The OA and guest starred in Eliza Hittman’s “Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always.” She performed in David Lynch’s revival of Twin Peaks. Off-screen, she wrote her first score for Katherine Dieckmann’s movie Strange Weather and the closing title song for Tig Notaro’s show, Tig. Most recently, she appeared in “How It Ends,” which also featured two songs by Van Etten.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • HOT CHIP's ALEXIS TAYLOR launches Mozart Estate

    HOT CHIP's ALEXIS TAYLOR launches Mozart Estate
    Aug 20 2024
    Welcome back to LaunchLeft! This week Rain is joined by Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip and Lawrence from Mozart Estate. Throughout this episode they discuss how Alexis and Lawrence met and why Alexis chose to Launch Mozart Estate. They also talk about the power of music and healing, and how music and other forms of art can make such a big impact on the world. They chat about their individual careers, what their next steps are, and how the expenses of creating new records or playing live impact their creativity. Tune in to the episode to hear why art and music are so important and enjoy Lawrence’s (Mozart Estate) new song to close the show. ----------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://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 --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [1:34] Was there another artist that uplifted or helped Alexis when he was getting started? [11:33] What are the different types of artists? [13:20] Lawrence from Mozart Estate joins the show. [14:04] How did Lawrence and Alexis meet? [25:31] Would Alexis ever do anything else other than music? [30:59] What other bands have influenced Lawrence and Alexis? [39:05] Has Alexis dealt with competitiveness in his time as an artist? [38:58] What are Rain, Alexis and Lawrence currently focusing on for their individual careers? [50:13] What is the end goal of chasing your dreams? [58:67] If you are a new listener of Mozart Estate what should you start listening to? KEY TAKEAWAYS: There are different forms of art that can help people connect and work through trauma, such as a film, or music, or piece of art. Artists are such an important part of our humanity. By centering the truth of art will allow the gift to continue to spread. Keep holding belief in yourself and following your dreams, that’s what will pull you through when times are hard. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Alexis Taylor: Alexis Taylor Instagram Alexis Taylor Komi Alexis Taylor's Merchandise Alexis Taylor's Facebook Links for Mozart Estate: Mozart Estate Instagram Mozart Estate Facebook Mozart Estate X Profile Cherry Red Website Alexis Taylor’s Bio Best known as a founding member of the UK electropop outfit Hot Chip, Alexis Taylor also pursues a solo career as an introspective singer-songwriter one moment and a synth/drum machine/guitar wig-out noise-maker the next, finding different angles on his music with each album. Taylor's debut, ‘Rubbed Out’, arrived in 2008, a mix of electronic improvisations and bubble gum lofi pop, somewhere between Alex Chilton, Paul McCartney and Arthur Russell. Since then, Alexis has released a further five albums; ‘Await Barbarians’, ‘Piano’, ‘Listen With(out) Piano’ (to be played on two turntables simultaneously) ‘Beautiful Thing’ - with DFA/Unkle producer Tim Goldsworthy - and his latest offering ‘Silence’ - a personal and reflective, almost entirely acoustic record released in 2021 featuring jazz improviser Kenichi Iwasa, harpist Rachel Horton Kitchlew and double-bassist Sam Becker. Alexis has collaborated with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Robert Wyatt, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and David Byrne, as well as remixing Neu!, Au Revoir Simone and Kraftwerk (alongside his Hot Chip bandmates). He is also a member of Atomic Bomb, About Group, Fainting By Numbers & Fimber Bravo. Mozart Estate’s Bio Lawrence is known for fronting influential pop groups Felt, Denim and Go-Kart Mozart. Now he’s back on the road and using the moniker Mozart Estate. A new name for a new time, he says. A new band too and a brand-new album out now entitled Pop-up! Ker-ching! And The Possibilities Of Modern Shopping. The band are touring the UK all summer and beyond. Will Hodgkinson’s book Street-Level Superstar, A Year With Lawrence is published on 5th September.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • IAN ROGERS launches Strand Of Oaks

    IAN ROGERS launches Strand Of Oaks
    Jul 23 2024
    Welcome back to LaunchLeft! This week I am joined by Ian Rogers who has been on the cutting edge of technology and music since '93 when he began working with the Beastie Boys. Ian’s had an innovative hand in bringing companies such as Apple Music, Beats 1, LVMH & Ledger into the digital age while maintaining a deep curiosity and passionate artful approach. We talk about Ian’s love of learning, his creative outlets, and how the past plays a part in the future. Ian shares about how his children have influenced his work and how the use of technology is changing the landscape for getting music heard. Half way through the episode, he introduces his friend and fellow Indiana native, Tim from Strand of Oaks to discuss his music and the connection between culture and technology. We all share ideas on how to get music heard today and the importance of building a brand in this new world of music. Tune in for this great conversation and hear Strand of Oaks new song ”Ananda”. ----------------- LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITEhttps://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 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. --------------------- IN THIS EPISODE: [1:40] Ian shares about his love of learning. [6:09] Where does Ian find joy and how has that played out in his work? [8:42] How does the past play a part in the future and in technology? [15:55] What is Ian’s creative outlet? [17:15] How do Ian’s children impact his business? [20:10] What creates excitement for Ian in his work? [22:37] Do artists have the same opportunities they did in the past? [26:18] Ian provides advice for emerging bands and building a brand. [31:24] Tim joins to talk about his album Strands of Oak. [32:40] What influenced the songs on Strands of Oak? [41:13] How did Ian help Tim when it came to release time? [51:01] Tim shares about a live show and how to build an audience. [1:06:39] Ian talks about the connection between culture and technology. [1:13:25] What's in the future for Tim? [1:16:42] Hear a song by Strand of Oaks. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Pay attention to what the younger generation says is going to take off, because they seem to be ahead of the times and have a good pulse on what is going to be successful. It takes time to build a brand and find the people who are going to love your music. There is no such thing as an overnight success, people just don’t see all the work that is put in before the success happens. The one thing that you can count on is that things never stay the same, you have to pivot, adjust with the technology, and look forward to how it will impact the future. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link Links for Strand of Oaks: Strand of Oaks Website Strand of Oaks Instagram Strand of Oaks Facebook BIOGRAPHY: Ian Rogers is the Chief Experience Officer at Ledger, leading the consumer-facing business delivering the world’s #1 way to buy and secure cryptocurrency. Prior, Ian was the Chief Digital Officer at LVMH for five transformative years, working with a portfolio of nearly one hundred brands across luxury including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Sephora, and Hennessy. Ian also sits on the boards of Dr Marten’s and Lyst. Ian spent twenty years bringing digital music to the mainstream, first with Winamp then Yahoo!, Beats, and Apple. Ian contributed to the 2015 launch of Apple Music including Beats 1, their digital streaming channel. Ian graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (with honors, Phi Beta Kappa) from Indiana University in 1994. Ian built some of the earliest music-related Web sites in the early 90s and has been working with Beastie Boys since 1993.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
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