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LaunchLeft

LaunchLeft

By: 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 Music Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP164 | JODY STEPHENS OF BIG STAR launches Luther Russell

    EP164 | JODY STEPHENS OF BIG STAR launches Luther Russell
    Jun 24 2025

    Ever wonder what it's like to be part of rock history? Our latest LaunchLeft episode pulls back the curtain on Big Star's legacy.

    Rain Phoenix hosts an illuminating conversation with Jody Stephens, drummer of the legendary band Big Star. The discussion delves into Jody's early musical influences in Memphis, his experiences with Big Star, and the band's enduring legacy. Jody shares insights about recording at Ardent Studios and working with John Fry, offering a glimpse into the creation of Big Star's iconic sound.

    Jody then launches Luther Russell. They discuss their collaboration in their band Those Pretty Wrongs, exploring their songwriting process and creative dynamic. Luther provides additional perspective on their partnership and his own musical journey. The episode also touches on Jody's recent induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and Luther's latest solo album. Throughout, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a joyful, pressure-free approach to creativity in music.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • (00:00) Introducing Jody Stevens of Big Star

    • (05:21) Jody’s early musical influences in Memphis

    • (09:06) Rain on discovering Big Star in Costa Rica

    • (15:22) John Fry's influence on Big Star's iconic sound

    • (24:17) Working at Ardent Studios after Big Star

    • (31:49) Changes in the music industry over time

    • (47:50) Luther Russell is launched

    • (49:17) Collaborative songwriting process for the band

    • (56:32) Recording at Abbey Road with John Leckie

    • (59:52) Luther Russell's new solo album Happiness for Beginners

    • (1:02:39) Upcoming shows and future recording plans

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Music creation should be a joyful, pressure-free process. By focusing on having fun and avoiding self-imposed stress, artists can collaborate effectively long-distance and produce multiple albums together. This approach has allowed creativity to flow naturally.

    • The music industry has changed dramatically, but there are still "gatekeepers" in new forms. While technology has democratized distribution, the sheer volume of content makes it challenging to break through. Having a passionate fanbase who will share your music remains crucial.

    • Revisiting and performing older material can lead to unexpected new creative partnerships. What started as playing some shows together to support a documentary evolved into a fruitful songwriting collaboration and multiple albums. Being open to these opportunities can take your career in exciting new directions.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link

    JODY STEPHENS BIO:

    Jody Stephens (born October 4, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American drummer best known as a founding member of the influential power pop band Big Star. Formed in 1971, Big Star’s original lineup included Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Andy Hummel, and Stephens. The band released three albums—#1 Record (1972), Radio City (1974), and Third/Sister Lovers (recorded in 1974, released in 1978)—which, despite initial commercial struggles, later garnered critical acclaim and influenced numerous artists .

    In 1993, he participated in a reformation of the band alongside Chilton and members of The Posies, resulting in the 2005 album In Space.

    Beyond Big Star, Stephens has collaborated with various groups. He joined the alt-country supergroup Golden Smog (with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco), contributing to albums like Weird Tales (1998) and Another Fine Day (2006) . In 2015, he formed Those Pretty Wrongs with Luther Russell, releasing their self-titled debut in 2016, followed by Zed for Zulu (2019) and Holiday Camp (2023) .

    Stephens has also been a longtime fixture at Ardent Studios in Memphis, where Big Star recorded their albums. He joined the Ardent staff in 1987 and has served as Vice President of Production am— and other titles, working under founder John Fry (who died in 2014 at age 69). Under his tenure, Ardent has continued to be a vital recording venue for artists across genres.

    Today, Jody Stephens remains active in music, performing, recording, and contributing to the legacy of Big Star and Ardent Studios (he still works at Ardent). He is the last surviving member of Big Star’s original lineup, but still plays the music with the Big Star Quartet at shows across the world.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • KRISTIN HERSH of THROWING MUSES launches Wallace False

    KRISTIN HERSH of THROWING MUSES launches Wallace False
    May 27 2025
    Kristin Hersh of THROWING MUSES joins Rain Phoenix on LaunchLeft for a raw, unfiltered conversation about artistic integrity and the music industry's dark underbelly. Kristin reflects on her journey in the music industry, discussing her experiences with major labels and her commitment to making music that feels true to her. She shares insights into her creative process, including her approach to songwriting and production. The conversation touches on themes of authenticity, the spiritual aspects of music, and the challenges of maintaining artistic vision in a commercial industry. Kristin Hersh then launches Wallace False, who offers his unique perspective on creating original music and art. The episode provides a fascinating look into two generations of musicians who prioritize creative expression over commercial success, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of independent and experimental music-making. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Kristin Hersh joins LaunchLeft podcast(05:58) The music industry's focus on image over art(13:18) Spirituality and channeling in music creation(19:39) Exploring unconventional sounds and instruments(25:49) Leaving major labels to pursue artistic vision(32:28) Kristin on producing her own music and incorporating nature sounds(38:32) Streaming's impact on musical exploration(48:50) Wallace False is launched(53:54) Creating original sounds from basic waveforms(59:18) Finding inspiration beyond audience expectations(60:00) Wallace False's new industrial soundscape album: Signal KEY TAKEAWAYS: Kristin has always prioritized authenticity in her music, choosing to leave major labels to maintain artistic integrity and her creative process. She believes that music is about capturing a visceral truth, not conforming to industry standards of prettiness or marketability. It's about nurturing the energetic essence of a song and letting it resonate with listeners who appreciate its rawness.Kristin strives for originality and control through her creative process. By manipulating raw sounds to craft unique compositions and avoiding conventional influences, she aims to create something entirely its own. It's important not to become complacent in any artistic lane, but to explore and experiment, allowing inspiration to guide the way.Music has a spiritual component that goes beyond just sound. It's about being a vessel for inspiration, channeling something greater than oneself. Kristin and Wyatt create music that resonates with truth, rejecting superficial standards and focusing on the deeper connection it can foster with those who truly listen. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link KRISTIN HERSH LINKS: https://www.kristinhersh.com/ WALLACE FALSE LINKS: https://dondekko.bandcamp.com/album/signal https://medium.com/@wyatt.true.oconnell/the-fortune-letters-bc68e47777ea BIOGRAPHIES: KRISTIN HERSH: "One of indie rock's most fascinating figures" - The Guardian The inimitable Kristin Hersh is a musician's musician, a songwriter's songwriter, and an innovator's innovator. The Queen of Grunge's first band, Throwing Muses, began recording and playing out when they were just 14 years old and they're still going. 2020's critically acclaimed Sun Racket was hailed as a "perfect record." Hersh's refusal to participate in a corporate industry saw her leave a Warner Brothers recording contract at the top of her success in order to become listener-supported. "Music is humanist and so are we," as she puts it. Wildly prolific, she has released more than 20 albums - solo, with Throwing Muses, and her noise rock band 50 Foot Wave ("A group that runs laps around most rock bands" said Pitchfork, on 2022's Black Pearl). She's also a celebrated author: Rolling Stone named her first book, Rat Girl (Penguin) one of the ten best rock memoirs of all time. NPR said of her second book, Don't Suck, Don't Die, "Not only one of the best books of the year, but one of the most beautiful rock memoirs ever written." Her third book, the game-changing Seeing Sideways, pushes the envelope of creative non-fiction while telling the story of raising her 4 sons on a tour bus. Hersh lives in New Orleans and New England. WALLACE FALSE: Wyatt True, sometimes known as Wallace False, is a writer, animator, and musician. True was born in Rhode Island and raised just about everywhere else. He now resides in the Deep South. The common thread in True's work is a grotesque dismantling of any and all familiar structures. Guitars twang sour, sorrowful sonatas, protagonists are lost amongst melting walls and rooms that time forgot. He is mostly docile and will only bite if cornered. LaunchLeft, Music, Live Music, Music Inspiration, Musician Stories, Kristin Hersh, THROWING MUSES, Wallace False, music industry critique, artistic integrity, independent music, creative process, songwriting, music production, alternative rock, female musicians, Warner Brothers, music marketing, artistic authenticity, music streaming, musical ...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH launch Knifeplay

    CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH launch Knifeplay
    Apr 29 2025
    Indie rock pioneers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are celebrating 20 years with a special reissue. But what's the real story behind their unconventional rise to fame? In this episode of LaunchLeft, host Rain Phoenix and CYHSY frontman Alec Ounsworth, meet at Licorice Pizza in Studio City to unpack the band's journey from DIY darlings to indie rock icons. They touch on CYHSY's decision to remain unsigned. It wasn't just about rebellion, it was a commitment to artistic integrity that shaped their entire career. Ounsworth candidly discusses how his stubborn streak both helped and hindered the band's trajectory. Twenty years on, Alec reflects on how his views on collaboration and the music industry have matured. Alec then launches the up-and-coming Philly band Knifeplay, who'll be supporting CYHSY on tour. The generational exchange offers a fascinating glimpse into how the indie landscape has shifted. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of indie music and the challenges of maintaining artistic authenticity in a changing industry. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: LaunchLeft podcast with Rain Phoenix (05:03) Early 2000s indie music scene and industry changes (10:27) Alec's approach to independence and a discussion about self-sabotage (15:00) CHYSY’s approach to music videos (20:55) Alec's songwriting process and lyrical influences (31:40) Knifeplay is launched and TJ joins the conversation (34:58) TJ's musical influences and background (37:37) Using social media as musicians in a digital landscape (43:24) TJ's balanced approach to using social media (48:40) Authenticity and sustainability in music careers KEY TAKEAWAYS: Maintaining artistic integrity can be challenging but is crucial for genuine connection with audiences. The music industry has seen significant changes, making it harder for new artists to break through. Collaboration can be a way for artists to promote each other and expand their audience. Social media presents both opportunities and challenges for musicians striving to balance authenticity with promotion. RESOURCE LINKS: LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link CYHSY LINKS: https://www.cyhsy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/clapyourhandssayyeah https://www.instagram.com/clapyourhandssayyeah/ https://www.youtube.com/clapyourhandssayyeah Knifeplay Links: http://instagram.com/knifeplay_music/ BIOGRAPHIES: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark self-titled debut album throughout 2025 with a worldwide tour performing the album in its entirety alongside other surprises, and an exclusive new reissue. A heady blend of leftfield pop and melodic, exuberant indie rock, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is unquestionably among the finest and most influential independent releases of the 2000s. The celebration officially gets underway with the premiere of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s original 2004 version of the fan favorite, “Heavy Metal”. The newly remixed and mastered track was recently discovered among the original project files and captures what Clap Your Hands Say Yeah founder and frontman Alec Ounsworth calls “a special moment in time – a young group of guys all piling into one hotel room to wake up and go to a real studio (!) to try to come up with something special just for the fun of it.” In addition to the digital anniversary release featuring the original version of “Heavy Metal,” a special deluxe reissue will arrive on limited edition vinyl LP in early 2025, released on CYHSY’s own label via Secretly Distribution, the defiantly independent home to over two decades of Alec Ounsworth’s music. Knifeplay is a band that eludes definition, existing somewhere between the nihilistic detachment of shoegaze and the emotional honesty of folk songwriting. Originally a solo bedroom recording project of Tj Strohmer’s, they’ve made a slow and careful shift into a collaborative, production focused, studio recorded band. Through their ever-expanding genre palette, range of fidelities, and long list of collaborators runs a unique current that ties everything together. Informed by his experiences living in Philadelphia and their contrast with his rural southern Maryland upbringing, Strohmer’s sometimes straightforward, sometimes dreamlike, but always philosophical lyrics feature scenes of darkness from many different aspects of life. He deals with themes of death, drugs, heartbreak, abuse, and self-destruction, all expressed through a delicate vocal style, which, combined with the band’s lush orchestral instrumentation gives a beautiful lightness to the heavy subject matter. Since their 2017 debut of home-recorded EPs, Knifeplay have earned a dedicated cult following through acclaimed debut album Pearlty (2019) and a lengthy B-Sides Compilation (2020), all either self-released or through small run tape labels. In 2021 they entered the studio with producer Jeff Zeigler, known for his work with Kurt Vile, Nothing, The War...
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    52 mins
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