LaunchLeft

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.

Genre is Death 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 mongering, turning the sexual into the political or whispering a love song to the broken hearted, her fierce energy and rapid fire delivery lend testament to her warrior nature.

Queen of No Wave, muse of The Cinema of Transgression, writer, musician, poet, spoken word artist and photographer, she has released too many musical projects to tally, has been on tour for decades, working with such luminaries as Rowland S Howard, Thurston Moore, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Karen Finley, Jerry Stahl, The Last Poets, and Hubert Selby JR.

She has published dozens of articles, half a dozen books translated into 9 languages, appeared in numerous documentaries, conducted workshops, taught at Universities including The San Francisco Art Institute and simply refuses to just shut up.

Genre Is Death is an uncompromising noise duo made up of Ty V (guitar, vox) and Tayler Lee (bass, vox). Their sound is abrasive yet melodic, using heavy distortion, dissonant riffs, and reverberating vocals to create a wave of boldly hypnotic noise. The duo have been compared to the likes of Sonic Youth and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, yet have managed to create a sound that is distinctly their own, avoiding mimicking the zeitgeist of decades before. Beyond the integrity of their music, Tayler’s intimidating glare, or Ty’s staggering gait, the duo share something truly inimitable— the overwhelming feeling that their music is a byproduct of the high esteem they hold of each other.

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 Sparks
03:42 How Rain stays grounded while navigating the pressures of the music industry
07:15 Early experiences that shaped Rain’s artistic identity and mission
12:08 Rain’s approach to vulnerability and honesty in her creative work
16:54 Overcoming obstacles on her artistic path and lessons learned
21:30 Maintaining community and connection while uplifting emerging artists
26:02 The role of creative partnership in Rain’s journey with Escape Artist Lovers
31:40 Balancing artistic expression with the realities of the music business
36:12 Advice for artists struggling with self-doubt
40:55 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 Phoenix
Website: https://www.rainjphoenix.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainjphoenix/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainjphoenix333/

Donita Sparks
Website: https://www.donitasparks.com
L7 Official: https://www.l7theband.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donitasparks
Spotify Artist Page (L7): https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vYzyVYjv80FVRbH0qD5GG

Evelyn Frances
Website: 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), and John Thayer (mastering engineer).

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

In this episode, Rain Phoenix chats with Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie to explore his journey in indie music, songwriting, and touring. From the early days of Death Cab For Cutie, to forming The Postal Service, to navigating the music industry, Ben shares insights on creativity, collaboration, and the evolution of alternative rock. Later, Ben launches Casey Dienel, and they dive into her approach to music, artistry, and the challenges new artists face in today’s industry. Casey also shares details about her upcoming album "My Heart as an Outlaw" and her return to live performance after a decade. This episode is packed with indie music insights, songwriting tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from touring life. Don’t miss this candid conversation that celebrates music, creativity, and emerging talent.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Ben Gibbard came to music Death Cab For Cutie & the Postal Service

✅ Behind-the-scenes of touring, recording, and navigating the music industry

✅ Casey Dienel’s unique approach to songwriting and creativity

✅ Strategies for new artists breaking into alternative rock and indie music

Subscribe to LaunchLeft for more indie music stories. Follow us on socials for updates and bonus content.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Intro: Ben Gibbard joins LaunchLeft Podcast

05:38 Ben reflects on music industry changes

11:32 Ben's songwriting process and inspiration

16:41 Ben's favorite aspect of making music

21:31 Ben's passion for ultramarathon running

26:27 Ben launches Casey Dienel

32:32 Discussing studio recording experiences and preparation

39:12 How Ben and Casey first met

44:15 Casey talks about her new album "My Heart as an Outlaw"

47:58 Song: "17" by Casey Dienel

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎Ben Gibbard's career spans 27 years, marked by unexpected success and a gradual acceptance of music as a viable career path

💎The music industry has shifted dramatically, with artists facing new economic challenges due to the loss of album sales as a primary revenue stream

💎Ben's songwriting process is deeply personal, focusing on prolific writing rather than trying to predict which songs will resonate with audiences

💎Community and long-term relationships play a crucial role in Ben's life and artistic accountability

💎Casey Dienel's new album "My Heart as an Outlaw" marks her return to music after an eight-year hiatus, showcasing her evolution as an artist

RESOURCE LINKS:

LaunchLeft Podcast

BEN GIBBARD LINKS:

https://www.deathcabforcutie.com/

https://benjamingibbard.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deathcabforcutie/

https://www.instagram.com/gibbstack/

https://www.facebook.com/deathcabforcutie

https://www.facebook.com/bengibbard

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOtn115fCfFKIxG7_Quv9ZA

CASEY DIENEL LINKS:

https://www.whoiscaseydienel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/casey_dienel/

https://www.tiktok.com/@casey.dienel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_WKK5gnDQH53qkRxBDeOw

https://www.facebook.com/CaseyDienelOfficial

BIOGRAPHIES:

Benjamin Gibbard is a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of Death Cab for Cutie, formed in 1997. The band has since recorded ten studio albums, including, most recently, the critically acclaimed Asphalt Meadows (2022). Gibbard is also one half of the electronic duo The Postal Service, whose sole album, Give Up (2003), is certified platinum and the second best-selling title in the 37 year history of Sub Pop Records.

Gibbard released his debut solo album Former Lives in 2012. In 2009, in collaboration with Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt), he released the album One Fast Move or I'm Gone (2009), which also served as the soundtrack to the eponymous Jack Kerouac documentary. He has scored two films: Lynn Shelton’s Laggies (2014) and, along with musician and producer Steve Fisk, the Kurt Cobain documentary About a Son (2006). Additionally, he wrote and recorded two original songs featured in the 2011 remake of the classic film Arthur. Gibbard is an avid ultra-marathon runner and a longtime resident of Seattle, WA.

Casey Dienel is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Dienel, who has also performed and recorded as White Hinterland, plays piano, keyboards and ukulele.

My Heart Is An Outlaw is Casey Dienel’s seventh album and first studio release. It arrives after eight years away, the result of a renewed trust in collaboration as a radical act of surrender. The album’s 11 tracks—each a film and a melodic treasure trove—offer a reckoning with freedom, identity, and the conflicting desire for both solitude and intimacy. Recorded at Altamira Sound in Los Angeles, Figure 8 Recording in New York, and Chamber of Commerce in Vermont, the record zooms from micro to macro, intimate breath to mic drop.

In this episode of LaunchLeft, host Rain Phoenix welcomes Fred Schneider of The B-52’s as he launches Dagger Polyester.

Fred takes us back to the Athens, Georgia music scene where The B-52’s began, sharing stories of DIY shows, thrifting, and how their left-of-center style changed pop culture. He also dives into side projects including Halloween anthems, poetry reissues, and unexpected collaborations.

Later, Dagger Polyester joins the conversation to talk about punk influences, resisting background-noise music, and how individuality fuels their artistry. Together, they explore creativity, collaboration, and the future of music in an AI-driven world.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:
✅ How The B-52’s began in Athens, Georgia and built their unique sound

✅ Why thrifting, vintage fashion, and DIY culture shaped The B-52’s identity

✅ Fred Schneider’s side projects and creative collaborations outside of the B-52’s

✅ Dagger Polyester’s insights on punk, pop culture, and music that resists algorithms

🎧 Listen to the full LaunchLeft podcast here: LaunchLeft Podcast 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with independent artists and cultural icons.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction from Rain Phoenix

04:15 Fred Schneider shares early memories of Athens, Georgia

08:32 The B-52’s first gigs and their DIY approach to music and style

12:40 Thrifting, vintage fashion, and creating an outsider aesthetic

17:55 Tour memories: runaway buses, donuts, and chaos on the road

23:52 Discussing 80s music and artistic influences

28:46 Keeping the band together: equal splits and shared decisions

34:05 Dagger Polyester is launched

38:27 Punk influences, Athens’ creative scene, and resisting algorithm-driven music

44:50 The future of music, AI, and why individuality still matters

49:20 Closing thoughts, resources, and where to find Fred and Dagger’s work

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Embracing individuality creates timeless music that stands apart.

Sharing credit and resources can strengthen a band’s longevity.

Creativity thrives when artists explore side projects and collaborations.

Punk and outsider art continue to challenge the mainstream and inspire new generations.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Fred Schneider is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the new wave band The B-52s. With his distinctive vocal style and quirky lyrics, Schneider has been a pivotal figure in the alternative music scene since the late 1970s. The B-52s, known for hits like "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster," have left an indelible mark on pop culture and continue to influence musicians today.

Dagger Polyester is an emerging musician known for blending elements of punk, new wave, and experimental rock. With a growing following in the underground music scene, Dagger's unique sound and approach to songwriting are garnering attention from both fans and industry veterans alike.

RESOURCES:

LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link

LaunchLeft on Apple Podcasts

LaunchLeft on YouTube

GUEST RESOURCES:

Fred Schneider

https://www.theb52s.com

https://www.instagram.com/funfred1/

https://www.instagram.com/theb52sband/

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialFredSchneider/

https://www.facebook.com/theb52s/

Dagger Polyester

https://daggerpolyester.com/

https://www.instagram.com/daggerpolyester/

https://www.youtube.com/channel

SEO Keywords: Fred Schneider, B-52s, Dagger Polyester, punk rock, Athens music scene, 1980s music, thrift store fashion, rock and roll hall of fame, indie music, new wave, alternative rock, music industry, touring experiences, record collecting, AI in music, Ramones, girl groups, Phil Spector, Ronnie Spector, vinyl records, music collaboration, songwriting, music influences, pop culture, music history, LGBTQ+ representation in music