Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani Di Franco joins me for an interview on LaunchLeft. Ani opens the show explaining how she lost her job yet has been busier than ever. Ani explains why she created her own label in the 90s. At the time, it seemed so foreign, but she was happy to cut out all the middlemen of the music industry and sell directly to her community. Plus, Ani gives advice for aspiring young artists; to get out in the world and show them what you're made of! Tune in for our portrait episode as Ani Di Franco shares her latest song, Revolutionary Love.

Michael Stipe and Jem Cohen open the show talking about the role artists have in politics and activism and how artists want their work to carry on for generations. Fame is great, but infamy is really what an artist strives for. They talk about infamous works of art and notorious movies. Later, Michael reveals one of his most significant regrets and the greatest compliment he has ever received. Tune in as Jem explains how chance plays a significant role in his work, and Michael gives his advice to Jem. The show closes with a beautiful short film video by Jem set to a haunting Vic Chestnut song “Rustic Empires”.

E from EELS opens the show explaining why releasing an album during the pandemic was sort of perfect. The EARTH TO DORA album was released October 30th; if you haven't already, you definitely need to check it out. Then, E explains how a little toy drum set led E to his bountiful musical career. Growing up, E would play the drum every single day and never lost interest. In sixth grade, E would write songs about his girlfriend on his mom's piano. Tune in as we talk about what it's like to perform virtually and how E writes music to help himself and help other people.