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