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 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