Rain Phoenix on new album 'River': 'it's for everyone'.

I was able to interview Rain Phoenix on the week of the release of new album 'River', dedicated to her brother River Phoenix, famous actor, musician, and environmentalist amongst many other things, who passed in 1993. The album is now available everywhere, and more than worth the listen.

credit to Rain Phoenix (rainjphoenix) on Instagram

M: First of all, I look up to you and your work, always have. It’s been beautiful to see your new album River actually dedicated to, of course, your brother. What caused you to create it now? RP: It came about rather organically- I put out a single "Time is the Killer" with the Aleka’s Attic songs on Valentine’s Day and then, I just couldn’t stop the music! M: Has it been something in the works for a few years? RP: My collaborator Kirk Hellie and I worked tirelessly on this record since the beginning of this year. It’s kind of wild that “River" was written, produced and released in 10 months time- I never really thought of that till you asked… M: As a London fan, I obviously would love to know if there are any plans to tour, or even just travel to the UK and spread the magic you’ve created.

RP: I would love to bring these songs to Europe. The hardest part is finding tour support as it’s expensive to hop the pond… But, if enough people like the record in Europe, or a well known band invites me to open for them, I will definitely make the trip! M: when Aleka’s Attic was formed, what was River and yours original goal? What did you both want to achieve with your music, and is it a similar thing you want to achieve now with new music? RP: To be honest I was 15 and following my brother’s lead. It was really his band and his vision, we’d sung together forever and he wanted me to be a part of it. River’s influence and the experiences I had in Aleka’s Attic, is a big part of who I am now as a person and an artist. M: I’m also aware you’ve been very close to Flea for a long time. Did any of Red Hot Chili Peppers music inspire you? What other musicians or musical movements inspired you throughout the music you’ve created?

RP: I think the best artists (no matter which medium they choose) reflect in their work who they really are as people. Honesty, authenticity and storytelling are really important to me. I like artists who are true to themselves and Flea is definitely one of those artists. Whoever he’s playing with, there is never anything false about his energy and performance. M: what is something you want fans and those listening to the music to take from it?

RP: Take whatever you need! I hope “River" can serve as a totem of solidarity and healing for all of us who experience distress at the loss of a loved one, a marriage, a friendship or wherever sorrow grips us. M: River was an inspiration to many. Do you feel like this is going to be evident in your work aside from the title of the album?

RP: I think everything I do reflects River in some way. Creativity was always at the centre of our lives and in that centre, was the wish to help others. M: With LaunchLeft, what is your main goal with it? I’ve listened to every episode so far and it feels like an extremely open and safe space. Is that something you find important with social media, that there are safe spaces? RP: LaunchLeft is an intentional space to foster outside the box creatively and yes, I believe safe spaces are important EVERYWHERE! We are all so fragile and pure underneath our tough exteriors. I believe the more artists come together to build what we think the future can be, the sooner it will arrive. Artists are always on the frontlines of change. LaunchLeft aims it’s left-of-center arrow at competition in the hopes of inspiring more collaboration. Plus who better to pick emerging artists than the ones we trust and love already? M: Now more than ever I feel like the messages a lot of your family and friends have shared along the lines of caring for the environment is extremely important. Would you ever attempt to speak about this topic through music?

RP: I do in a poetic way for sure. Also, there’s a very special project coming soon that involves all my sisters that speaks more directly to the climate emergency in a song… I’ll let you know when to expect it. M: Although music is clearly a passion of yours, have you ever though about writing a book? Possibly about your journey with music, River, etc.

RP:Writing a book is a lot of work, but I never rule anything out! I think what’s important is to stay open to the creative force and it will guide you.

M: Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you for taking time out of your day to do this with me. To finish this off, in three words how would you describe the new album?

RP: "It’s for everyone"