Show Notes
In this episode of LaunchLeft, Rain Phoenix hosts a profound and intimate conversation that explores the transformative potential of art and the enduring bonds between artists with long time friends and musicians Paul Cantelon and Lili Haydn.
Paul and Lili open up about the deeply personal origins of their heartfelt album "Lullabies for the Brokenhearted", created in the wake of Paul's wife Angela McCluskey's passing. They share deeply personal stories about their musical journeys and the inspirations behind the album and discuss the importance of vulnerability in their creative process and how the project has been healing for them both.
Then, they launch Itai Disraeli who discusses his groundbreaking solo bass project “He is Free Now” and the spiritual nature of his music. Tune in for a preview of tracks from both "Lullabies for the Brokenhearted" and an excerpt of Itai's ”Continuation Day”, offering listeners a glimpse into these profound musical journeys.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Intro: Meet Paul Cantelon and Lili Haydn
(05:54) The genesis of "Lullabies for the Brokenhearted," dedicated to Paul's late wife Angela McCluskey and Lili's mother Lotus
(10:39) Paul and Lili's experiences with loss and the transformative power of music and community
(22:31) Paul shares his childhood encounter with music in Zurich
(27:40) Lili's musical upbringing and her mother, Lotus's influence
(35:32) Itai Disraeli is launched
(38:05) Itai discusses his musical philosophy and upcoming record “He is Free Now”
(44:12) The Entwined from "Lullabies for the Brokenhearted"
(49:26) Continuation Day from “He is Free Now”
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Music of all genres serves as a powerful tool for healing and processing grief. The creation of "Lullabies for the Brokenhearted" was not just about grieving, but about expanding consciousness and creating connection between this realm and the next. The spiritual dimension of music connects us to life, death, and the beyond.
True artistry comes from getting out of your own way and letting the music’s spirit flow through you. The most powerful music emerges when you're completely vulnerable and honest, capturing raw moments of catharsis rather than trying to perform or impress.
Sound carries immense spiritual power. While words shouted on barricades may be silenced, the depth and resonance of music cannot be shot down or destroyed. By connecting through our art, we become points of light guiding each other home through the darkness.
RESOURCE LINKS:
LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link
LILI HAYDN LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/lilihaydn/
PAUL CANTELON LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/paulcantelon/
Lullabies For the Brokenhearted – a new album by Lili Haydn & Paul Cantelon
You Could Start A Fight In An Empty House Podcast
ITAI DISRAELI LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/itai_disraeli/
https://www.instagram.com/maetarmusic/
BIOGRAPHIES:
Violinist-composer Lili Haydn and pianist-composer Paul Cantelon have created Lullabies for the Brokenhearted—a poignant and transcendent album shaped by personal loss and the redemptive power of music. After the sudden passing of Cantelon’s wife, singer Angela McCluskey, grief left him unable to play. Haydn, a lifelong friend and collaborator, invited him into her home and gently rekindled his creative spirit. The result is 8 deeply felt compositions, recorded in just 10 days, with influences ranging from Chopin to Arvo Part. The lead single, “The Edgeless Safety of the Sea,” was released June 27, offering a first glimpse of the album’s cinematic, emotionally resonant sound.
Among the album’s most striking moments are “The Last Serenade,” a melody Haydn received at her mother’s deathbed and has since played for others in their final moments, and “Point No Point,” a piece central to Cantelon’s early work and later featured in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. While rooted in sorrow, the music is full of light, hope, and reverence. Haydn,
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