Episodes
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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with the talented Malachi Gagnon to explore his inspiring journey as a singer-songwriter. Hailing from the serene and woodsy landscapes of New Hampshire, Malachi shares how his surroundings fuel his creativity and passion for music.
In This Episode:
đïž Inspiration from Nature: Malachi talks about the calming influence of New Hampshireâs countryside on his songwriting process. đž Beginning in Music: Learn how Malachiâs musical journey started just four years ago, including his first time singing in front of his family during the pandemic. đ” Debut Release: Hear the story behind Malachiâs first song, "Craving Me," and how it marked a pivotal moment in his career. đ€ Artist Growth: Malachi discusses his transition from covering songs on social media to writing and releasing his own music as a verified artist.Join us for an insightful conversation about overcoming fear, the joy of creating music, and what it takes to grow as an artist in todayâs world.
Connect with Malachi:
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In this inspiring episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Nashville-based Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Tim James, whose journey to success is as unconventional as it is remarkable. Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Tim shares his path from sales jobs in Los Angeles to becoming a successful songwriter in Nashville. Despite setbacks, including painting houses after a publishing deal fell through, Tim took a leap of faith and committed to his passion for music. This decision led him to sign with a publishing company owned by Toby Keith, which resulted in his first single, "My List," hitting number one and being featured on over 11 million albums. Tim's story of risk-taking, perseverance, and eventual success in the music industry offers hope and motivation to all aspiring songwriters. Tune in to hear more about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way.
Connect with Tim:
â Websiteâ â Instagramâ â Facebook -
Episodes manquant?
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In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Steffany Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.
As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Steffany are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Steffany Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.
Connect with Steffany:
â YouTubeâ
â Instagramâ
â Facebook
Connect with Miranda:
â Websiteâ
â YouTubeâ
â Instagramâ
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Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Tyla Rodrigues, a rising star in old-school country music. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Tyla has made a name for herself at prestigious festivals like Groundwater, Tamworth, and Gympie Music Muster. She has also shared the stage with renowned artists such as Tori Darke, Jeremy Turner, Andrew Swift, and Lane Pittman.
In this episode, Tyla shares her journey, her passion for traditional country sounds, and how she blends them with her unique style. Discover the stories behind her emotive songs inspired by personal experiences, love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true artist dedicated to preserving and evolving the spirit of country music.
Tune in and get to know Tyla Rodrigues, a name to watch in the country music scene!
Connect with Tyla:
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Welcome to another episode of Songwriter Trysts. Today, we have the privilege of featuring a rising pop-rock sensation who's making waves with her poignant and deeply relatable music. Melanie Cowmeadow is here to discuss herupcoming single 'Empath,' set to release on today, July 19th.
'Empath' is an introspective track that delves into the struggles of anxiety and the emotional challenges faced by people pleasers. Melanie's distinctive sound shines through in this song, blending her emotive vocal delivery with heartfelt lyrics and powerful dark pop-rock instrumentation. This vulnerable open letter speaks to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own empathy and the weight of othersâ expectations.
With its raw honesty and relatablethemes, 'Empath' promises to be an anthem for those navigating the complexities of anxiety and the need to please others. âAs someone who feels deeply and often puts othersâ needs before my own, I wanted to capture the emotional toll that can take,â Melanie shares.
This release follows the success of her previous single, 'Dear Dad,' which has been praised for its unique ability to channel personal experiences into music and storytelling. With close to 200,000 collective streams, Melanie continues to solidify her place as an artist to watch.
Hailing from Adelaide, Melanie Cowmeadow is known for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Her music blends introspective lyrics with infectious melodies, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of genres. Seamlesslyinfusing pop with rock, folk, and country influences, she creates a unique and captivating sound. With a growing fan base and a string of successful releases,Melanie Cowmeadow is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene. Tune in to hear more about Melanie's journey, the inspiration behind 'Empath,' and her future plans in the music industry.
Connect with Melanie:
Tripple J Unearthed (Review and listen to Empath here) Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook -
In this special episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, Rae Leigh sits down with an incredible vocal coach who reached out earlier today with some pressing questions about grant writing. Rather than keeping this valuable conversation private, they decided to share the insights on air for the benefit of our audience. Together, they delve into the top 5 things to think about when applying for an arts grant in Australia, focusing on music development, skill enhancement, and touring opportunities.
Listen in as they discuss essential tips, provide expert advice, and highlight key considerations to help you navigate the grant application process successfully. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable guidance to elevate your grant proposals and maximize your chances of securing funding for your musical projects.
Don't miss out on this informative and engaging conversation, packed with practical advice and real-world examples to inspire and assist you in your grant writing journey.
Tune in now and learn how to turn your musical dreams into reality with the support of Australian arts grants!
Connect in with Rebekah Axe through her facebook page HERE
or email her on [email protected] -
In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, we sit down with Vanessa Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Grafton, deeply connected to the Northern Rivers. Vanessa shares her journey of discovering her artistic identity, starting from her early inspirations like Shirley Temple to her high school days where she began to realize her potential in songwriting. She reflects on her father's influence, the encouragement she received, and her struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism.
Vanessa opens up about her transformative path, which includes a detour into healing and spirituality as a massage therapist before fully embracing her musical career. She discusses the importance of genuine connections, role models like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, and the challenges of navigating the modern music industry. With a focus on creating music that truly represents her values and experiences, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in her artistic journey. Join us as Vanessa Lawless candidly shares her story, her growth, and her vision for the future.
Watch Vanessa Lawless's liver performance in the Songwriter Trysts Studio HERE
Connect with Vanessa:
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Australian singer-songwriter Katie Thorne, from Dubo, recently engaged in a vibrant conversation with Rae Leigh, the host of the Songwriter Trysts podcast. During their discussion, Thorne shared her enriching experiences at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she had the opportunity to work with Pat Pattison, the renowned songwriting author of "Writing Better Lyrics." Known for her distinctive sound that echoes the styles of Thelma Plum, Norah Jones, and RAYE, Thorne brings her own unique charm and authenticity to her music. She also delved into her latest musical projects, highlighting her evolving artistry and the fresh, emotive tracks she has been crafting. Her insights and stories reflect a deep passion for her craft, making her a captivating guest on the podcast and a rising star in the music scene.
Conncet with Katie here:
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Justine Eltakchi is featuring on the Songwriter Trysts podcast after meeting host Rae Leigh at the APRA AMCOS Songwriter Awards Night in Sydney in 2024. Renowned for her ARIA-nominated songwriting and toplining, Justine's impressive portfolio includes over 60 international releases, contributions to Eurovision Australia and The Voice Australia, and the founding of the RESOUND Songcamp in 2020. An APRA-AMCOS Ambassador and advocate for disability awareness in the Australian music industry, Justine has participated in esteemed international song camps such as 2019 SONGEXPO in Norway, 2022 SUISA in Switzerland, and 2022 Unified Song Camp in Scotland. Her collaborations span a diverse range of artists, from EDM UK act Tough Love and Australian icon Casey Donovan to rising stars Abby Christo and Alanna Vullo, as well as LGBTQI+ icon PENELOPE. Under her project Zemi Gold, Justine continues to captivate audiences with her powerful dance anthems, showcasing her emotive voice and masterful songwriting. We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did.
Connect with Justine here:
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Strawberry Swing isn't just about tunes; they're about making a difference. They're a band from Wollongong, Australia, who use their music to talk about important stuff like politics and how to make life better for everyone. They believe that Aussies can do practical things to change the economy and support the arts. They even had a chat with Rae Leigh from the Songwriter Trysts podcast, where they talked about their music and why they're so passionate about what they do. By sharing their thoughts and songs, they're not just making musicâthey're inspiring others to take action too.
Connect with Strawberry Swing HERE
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From New Zealand, Kaylee Bell has emerged as a captivating force in the country music scene. Her viral performance on The Voice, featuring an original song dedicated to Keith Urban, catapulted her into the spotlight, where she continues to shine as a powerful female songwriter.
Recently, Kaylee shared her inspiring journey on the Songwriter Trysts podcast, detailing her experiences as an independent artist living and working in Nashville, New Zealand, and Australia. Her story is one of resilience and determination, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women pursuing their dreams in the music industry.
As an award-winning artist, Kaylee's music resonates with audiences worldwide, weaving emotion into every lyric and melody. With her new album topping charts and a captivating tour underway, she's proving herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Don't miss the chance to experience Kaylee Bell's magic live. Catch her on tour and new album "Nights Like This" and witness the raw talent and infectious energy that have made her a rising star in country music. Join the journey and be inspired by the unstoppable spirit of Kaylee Bell.
Connect with Kaylee Here:
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Welcome to Songwriter Trysts Podcast! In today's milestone 250th episode, we have the incredible Murray Cook joining us, alongside our host, Rae Leigh.
Murray shares his remarkable musical journey, from crafting his first big hit, "Dorothy the Dinosaur," to his illustrious 20-year tenure with the iconic children's group, The Wiggles, and now his exciting venture with The Soul Movers. We delve into the intricacies of the music industry, the joys and challenges of touring the world, and the evolution of his sound throughout his career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true legend of the industry!
Connect with Murray:
Instagram The Wiggles website The Soul Movers Website YouTube Dorothy The Dinosaur original music video -
Canada's musical landscape continues to blossom with the emergence of young talent like Elyse Saunders. With her latest single, "Never Have I Ever," climbing the Canadian Country Top 40 Charts, Elyse is making waves both at home and abroad. Notably, her collaboration with Rae Leigh on the Songwriter Trysts podcast provided a captivating glimpse into her musical journey, highlighting her passion, perseverance, and the soaring success of her latest endeavors. As her star continues to ascend, Elyse Saunders stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the global country music scene, enchanting audiences with her heartfelt melodies and authentic storytelling.Connect with Elyse Saunders:
Website Instagram Facebook Apple Music YouTube TikTok -
Bass player, producer and songwriter Zac Watson from Melbourne shares of his journey as an artists, bass player, rock n' roll lover and country music band member turning into full time songwriter producer with the release of his first single as a solo artist.
In addition to his talents as a performer and songwriter, Zac is also a formidable force in the realm of music production. Armed with a keen ear for detail and a passion for sonic innovation, he brings a unique perspective to the studio, blending analog warmth with digital precision to create rich, immersive soundscapes that resonate with audiences on a visceral level. From crafting intricate arrangements to sculpting the perfect mix, Zac's production skills elevate every project he touches, imbuing it with a timeless allure and cinematic grandeur.
Connect with Zac
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Creative writer, novelist, childrenâs books, and songs, Tess Rowley joins Rae Leigh in an intimate discussion about creative writing, her work with not-for-profits, and child advocacy work.
Earlier in 2024 Tess received the Medal Order of Australia or an OAM for her incredible work in serving the community. A lifetime of dedication and using her creative writing skills to bless generations of children and women, all over the world. Her most famous book, commissioned for a purpose by an NFP, was initially banned by ABC and then sold out in Australia. Listen to the story behind her groundbreaking work and intimate experiences she has had and how she has used her gifts to share her and otherâs stories to benefit the community.
Youtube Tess Rowley
The Really Good Bookshop
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Robbie Mortimer is an Australian singer songwriter who has recenetly come back after a 3 year break while he went through personal and professional development to bring his best to the world. His new single is called Blow The Speakers and has country all over it. Living on the farm with a large family of boys who were all very much sports focused Robbie talks about his experince being a creative songwriting lover who was the youngest of a large family. His love of music and performing relaly shows through his podcast and performance and we know as you listen and get to know him you will learn to love him and his music as much as we do.
Connect with Robbie here:
Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Spotify -
Avery Harden is an American songwriter and self-proclaimed positive rapper. We dive into his roots in Christian music, Christian rap, Disney influence, and faith upbringing.
Avery is an independent artist who collaborates, tours, and recently released his second album Atlantis II. Coming to tour in Australia in October 2024 we were excited to discuss his music, positive influences and journey as an artist chasing his dreams.
connect with Avery:
Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Spotify TikTokCheck out his podcast too here: ABOV The Multiverse
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Max Jackson, 2024 Golden Guitar winner at Tamworth awards in Australia. Max is a songwriter and singer and we talk about how it was the songwriting that came first for her. Writing for almost 12 years before releasing her first single in 2020 she found her voice and purpose and she has been living it with passion. Lots of encouragement as a Toyota Star Maker competition winner. She can write a song, hold a tune, and entertain your boots off. So grateful to have spent some time getting to know our newest superstar to country music in Australia and you will be too.
Connect with Max:
â Websiteâ
â Spotifyâ
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â Instagramâ
â Facebook
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Sue Ray gets real with their discussion on neurodiverse conditions and the impact that has had on Sue as a woman, mother, and musician. Her inspirational story is a testament that there is always another way to keep looking for your people. Sue is bravely stepping into her power as a songwriting coach, artist, and indigenous advocate through Qmusic in Brisbane Australia and we are so glad to have had the chance to have her on the show.
Sue Ray, the winner of the 2022 QMusic Bluesânâroots award, is an Australian Indigenous multi-award-winning singer/songwriter who captivates audiences with her original brand of country/blues and roots music, smoky rich voice, and high-energy performances.
Often compared to such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Chris Stapleton, and Lucinda Williams, Sueâs sound crosses genres allowing her to appeal to a wide audience demographic. Sue recently returned to Australia after being based in Nashville, where she worked alongside industry greats and connected into the scene, gigging and writing. Sue has a Diploma of Film & Television, Cert IV in Contemporary Music, Certificate in Sound Engineering and video production, and has completed a songwriting course at the Songpreneurs Retreat in Nashville TN.
Connect with Sue:
â Websiteâ
â Spotifyâ
â YouTubeâ
â Instagramâ
â Facebookâ
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Wesley Dean, an Adelaide-born singer-songwriter has been living in Nashville since March 2021 the height of the pandemic, and moved there with his wife and kids.
After winning Australian Idol in 2008 he discusses in the interview his dance with his ego and how he needed to have kids, get married, and live life before he had something he felt was worth saying. Coming in his new album which we eagerly anticipate.
Live from Sol Train studios in Nashville they have given us a great interview today with their help with recording the audio for this podcast interview with Wesley as he was in the studio recording.
Connect with Wesley:
Website Spotify YouTube Instagram Facebook - Montre plus