Songwriter Trysts

In this heartfelt episode of Songwriter Trysts hosted by singer-songwriter Rae Leigh, Ester Wiesnerova, composer and Recording Academy member, takes us on a journey from her roots in Slovakia to the vibrant music scene of New York City. With a powerful story of resilience, Ester shares how she was influenced by her mother's political and spiritual songwriting, and how music became her tool for connection and healing. From performing in prisons and psychiatric hospitals to overcoming language barriers and funding her studies at Berklee College of Music, Ester's passion for jazz and composition has been the driving force behind her remarkable career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of music and the determination to follow one's creative path.connect with Ester: Website Instagram YouTube

In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matt Oakley to discuss his heartfelt song "Soldier's Son," a tribute to his father and Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in combat. Matt shares his unique journey growing up as an "army brat," moving across the world, and eventually discovering his love for music. He also opens up about his songwriting process, the importance of authenticity, and how his personal experiences have shaped his artistry. They explore the emotional impact of military life on families, and the challenge of balancing creativity with the demands of social media in today's music industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that dives into the heart of storytelling through song, the power of music to heal, and the resilience of those who serve. Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone looking to understand the creative process behind meaningful music, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the life of a passionate artist.Connect with Malachi: Connect with Matt: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Spotify

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:

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: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook

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: ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook Connect with Miranda: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

Exploring the Journey of New Zealand's Rising Country Stars - Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck 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 Stephanie Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them. The Road to Australia and Beyond As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Stephanie 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 Stephanie Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community. Aiming for the Stars For Miranda and Stephanie, the journey isn't just about making music; it's about achieving dreams. With goals as lofty as touring Australia and even winning a Grammy, the duo is determined to push their boundaries. As Stephanie puts it, "Awards aren't the most important thing, but they're a great thing to aim for." Miranda echoes this sentiment, celebrating their success in New Zealand's top 10 albums chart and the growing recognition of country music in their homeland. Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists Rae Leigh also delves into the challenges of the music industry, asking the duo what advice they would give to aspiring artists. Their message is clear: persistence is key. "Just keep going," says Stephanie, emphasizing the importance of learning from every experience and staying true to oneself. Miranda adds, "It's all about little puzzle pieces... just write down your puzzle pieces and tackle them one at a time." Looking to the Future As they continue to build their careers, both artists remain inspired by the legends who have paved the way. They cite Dolly Parton and Neil Young as dream collaborators, with Stephanie even dedicating a song on her EP to Dolly titled, "What Would Dolly Do?" Miranda and Stephanie's passion for their craft is undeniable, and their excitement for what's to come is palpable. For fans and supporters, the best way to stay connected is by following them on social media and streaming their music. And who knows? With any luck, these talented artists might soon be performing live in Australia. Stay tuned to the Songwriter Trysts blog and podcast for updates on their journey and more inspiring stories from the world of music.

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: Website YouTube Spotify Instagram Facebook

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 her upcoming 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 others' expectations. With its raw honesty and relatable themes, 'Empath' promises to be an anthem for those navigating the complexities of anxiety and the need to please others. “As someone who feels deeply and often puts others' needs before my own, I wanted to capture the emotional toll that can take,” 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. Seamlessly infusing 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 Rebekah.axe@hotmail.com

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: Website Instagram Spotify YouTube

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: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

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: Website Instagram Youtube

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 music—they're inspiring others to take action too. Connect with Strawberry Swing HERE

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: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Spotify

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 ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Website

Creative writer, novelist, childrens books and songs, Tess Rowley joins Rae Leigh in an intimate discussion about creative writing, her work with non-for-profits and child advocacy work. Earlier in 2024 Tess recieved an the Medal Order of Australia or an OAM for her incredible work in serving the community. A life time of dedication and using her creative writing skills to bless generations of children and women all over the world. Her most famous book, comssioned for a purpose by a NFP was initialy band by the ABC and then sold out australia wide, listen to the story behind her groundbreaking work and intimate experiances she has had and how she has used her gifts to share her's and others stories to benift the community. Youtube Tess Rowley The Really Good Bookshop

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 TikTok Check out his podcast too here: ABOV The Multiverse

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: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook

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 Blues'n'roots 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, Sue's 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: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠

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

Bonus episode this week with The Hey Mate Project, a mental health company building awareness and supporting creative industries including Qmusic in Brisbane. Host Rae Leigh interviews guest Aimee Davies the founder of Hey Mate Project. This is a great conversation about the company and how they started, what they are doing, and why it's so important for us as artists to take care of our mental health. Aimee goes into the difference between mental health and mental illness, the struggles the music industry has had in comparison to other creative industries, and the impact they hope to have. Aimee gives great advice about what we can do to lift the industry and take better care of each other. Connect with They Hey Mate Project here: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

Tyler Spicer, musician, producer and songwriter from Bath UK soon to be in Nashville. This passionate artist has been pivoting his talents in a big way he thanks the covid lockdowns for this change and feels like it was the perfect time for him to move into this production space. Connect with Tyler: Instagram Website YouTube Facebook

An emotional rollercoaster of laughs, sad, ugly, beautiful, best and worst. Rock n Roll, music and its history. This conversation with Mario Vayne and Rae Leigh goes into it all. A fun conversation about songwriting and music for your Christmas trip this week. Check out Mario's Music and info here: Website Spotify YouTube Instagram Facebook

Ella and Scienna, Australian female country singer-songwriting DUO jump on a Zoom call and record a chat with host Rae Leigh about their musical journey and their Taylor Swift tribute show. Sisters Ella & Stella are hitting the road and recording studio to launch their careers in the music industry and they are having so much fun doing it. "It's Not Me, It's You” embraces Ella & Sienna's newfound country-pop sound, with an anthem track that embodies their vocal harmonies. With rich layers of overdriven rock-influenced guitars, and energetic drums intertwined with banjo and slide, they have proven they are one of the most exciting emerging artists in the Australian music scene today.  Connect with Ella & Sienna here: Website Facebook Instragram Spotify Youtube

Michael Saleta, a songwriter from Sale, in Victoria Australia, and now living and working as a full-time songwriter in Nashville with his wife Sarah and publisher. Hear how this music teacher from Melbourne changed his whole life around, quit his day job, and launched into a life filled with music and joy. The most optimistic and determined songwriter we have had on the show and inspiring for anyone who likes to write songs and one day would like to do it full time. Connect with Michael through his linktree HERE

Propulsive rock'n'roll mingles with expansive Americana on Seattle songwriter Scott Clay's forthcoming LP Time Will Tell. Buoyed by a voice both plaintive and roughhewn, Time Will Tell invites listeners to slow down and reflect on our true nature and our collective humanity. When it came time to track Time Will Tell, Clay and a cadre of top-flight musicians, including engineer Mike Davis (Modest Mouse, Head and the Heart), bassist David Dawda (Fruit Bats), drummer Sean Lane (Pedro the Lion) and pianist Daniel Walker (Heart), together they set up camp at the venerable Hall of Justice studio in Seattle. Connect with Clay: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Spotify

Drew Ryder Smith is an artist and singer-songwriter in his own right after years of writing for others and his own struggle with mental health and substances he has broken through into releasing his own music and performing all over the country. A raw and honest conversation with great stories and advice for songwriters and artists alike. Connect with Drew: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Spotify

Van life musician in Australia Austin Mackay stops by in the van to chat with Rae Leigh live in the studio on the Gold Coast before heading down the east coast on tour to Melbourne. We loved having this young and enthusiastic talent share with us his journey and hearing about his future hopes but also how he has ended up in the dream life on the road with his guitar after COVID pulled him from the cover scene and pushed him back into his original music. Be melted away with his beautiful stories, voice, and guitar. We also released a special live acoustic version of his single "Real Life" on YouTube now. Connect with Austin: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

"You can change your life at any point in time" This quote from featured artist singer-songwriter from outback Queensland Scotty Mack with his Songwriter Trysts interview with Rae Leigh. Auditioning for The Voice in 2023 Australia with the audition song "Foot Loose" he is back and sharing his original music which is charting across the Australian country scene. Music is therapy and healing and so are his friends who he credits for getting him back to what he loves. An inspirational conversation and worth a listen. Growing up in Outback Queensland, Scotty Mack calls Charleville home, living and breathing what life in the outback means to this inspiring singer/songwriter. Scotty got his first chance to sing on stage with the Walmsley Brothers, performing on the back of a truck at the Charleville racecourse. “From then on I was hooked”, says Scotty. Influenced by Garth Brooks, Brooks and Dunn and Alan Jackson, and with a passion for country music, Scotty Mack became a Finalist in the ‘Road to Tamworth' and ‘Queensland Champion of Champions competitions and has recently auditioned on The VOICE Australia. Connect with Scotty: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify

Melanie Dyer drops a brand new single, “Dust”.  The Australian singer/songwriter has cemented herself as a leading lady in contemporary country with hits like “Memphis T-Shirt”, “Run Out Of Road” and her most recent hit, “Song For That”.  Joining the lineup for CMA Music Festival 2023, Melanie played alongside the likes of Jason Aldean, Dan + Shay, Miranda Lambert and more to celebrate the Festival's 50th Anniversary.   With sales approaching 10 million, Melanie released her sophomore album in 2022, “Between You & Me”; featuring hit singles, “Run Out Of Road”, “Cheap Moscato”, “Cheating On Me” and “Dumb Decisions” (with Caitlyn Shadbolt) and the title track a collab with US Artist Troy Cartwright. The album earned Melanie 2 CMAA Golden Guitar Award nominations for Female Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the year in January 2023. Melanie is an APRA Professional Development Award Winner, APRA Nominated songwriter (“Memphis T-Shirt”) and an ‘in demand' songwriter within the Australian music industry. Connect with Melanie: Website YouTube Facebook Instagram Spotify

Growing up with father Slim Dusty and boarding school in Sale Victoria our featured guest David from Two Tone Pony the band after retiring from a career as a medical practitioner has gotten back into the studio and out on the road. Celebrating the art of songwriting, passion, and music host Rae Leigh and David discuss the powerful art form and give tips and advice on the journey to writing, co-writing, and recording your own music. Two Tone Pony was born out of late afternoon verandah sessions overlooking the Tasman Sea on the Central Coast of NSW. With their musical roots buried in alt-country, this five-piece collective is beginning to create a following amongst people who enjoy foot-tapping on Sunday afternoons whilst listening to original tunes that tell stories of Australia. Their influences include locals such as Slim Dusty and Don Walker, but also those on the American scene like Jason Isbell and Wilco. Between them they've been around various musical outfits for quite some time, they share vocals, can play multiple instruments, and love what they do. Over the last twelve months, they've written and recorded a bunch of original tunes that are shovel-ready to tour and you can sample them by jumping on the video links. Two Tone Pony is David Kirkpatrick, Ian Rhodes, Graham Puglisi, Glen Willey, and Greg Richardson. Connect with Two Tone Pony here: Website Facebook YouTube Instagram Spotify

For multiple Grammy, CMA, ACM Award-winning producer Keith Stegall, music has always been his life, strongly influenced by his dad, 1950s Abbott Records recording artist, Bob Stegall. The elder Stegall also played steel guitar for the legendary country singer Johnny Horton. Born in the central Texas town of Wichita Falls and raised in Shreveport (the home of the Louisiana Hayride, a stage his father often graced) the Stegalls were constantly playing and writing songs on guitars and the piano. It was by chance he met another famous Texan, Kris Kristofferson, who inspired Keith to move to Music City. “Show me what you've got!” Kris told Keith backstage at a Kristofferson show. Keith played a couple songs, which prompted Kristofferson to remark, “Son, you need to get your ass to Nashville and hang out with other writers. They will break you down and make you the best you can be.” Keith took the advice to heart and three months after his arrival in 1978, Keith co-wrote his first hit, Dr. Hooks' 1980 smash Sexy Eyes. Soon after, Helen Reddy, The Commodores, Johnny Mathis, and many others rushed to record Keith's songs. Most notable was Al Jarreau's career hit We're In This Love Together. Eventually Keith signed a record deal with Capitol Records and later Epic Records. He released a pair of albums in the early 1980s with minor chart success. “Because I grew up in the studio,” Keith recalls, “the mistake I made was that they told me to produce myself.” The upside, he says, was he learned how to produce other artists by producing himself. In the midst of trying to get his own artist career off the ground, a struggling nightclub singer named Randy Ray asked Keith to produce an independent album to sell at his local gigs. The project led to Keith producing the standout songs On The Other Hand and Reasons I Cheat on the singer's epochal debut, “Storms of Life,” under the singer's new moniker… Randy Travis. Connect with Keith: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠

World-renowned pianist and composer Chad Lawson, in the past two years has been working to reshape the role that music plays in our daily lives, forging a powerful new pathway for healing. On his luminous new double album breathe, he expands on the extraordinary intentionality he first brought to his massively streamed 2020 effort You Finally Knew, transforming his decidedly modern take on classical music into a conduit for stillness, serenity, and self-reflection. Partly informed by his work as creator and host of the iHeartRadio Award-nominated podcast “Calm It Down” (where he guides listeners through techniques for breathing and meditation while tackling mental health subjects) breathe ultimately establishes Lawson as an essential new voice exploring the intersection of music and wellness—all while delivering an exquisitely crafted body of work whose melodic beauty transcends all genre boundaries. With his latest endeavors including undergoing certification to teach breathing techniques, Lawson has recently begun to integrate breathing exercises into his music and live performance. For Mental Health Awareness Month, he released breathe (guided breathwork edition), a new deluxe edition of his latest album which includes a series of guided breathwork tracks, with Lawson's soothing voice guiding listeners through simple techniques.  Co-produced by Lawson and London-based orchestrator Geoff Lawson, breathe came to life at the legendary Abbey Road Studios (the same facility where he recorded You Finally Knew, whose standout track “Stay” held steady in the top 25 on the Billboard Classical chart for 80 consecutive weeks). So while the album features guest appearances from cellist Peter Gregson, violinist Esther Yoo, and members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, breathe embodies an understated elegance that allows a tremendous depth of feeling to shine through every moment. Lawson has been featured by CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, Forbes, GRAMMY.com, Financial Times, and many more. Connect with Chad: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook

Sammi Palinkas is a native Victorian like Rae Leigh and they talk about her start from the age of 8 winning a trip for the family to Disneyland, meeting incredible writers, ambitiously aiming for Pop start life style and landing gracefully in the Country space with what Sammi describes as a 'broken heart and life experience'. Writing in LA with a cocktail and incredible co-writers she shares her experience and advice for songwriting, co-writing and following your songwriting passion. Connect with Sammi here: Website Facebook Instagram Spotify YouTube

Kehinde A has been all over the world and now residing in Melbourne Australia he is self-produced and has been learning and producing long before the invention of the iPhone or AI. Kehinde gives great advice to new and independent artists about the vast opportunities that are out there for creatives in the music space, more than just being signed to a label. He encourages the listener to open their minds to all the possibilities for how they can live their dream artistic songwriting life. Connect with Kehinde A here: ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠www.vhprecords.com⁠ ⁠www.myhotmusic.com⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kehindea⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@kehindeamusic⁠ Kehinde A Pop Diary video ⁠(110) My Pop Diary Episode 1 Pt 1 - YouTube⁠ Project: Sunday album ⁠(110) We're All the Same - YouTube⁠ Vocaloid project ⁠(111) Kehinde A - In The Sky (demo with Vocaloid Avanna) - YouTube⁠

Lachlan Bryan (episode #20) & Catherine Britt (episode #69) friends first and 'The Pleasures' second. Started out with just writing a duet to writing a whole albm of duets and forming a band. Catherine connects with Rae Leigh and talks about how this project came about, the stories behind the songs and what they were going through when writing them. The album is incrediblley well produced and written and worth a close listen to every song. Songwriter Trysts is all about the magic of artistic collaboration and this project is the perfect example of how amazing things happen when talented kinds people work together to create something amazing. Connect and follow The Pleasures here: YouTube Instagram Facebook Spotify

From South California singer songwriter Ryan Terrigno gets brave and shares honest stories from the heart. With many years of experiance in a band and now as a solo artists he shares from his experiances as a songwriter and what he is doing now. Connect with Ryan: Website YouTube Facebook Instagram Spotify

Lucy Burke is an incredible singer-songwriter and natural-born entertainer who loves to get out and amongst it with her audiance. After listening to this podcast you will probably be as curious as I am to watch her live. Check out her socials and keep an eye out for her new single on July 21st 'On The Edge' Connect with Lucy Website Youtube Spotify Instagram Facebook

NSW football pro turns Country music super star. Featuring his new single 'No Hero' James and Rae have a great chat about music, life on the farm and chasing after your dreams. James shares about his experiances with songwriting and goals for his music career and the secrets to his sucsess. Make sure to check out his new single and follow as he shares there are lots more songs on the way soon. The country lovin, wine maker and football player man from Orange NSW James Keith is one to watch with lots of new music promised to be coming out way soon. Connect with James: Website Facebook Instagram Spotify YouTube

Australian singer songwriter Jackson James is currently in Nashville for a month and heading back to a full calendar of filming, music and music festivals. Life lessons about work ethic, valuing time and deciding what to do with it. James shares wisdom from his experiances in the creative arts and how he was able to narrow down what he really wants to achieve in his carrer. Connect with Jackson here: Website Spotify Instagram Facebook YouTube

Inspired by Nick Cave and Justin Townes Earle, singer songwritrer Lisa DeAngelis has a positive outlook on the way the world works, music and experiances. This podcast Rae Leigh and Lisa get a little wacky and talk into the energy of women and how we pass on experianced as women down generations. Lisa is promoting her new single "My sisters Blues Suitcase" and shares more about her experiances as an independant artist to date. Connect with Lisa: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Spotify

He got a record deal at 30 and another one at 40! Mark Mulch is a singer songwriter and all round kind geniun musical visionary. We are excited to share his interview with Rae Leigh talking about his journey to moving to Nashville at 35 and his new EP "Days In The Sun". Working in a band, duo and now solo along with 10 years in the business side of the music industry, Mark has lots to share and wisdom along with some very cool experiances. Connect with Mark: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Spotify

WOMPP — Women of Music Production Perth — is a female-run label, booking agency and Ableton user group community. WOMPP gives the opportunity to female, transgender and non-binary music makers to share, discuss and showcase music production within the broader Australian music community. Alongside the record label and booking agency, WOMPP curates monthly community meetings and showcases. WOMPP aims to inspire and nurture Australia's diverse electronic music scene and provide a safe place for learning and growth. Connect with Women of Music Production Perth Website Facebook Instagram

"Know who you are" says Karli June Canadian singer songwriter in her podcast interview with Rae Leigh on Songwriter Trysts. Sharing her journey to recording and releasing her first song during covid lockdown in 2020 and how she worked with a professional team from Nashville to develop her pop country hit "Makes You Pretty". An inspirational story about a country girl chasing her dream and following her passions. Connect with Karli here: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify

Dariann Leigh is a singer songwriter building a name for herself in Nashville. Rae Leigh interviews Dariann Leigh on Songwriter Trysts podcast about her new single 'Blame It On Me' featured in the podcast and what her motivations for songwriting were and where it all started. Great songwriting tips, advice and co-writing stories in this one for everyone to enjoy getting to know Dariann Leigh from another angle. Connect with Dariann: Website Facebook Twitter Spotify YouTube