Explore every episode of the podcast Songwriter Trysts
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #265 8 Ball Aitken | 08 May 2025 | 00:37:10 | |
🌟 NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW! 🎤 In this episode, they explore: 🎶 Life and creativity in Nashville's vibrant music scene 📅 Join Us at the Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival! 📍 Event Details: 👇 Stay Connected & Show Your Support: 🔗 Follow 8 Ball Aitken: 🔗 Follow Songwriter Trysts: 💬 We’d love your feedback! #8BallAitken #SongwriterTrysts #RaeLeigh #TheFriendsWeMake #NashvilleSongwriter #AussieMusic #MtCootthaFestival #IndependentArtist #SongwritingCommunity #PodcastEpisode | |||
| #264 Ester Wiesnerova | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:28:10 | |
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: | |||
| Top 5 Things to Consider When Applying for an Australian Arts Grant | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:40:10 | |
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
| |||
| #168 Tania Kernaghan | 20 Jan 2022 | 01:06:34 | |
Tania Kernaghan, Australian country music royalty sat down with Rae Leigh in this podcast to talk about her incredible songwriting journey and share golden nuggets of wisdom she has picked up along her way. Sharing her new project Tania Kernaghan online Club and new music with a friend of the show Ginna Jefferies. Shows and tours in 2022 so make sure you don't miss out. Their new single featured in this song - My Old FriendConnect with Tania, | |||
| #167 Roger Corbett | 12 Jan 2022 | 01:11:36 | |
Roger Corbett is the general manager of the Australian Country Music Academy and a member of the 40+-year-old band the Bushwackers. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge with performance, songwriting, co-writing, teaching, mentoring, production, and music business all of which we go into in this podcast. Roger has some great advice and stories on his early years and how it has evolved over time and that he continues to have fun in this business no matter what he is doing. Most importantly he shares the importance of making time for one’s self to sit down and write even if it’s just an hour a week. Featured in the podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRxVl3L3ZRpY8B8ZbyLZLA - Another Trip to BunningsConnect with Roger and the Bushwackers: | |||
| #166 Christina Holmes | 05 Jan 2022 | 00:55:00 | |
Christina Holmes and Rae Leigh chat about working as an independent artist and the persistence and attitude that keeps it real for musicians who just want to work. Working mother and on the road touring for over 13 years, Covid and the world stopping has enabled some silver light situations allowing for other areas of Christina's life but she also was able to take advantage of the online streaming opportunity as well.
Featured in this podcast music from this music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59AeVjIyBAE Connect with Christina: See more on www.songwritertrysts.com | |||
| #165 James Johnston | 30 Dec 2021 | 00:41:30 | |
James Johnston is an incredible artist that shares his humbling story of what it was like to go through the highs and lows of a reality TV show Australian Idol as a singer and performer and how the journey and passion for songwriting drew him into starting all over again inspired by a accidental stop over in Nashville. Throughout his teens, James and his family spent most weekends travelling with Johnston performing on any stage that would take him. In 2008, James graduated from high school and gave himself a year to ‘give music a crack’. James bought a van and set out on the great Australian road trip, playing in every little town and pub he could find. Johnston’s undeniable talent and high-energy live show, paired with his hardworking and humble attitude, has declared him the one to watch coming out of Australia. Connect with James: | |||
| #163 Hudson Rose | 16 Dec 2021 | 00:39:04 | |
Hudson Rose and Rae Leigh talk about her country life upbringing, ‘fake it till you make it’ she says as she was walking down Peel St at the Tamworth Country Music Festival holding her mini Maton guitar and dressed for the part of a country singer-songwriter. Hudson is a true beauty inside and out and quickly became the rose of country music in Australia with her pop-driven country music. She shares her passions, advice from her mum, and journey working with producers in Melbourne. Featured in this episode is her single Drivin To You Connect with Adam: | |||
| #162 Adam Brand | 09 Dec 2021 | 00:43:08 | |
Adam Brand and Rae Leigh talk about his new single Still The One and his interesting upbringing in Perth, Adams detective, “007” Mum and why he switched to guitar at 17 and after married and divorced he sold everything and moved to Sydney in his old Falcon ute to give it a good go at being a Country Music singer. Within 2 years of doing so was nominated for 5 golden guitars and was on his way to the long and successful career he has today. Featured in this episode is his single 'Still The One' Connect with Adam: | |||
| #161 Jaimey Hamilton | 02 Dec 2021 | 00:34:20 | |
Jaimey Hamilton developed cancer as a child and was in and out of hospital until age 12 having a bone marrow transplant and is now cancer free. She used songwriting as a form of release and healing while she was riding the wave of her treatment and emotional state. She claims that music and the support of the people around her and her family have helped her stay strong and kept positive. Connect with Jaimey: | |||
| #160 Ethan Jewell | 25 Nov 2021 | 00:38:36 | |
"The idea of "feeling your feelings" has always been so important to me" Says Ethan on his website and in this podcast. Rae Leigh and Ethan get into a deep conversation about his inspirations, family and school life. Also exciting new things to come in the post Covid world. Featured in this podcast: "It's getting Bad Again" and "Who Cares" Hear the full artwork on his links below. Connect with Ethan: | |||
| #159 Kim Cheshire | 18 Nov 2021 | 00:25:56 | |
Aria nominated award winning singer songwriter Kim Cheshire featured on this episode. All the way from the UK, living loving and obsessed with music describing it as the sunshine that didn’t exist in England. Super inspirations for country music by Joni Mitchell and Merle Haggard, Kim Cheshire and Rae Leigh discuss the ups and downs of the music business and that no matter what challenges have gotten in the way and after all these years now in Australia Kim describes that you have to do music for the reward of music. Song featured in this podcast: Have Mercy Connect with Kim: | |||
| #255 Vanessa Lawless | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:34:59 | |
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: | |||
| #158 Matt Ward | 11 Nov 2021 | 00:22:52 | |
South Australian Matt Ward joins Rae Leigh to talk about Songwriting, a broken heart and his global affair with writing and releasing music. Dreams die in the comfort zone… words from Matt Ward in this podcast. Learn how he got started and supporting his first major country music festival this weekend at Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast. Connect with Matt: | |||
| #157 Jess Chalker | 04 Nov 2021 | 00:50:31 | |
It's hard yakka, the Aussie artist says living in London, but it can be done. Jess shares in this podcast about her journey to the UK as an Australian artist and how she feels about following your own path when it comes to your songwriting and artist journey. Jess Chalker is an Australian-born songwriter and artist living in London UK. Musically, she hails from humble roots as one of YouTube’s first ever viral artists, with over 1.5m views on her self-penned songs. She went on to front Australian new-wave duo, We Are The Brave, whose grassroots hits ‘Your Ghost’ and ‘Sparrow’ achieved close to a million streams across YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. She is now embarking on a bold new solo career and announces her emotive, self-reflective debut full-length album, “Hemispheres”, to be released on 5th November 2021 via her own imprint 528 Records. The album is supported by the Australian Government through Australia Council for the Arts. Jess’ musical journey to date has been rich and varied: on leaving We are the Brave, she traversed three continents as a songwriter and producer, her writing talents earning her a Grammy credit and taking her from Sydney, to LA and London as a much sought-after collaborator. Artists Jess has worked with include Sam Fischer, Tate McRae, Isamachine, Gold Kimono, Passenger, Hotei, Glen Matlock, Guy Sebastian, John Alagia (John Mayer) and many more. Jess earned her Grammy status in 2018, when she co-penned “Say Hello”, the single that helped Lisa Loeb win Best Kids Record for Feel What U Feel. Along with Florence + the Machine’s Isabella Summers, Jess was recently commissioned by Amazon Original to create an original composition for the show, Panic. The song, “Darkest Hour” (performed by Tate McRae) was later held in consideration for an Emmy nomination. Connect with Jess: | |||
| #156 Darlinghurst | 28 Oct 2021 | 00:28:42 | |
Jason and Matt from the hit Australian country band have a chat with Rae Leigh about how they got to where they are today. Family, connection, songwriting and their future aspects in the film industry. They have had a #1 Country Album and #1 Australian Artist Country Album 2021 Nominee Australian Country Music Awards | New Talent of the Year Darlinghurst is a new Melbourne based four-piece that’s redefining Australian country music. Consisting of Jason Resch, Pagan Newman, Cassie Leopold and Matt Darvidis, all four members share vocal responsibilities, blending together in sumptuous harmonies to create a fifth voice - Darlinghurst. Connect with Darlinghurst: | |||
| #155 Natalie Nicole Gilbert | 24 Oct 2021 | 01:00:08 | |
Writing with someone who has passed on, recording and releasing hard copy CD's and records as an independent artist are just some of the interesting topics we discuss in this featured episode with Natalie Nicole Gilbert. (Los Angeles, CA - September 1, 2021) The road to recovery is rarely straightforward, and is sometimes arduous and hard-fought. Los Angeles-based producer, vocalist, and songwriter Natalie Nicole Gilbert uncovers songs of honesty, vulnerability and resilience in her latest album, Recovery. This genre-bending artist reveals a music project born out of Gilbert’s own personal experiences with physical recovery and trauma, reflecting on the universality of the process of recovery as everyone faces change and loss. The 12-track album consists of eight covers and four original songs by the artist. Featured on the album are GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/arranger Jarrett Johnson (Michael Bublé, David Foster, Alicia Keys) and songwriter David Blair (The Voice, Germany). Produced and engineered by Latin-GRAMMY nominee Robert Eibach, Gilbert’s Recovery album is available now on Spotify and all other music-streaming and download platforms. The album is currently being considered for a GRAMMY in the Pop Vocal Album category. Connect with Natalie: | |||
| #154 iLana Armida | 19 Oct 2021 | 00:47:42 | |
Ever had someone ask you "whats your brand?" as an artist it can be one of the hardest questions anyone asks you. In this episode host Rae Leigh and guest Ilana Armida talk about the humanity of being an artist and how they believe the "branding" practice in the music industry is changing. iLana Armida is an incredibly talented Pop/R&B singer-songwriter from Worcester, Massachusetts. Raised in South Florida, iLana fell in love with music and found her passion from an early age. Writing and performing in local musical theatre. After high school, Ilana, attended Florida Atlantic University, where she got her degree in Commercial Music Business; and where she found her sound. iLana first EP ‘Iridescent Flower Child” was compared to the likes of JoJo and Christina Milian. Blissful, trippy, hypnotic, haunting and powerful were just a few words used to describe it. Connect with iLana: | |||
| #153 Kirsty Lee Akers | 14 Oct 2021 | 00:42:41 | |
Kirsty Lee Akers currently on Channel 9 reality TV show 'The Block' with husband Jessy and releasing her first single under her new independent record label, this is a rare talent who is proud of her First Nations heritage, she is a woman of the Wonnarua Nation (Hunter Valley – Australia). Akers describes herself as a fusion of country and Americana, with pop stylings. She has embraced a global musical culture and now spends her time between Australia and a hard-earned international touring schedule in North America and Europe. Although she spends time overseas during the year, Australia will always be her spiritual home. Connect with Kirsty: | |||
| #152 Jasmin Bade | 10 Oct 2021 | 00:59:26 | |
Jasmin Bade received an APRA scholarship to do a bachelor of music at the university of Tasmania and talks about what collage was like for her and the benefits that she got from going to university that isn’t always listed in the description of the course. It was the culture and community and life experience she got from living on campus. Now living in Nashville and getting an internship at the blue bird she is living her dream, inspired by Casey chambers and Taylor swift she is chasing her dreams to be an incredible singer songwriter in her own right. Phil barton is a great supporter of her in Nashville who is also from Melbourne and now in Nashville as a songwriter. Being mental health week we talk about the challenges around social acceptance of mental health issues. And especially how it has increased during Covid not just in the music industry but for everyone. We go into what a mental health first aid certificate is and why it's so great to have. Connect with Jasmin: Support Rae Leigh and the Podcast to keep going through 'Buy Me A Coffee' Here - www.buymeacoffee.com/SongwriterTryst | |||
| #151 Peter Smokie Dawson | 07 Oct 2021 | 00:57:22 | |
The Dawsons are a country family through and through. From Ballarat to Yapoon and then back to Tamworth. Australian farms and country music are a deep rooted part of this family and Peter Smokie Dawson is sharing his passion for country music at country music festival all over Australia. In this episode we talk about his journey as a young boy passionate about the guitar and settling down into a married family life as a windscreen professional for a long time before getting back to his passion for country music after an injury. Rae Leigh and Pete met at the singer songwriter retreat in 2016 and they were both in a low place and co-write a song together called "All I Can Do". They talk about their meeting and Pete shares his travelling stories as he goes from festival to festival sharing his songs and songs from legions past. Captain Moonlight - By Peter Smokie Dawson - see live performance on the Songwriter Trysts Facebook Page or listen on Spotify HERE All I Can Do - By Peter Smokie Dawson & Rae Leigh - view HERE Connect with Peter: | |||
| #149 Shane Nicholson | 26 Sep 2021 | 00:42:56 | |
In 2019 Rae Leigh went to the DAG singer songwriter retreat where Shane Nicholson was one of the mentors and they got paired up to write a song together called 'Powered By Love'. Shane has been recording and releasing his own music since the 1990's and has worked with some amazing artists including Kasey Chambers. With over 10 million streams to date on previously released material, the writing process for Shane’s latest offering played out a little differently. Instead of taking himself off to a remote location (his usual writing process) most were written in borrowed houses nearby on the Central Coast, and as a result of Song Club - the online writing community set up by Nashville-based expat Sam Hawksley, whereby songwriters have to produce and post a new song every week. The recording process for ‘Living In Colour’ also played out differently to his last albums, where he previously worked with his good mate and multi-award winning producer Matt Fell. Connect with Shane: | |||
| #254 Katie Thorne | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:50:48 | |
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: | |||
| #147 JVMIE | 19 Sep 2021 | 00:51:06 | |
She's worked with Recording Academy / GRAMMYs award winning Dave Audé and had a number 2 on the Billboard charts in the states. Now in Gold Coast and being a finalist in the Gold Coast Music Awards this year she shares her journey as a mum #singer #songwriter and also shares about her collaboration with Sheppard for the Olympics this year creating a song to help better athletic performance. Jamie has maintained an independent artist over the years of her career even after what looked like very good offers from major labels however it was more important to her to maintain her independents over the years than to join with them to keep her music limitless. She has made her own way making movies and working with amazing creative producers in Australian and the US living in LA for a while before returning to the Gold Coast Australia during the Covid pandemic. Connect with JVMIE: | |||
| #146 Samantha Sharpe | 16 Sep 2021 | 00:28:56 | |
Samantha Sharpe is an independent Australian artist in the pop/indie genre disrupting the music scene. With her new EP recently released, Sharpe makes her debut with thought-provoking, heartfelt lyrics and tunes. The solo artist is best known for her stunning vocals that depict the rawest emotion. Connect with Samantha: | |||
| #145 Jayne Denham | 12 Sep 2021 | 00:47:36 | |
Jayne Denham is one of Australia's most admired and sought after country rock performers. Her impressive and relentlessly energetic live shows have earned her countless opportunities performing for VIP crowds at Keith Urban's Sydney shows. During lockdown Jayne has recorded a brand new Album ‘WANTED’ that is set to be released inAugust2020. The latest single ‘Better Settle Up’ is racing up the radio charts across Australia and has already reached No #1 on the Tamworth 2TM chart. The epic music video hit over 8,000 views across all platforms in the first 48 hours Connect with Jayne: | |||
| #144 Francesca Valle | 09 Sep 2021 | 01:12:34 | |
She knew and her parents knew that this is who she was, music was her thing and they were going to help her stay focused which has been a huge blessing in her life. After being diagnosed with ADHD she was angry and her grandmother got behind her, got her the electric guitar she had always wanted and encouraged her that no one can ever define who you are except yourself. In this episode we discuss co-writing, all areas of music and development and whether we really can change who we are, or not? As a coach and songwriter to the core, Francesca and Rae Leigh discuss her life long journey and how she is working tirelessly to support others in the industry. With a background and formal education in opera and "the classics", Francesca is equally comfortable on stage at The House of Blues as she is at Disney Hall. Teaching, coaching writing and using takelessons.com to work with people from all over the world she is making waves in the world of music that most of us would never know. Working with a choir that started to support people homeless and living on the streets Francesca work with them weekly bringing hope love and community to a space where it can be rare. The Choir just this year auditioned on America's Got Talent and Terry Alan Crews the host of the show was so moved by their performance and original song that Francesca helped them with that he hit the Golden Buzzer. A moving moment to see that there really is power in numbers. See the Americas Got Talent full audition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tAyPwL-JCI Connect with Francesca: Support the podcast and buy the team a coffee HERE | |||
| Groundwater Country Music Festival | 07 Sep 2021 | 00:20:26 | |
Groundwater is one of the fastest growing country music festivals in Australia. It is a FREE, non-ticketed event and Located in the picturesque beachside destination of Broadbeach, Gold Coast. The 2021 lineup features over 40 acts; The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Harvey, Sara Storer, Gina Jeffreys, Andrew Farriss, The Sunny Cowgirls, Tami Neilson, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, Adam Brand, Casey Barnes, Catherine Britt, Kaylee Bell, and many more. The Wolfe Brothers (episode #100 of Songwriter Trysts podcast) from Tasmania, the duo has steadily etched their name into Australian Country music stardom. Returning to Groundwater for the 4th time, the revered duo the latest in a legacy of farmers and musicians spanning generations. Andrew Farriss (podcast coming soon) one of Australia’s greatest songwriters and primarily known as a cofounders of multi-award winning band INXS. Andrew has made appearances internationally in Nashville and 2021 will be his first time on the Groundwater stage. Gina Jeffreys (episode #140 of Songwriter Trysts podcast) will be taking to the Groundwater stage for the first time performing her new album that tells the stories of the life the last 12 years. She will have an authentic stripped back performance, to wow her many fans that span many decades. Tami Neilson from NZ will be making the trip for her first Groundwater CMF. She has a vast range of styles, from country Americana, heartfelt gospel to western swing. The second line-up announcement added the likes of charismatic and charitable legend Adam Brand, Sir Elton John’s favourite woman from Down Under, the fiercely authentic Catherine Britt, as well as hometown hero Casey Barnes(episode #101 of Songwriter Trysts podcast), and Kiwi Country Queen, Kaylee Bell. Adam Brand is one of Australia’s most popular and successful recording artists. A stellar career spanning twenty years has seen him nominated for multiple ARIA Awards, win 12 Golden Guitars, sell over 600,000 CDs & DVDs, as well as earn 3 platinum & 5 gold albums. Catherine Britt (episode #69 of Songwriter Trysts podcast) has collected a host of accolades, a legion of fans and a mantel of awards including the country industry’s highest honours. Her most recent include, 2016 Female Artist of the Year, 2017 Vocal Collaboration of The Year as well as an APRA Award and CMC Artist of the Year nominations. Find out more about the Festival HERE Songwriter Trysts website HERE | |||
| #143 Dante Palminteri | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:55:38 | |
Dante Palminteri quotes Woody Allan in this podcast with “85% of success is showing up" as an artist that sings, plays guitar, writes songs and is an actor its clear nothing is going to get in the way of this talented and hard working artist to achieve whatever he wants to in life. We talk about his journey with Berklee College of music, studying under Pat Pattison (episode 40) and his obsession and love for John Mayer. His new single Brunette is a lot of fun and in his own words is just the music he wants to create and loves. Raised between the East & West coasts, American singer-songwriter & actor Dante Palminteri matured his musical styling at an early age, inspired by John Mayer’s poetic mastery of the human psyche & Ed Sheeran’s genre-defying melodies. An early sufferer of anxiety & dyslexia, Dante found solace in the last place one would expect: written word. Dreaming up lyrics on teen heartbreak & defying the status quo, he pursued a career in songwriting, eventually strumming his way into Berklee College of Music. Lyrics about teenage angst & high school crushes soon evolved into complex compilations on unrequited love, soulmates lost & found, & the growing pains of adulthood. Struck by the lyrical prowess of Americana muse Jason Isbell, Dante spent his early twenties reinventing his sound - a combination of his hard rock roots mixed with his contemporary inspirations. Toying between stories of love lost & won, Dante reflects on his own vulnerability, recounting real-life experiences facing rejection & loneliness, alongside heartfelt passion & intimacy. In a bold move, he’s bared it all on stages from Feinstein’s 54Below & Arlene’s Grocery, to Rockwood Music Hall & Bethlehem Musikfest. He’s also in the new Godfather of Harlem TV series to be released this month staring Forest Whitaker Connect with Dante: Mentioned in Podcast: Buy Rae Leigh a coffee HERE | |||
| #142 Brett Cusack | 02 Sep 2021 | 00:59:16 | |
Brett Cusack is a Singer-Songwriter and performs under the name Megalove, a life coach, music teacher, and owner of Glitter Fox Studios in Melbourne. The journey of inspiration, emotional healing, and the power of music lead him to believe that musicians and songwriters are the true superheroes of today's world and the power of connection with each other is what will save us all. Connect with Brett: | |||
| #141 Lucy & La Mer | 29 Aug 2021 | 00:50:14 | |
Nature loving Californian singer songwriter Lucy loves to build community and has done more for the music community in her area and helping run an online community that support each other with not just songwriting but also mental health. She has helped put together festivals in the past that support artists in the LGBTQ community and empowering others to be the best of who they are. With a few hits and commercial synced songs you may recognise her music and we expect even more amazing music to flow from this beautiful artist who also has the hottest tips on best coffee in LA, which makes her one of our best friends. Connect with Lucy: | |||
| #140 Gina Jeffreys | 26 Aug 2021 | 00:54:36 | |
Born happy and always so grateful for everything but something made Gina loose her sparkle for 6 months where she just cried everyday. This strong women who we crowned "the Queen Of Country" wasn’t going to continue the way things were going and she “reprogrammed” her brain through hard work and dedication into chasing a happier life. We all go through pain and hard times and there is so much to learn from it, says Gina. While stuck in lockdown in Sydney, Australia we catch up with her, learn about how she won Star Maker in Tamworth the year after Keith Urban and then opened for Johnny Cash launching a successful career in the Country music industry. Connect with Gina: | |||
| #139 Your Man Alex Smith | 24 Aug 2021 | 00:41:18 | |
Your Man Alex Smith is a Brisbane based independent singer songwriter with a theatrical twist. He studied at QUT and is an incredible story teller and performer which comes out in his live performances and his on screen acting with very creative music videos. Heartbreak, disapointment, depression and hardship have been the tools to shape this hard working artist into the man he is today. He says "blood sweat and tears" went into the making of his last album and continues to navigate a new covid world for the performing arts and has seen many friends go on to do amazing things within the industry. Using catchy hooks to sneak contemplative lyrics to the listener, Alex’s genre-hopping theatrical rock is a story-driven experience with a lot of heart. While Alex is inspired by bands like Queen, Meat Loaf, Pink Floyd and The Protomen, his sound is often compared to the likes of They Might Be Giants and Ben Folds. Alex pays huge thanks to members of his Patreon, a service which greatly strengthens his connection with his audience and boosts the rate of production of his third studio release ‘Slow Burn’ which is set to release June 18th Alex is also the host of podcast My Songs Suck with his close friend James Kehoe. The show is available to stream on Spotify and all podcatchers. Connect with Alex: | |||
| #253 Justine Eltakchi | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:59:16 | |
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: | |||
| #138 Jeff Cohen | 22 Aug 2021 | 00:53:10 | |
Multi-award-winning songwriter/producer/publisher based in Nashville/London whose songs have appeared on over 20 million albums sold, over 10 million video games, and over 100 placements in TV/Film. See how Jeff started his career at age 34, leaving a good job and pay-check at BMI in New York for a full-time songwriting passion with only 16 songs that he felt were really good. Going against the odds and beliefs of those around him and he dived headfirst into the unknown and we are glad he did. This hilarious character is a gift to the music industry and his adventures are fun to listen to. Jeff’s songs have been recorded by The Band Perry (Hit single/BMI Award - Postcard From Paris), Evan and Jaron(Hit single/BMI award - Crazy For This Girl), Big and Rich(Hit single/BMI award - Holy Water), Laura Bell Bundy(Hit single - Giddy On Up), RichieMacDonald of Lone Star(Hit single - I Turn To You), The Shires(Hit Singles - 1000 Hallelujahs and Daddy’s Little Girl), Ilse DeLange(Hit Single - Beautiful Distraction), Worry Dolls(UK Americana Awards Song Of The Year nominee - Endless Road), Sugarland, Josh Groban, Macy Gray, Nick Lachey, Teitur, Doc Walker, Mandy Moore, Mickey Guyton, Nikhil D’Souza, MarcBroussard, Spin Doctors and many more. His songs have been featured in movies such as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Stuart Little 2, Aquamarine, Grandma’s Boy, and TV shows such as Jack and Jill (theme), I Married A Princess (theme), The Exes (theme), Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, One Tree Hill, The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live and many more. He is also the founder and songwriter of the critically acclaimed band Pancho's Lament. In a previous life, Jeff was a music executive at BMI working with such talent as Jeff Buckley, Kara DioGuardi, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne, Ani DiFranco, Spin Doctors, and many more. Connect with Jeff: | |||
| #137 Rachael Fahim | 19 Aug 2021 | 00:30:08 | |
Rachael Fahim has been Australia’s most streamed female country artist for the last three years, with over 10 million streams to date, of tracks from her 2019 EP release Iconic. The 2017 Toyota Star Maker winner and CMC Music Award nominee was recently the Australian feature artist for Apple Music’s globally promoted Countrywide initiative and an ‘Artist To Watch’ on Spotify. The Iconic EP’s first single ‘Brake Lights’ went all the way to #1 on the TMN national country airplay chart and also featured radio faves ‘What I Don’t Know’ and ‘Crush.’ While ‘Even If I Wanted To’ featuring Brad Cox achieved major city pop radio support in addition to across the board country radio airplay. Her latest single 'Middle Ground' spent five weeks at #1 on the Australian Country Airplay chart across December 2020 and February 2021! Connect with Rachael: | |||
| #136 Michael Cooke | 17 Aug 2021 | 00:38:32 | |
Olympic dreams crushed after an injury and so the arts was his next choice. he's not on set as an actor or on the tools as a tradie Michael is writing and performing his own original music. It started when he was struggling with singing cover songs and so he started writing his own to suit his voice and received positive feedback. A cool sooth vibe to this UK's songwriters tunes. Check them out and learn how he juggles his artistic way of life. Connect with Michael: | |||
| #135 Danelle Sandoval | 15 Aug 2021 | 00:37:57 | |
After posting a YouTube cover of 'Tuesday' by ILoveMakonnen ft. Drake, the song was remixed and went on to receive platinum awards worldwide while reaching the #1 spot in over 70 countries on iTunes and Shazam. The viral hit has amassed over 1 billion streams online. Following the global success of Tuesday (feat. Danelle Sandoval), Danelle has focused on releasing original music, including her recently released EP For Love, which was inspired by time spent in Toronto, Canada. Live Nation’s Ones To Watch explained that Danelle “has established herself as a polished pop star, and her airy voice layered over hypnotic electro-pop production is something we simply can’t get enough of." Clash Magazine called her track Hands "a beautifully creative pop hymn with some blissful electronic leanings.” Connect with Danelle: | |||
| #134 Chris Wallin | 12 Aug 2021 | 01:10:56 | |
A question lots of people ask is how does a struggling starving creative person go from having no money and living on $15 for food a week in Nashville to being one of the most wanted songwriters in town? Well thats exactly what we find out in this podcast with Hit songwriter Chris Wallin who has topped the charts with classics-in-the-making for the industry’s biggest stars: “Love Me If You Can” by Toby Keith, “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney, ”People Loving People” by Garth Brooks, “I’m Tryin’” for Trace Adkins, “Something To Be Proud Of” and “Speed” by Montgomery Gentry and many more. Connect with Chris: Buy Me A Coffee and support Songwriter Trysts Podcast >> https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SongwriterTryst | |||
| #133 Alan Roy Scott | 08 Aug 2021 | 01:05:58 | |
Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper, Cher, Jason Gould and Ricky Martin just to name a few credits of songwriter Alan Roy Scott has composed songs for over the past 40 years working out of LA and traveling the world. Multi-cultural music events to build bridges through the healing power of music. As a songwriter, songwriting coach, and founder of Music Bridges, his extensive career has led him to 114 countries and counting. Connect with Alan: | |||
| #132 Petric | 05 Aug 2021 | 00:48:20 | |
Brother Jason Petric from the Canadian band Petric has a chat with Rae Leigh from Australia talking about songwriting, their journey and what they are up to given the change in ability to work as a musician during covid. With millions of online streams, multiple hit songs and just as many awards and nominations to their name, Petric, the brother duo, made up of Jason and Tom Petric, have taken their music from small stages of Transcona bars, to the most prestigious festivals and venues across Canada. The duo is set to release their sophomore album "18 Ends" in the fall of 2017 under Dallas Smith's record label, Steelhead Music. Connect with Petric: | |||
| #131 Carrie Welling & Alex Wong | 03 Aug 2021 | 00:53:29 | |
Nashville, as we know, is a music city, but when two music-loving housemates move in together and start to encourage each other and collaborate you end up with 'Monster' a killer track and a fun relationship... These two collaborators are an inspiration to what can happen when we start to work together and play to each other's strengths. Carrie Welling's melodies are rich in folksy, Americana roots, paired with empowering, honest lyrics are stunningly showcased in Welling’s forthcoming, full-length album High Heels and Heavy Things. Created in a home studio in Nashville with purely organic instruments, this raw and vulnerable record was produced by Eric Holljes (Delta Rae) and features songs co-written by the talented likes of Holljes, Mary Bragg, Alex Wong, and Matt Zavala. The walls of Alex Wong’s intimate recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee are coated in chalkboard paint. Though they are wiped clean at the moment, they will soon be filled with a jumble of words and ideas that gradually forms the map of a new creative journey. A multi-talented artist, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, and sometimes chef, Wong has an innate inquisitiveness and introspection that lend him a unique ability to thread a story through seemingly disparate creative expressions and experiences. He patiently peels back the layers of each and charts his way to a common core. Connect with Carrie: Connect with Alex: Do you like the podcast? Support Songwriter Trysts independent podcast and buys them a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SongwriterTryst | |||
| #130 Michael Flanders | 01 Aug 2021 | 01:10:19 | |
Genius songwriter, producer, record label consultant, and guitarist Michael Flanders sits down live in the Songwriter Trysts studio to share just a tinny fraction of his music publishing life in Nashville. Want to know the difference between the entertainment industry and the music business? Micheal will lay it out for you along with sharing some of his incredible stories of the day-to-day workings of music city life, publishing, Sync licensing, touring, production, and most importantly relationship building in Nashville. Michael Flanders hosts his own podcast too, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTX1xn-G-6qIcdsTLKTUUHA Connect with Michael: Do you like the podcast? Support Songwriter Trysts independent podcast and buys them a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SongwriterTryst | |||
| #129 Cassidy-Rae | 29 Jul 2021 | 00:42:14 | |
From Sydney starting out at a young age with the Australian girls choir where she had a best friend who fell into a coma in her sleep from type 1 diabetes and passed away which she found out via a Facebook feed. Music saved her and helped her process through her emotions during this time and continued to be her therapy. Following her passion for music is now having an incredible impact in the country music scene and giving us a big dose of Cassidy-Rae music therapy and place to connect with one another. Connect with Cassidy-Rae: | |||
| #252 Strawberry Swing | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:31:54 | |
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 | |||
| #128 Dan Biddle | 27 Jul 2021 | 01:11:38 | |
Dan Biddle the current chairman of the Country Music Association Australian, Producer of the Australian Golden Guitar awards and artist manger of The McClymonts and McAlister Kemp almost quit on the music industry when he through it had died after his employer at the time signed and released Big Brother star Sarah Maries's "The Butt Dance" song back in the 2000's... Connect with Dan: Support the podcast through 'Buy Me A Coffee' - HERE- | |||
| #127 Shaylen | 25 Jul 2021 | 00:50:57 | |
Imagine being on TikTok and throwing out a riff, then two people from that post picking it up and it turning into your next single as an artist! Well thats what happened with Shaylen with her latest original track Do Si Do, some super cool southern country vibes with the LA pop dance beats. Shaylen leaves a mark on pop by casually dropping the sort of lines you get tattooed somewhere scandalous or reserve for a drunk DM. Unafraid, unapologetic, and unfiltered, she’ll put a boring ex on blast in one breath and open up about her deepest insecurities in the next. Yet, she sets gleefully pins those confessions to a defiant soundtrack of R&B, pop, and alternative across her debut EP Highs & Lows and the buzzing 2019 single “Sprite.” Posting up over 10 million streams within a year and receiving praise from Billboard, Just Jared, Hollywood Life, Popdust, and Idolator who pegged her as “on the brink of a major breakthrough,” the Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter turns heads in 2020 with a series of singles and her forthcoming full-length debut album for Republic Records. Connect with Shaylen: | |||
| #126 Hayley Jensen | 22 Jul 2021 | 00:43:02 | |
In this podcast we get to know Hayley, where she came from what she studied and her secrets to her success and how she manages to keep going and coming up with such amazing music. She talks about her new single Karma and her album which is out on the 22nd of October and you can pre-order on her website HERE Hayley Jensen is an artist whose vocal abilities place her in elite company within the industry. Bursting onto the scene in 2004 as a Top 4 finalist on Australian Idol, Hayley has performed for Coalition Forces in the Middle East, won a MusicOz Award, and was mentored by Kylie Minogue on The Voice Australia, who described her as 'the whole package'. Her 'blind audition' has received close to 2M views on YouTube. ‘Past Tense and Present Peace’ was Jensen's first iTunes #1 album & her hard work was rewarded with a Aus. Indie Country Music Award and Top 5 finalist spot at the 2018 Country Music Channel (CM) Awards. Hayley signed with Social Family Records to release her album 'Turning Up The Dial', produced in Nashville USA with Grammy & Emmy Award winning producer, Jamie Tate. It debuted as the 3rd highest selling Australian Country Album (ARIA), #2 iTunes Country album. Over the past two years Hayley has toured nationally & internationally, performing at Buckle & Boots Festival in the UK (‘Summertime Soundtrack’ dubbed the festival soundtrack), Calgary Stampede & Dauphins CountryFest, in Canada in 2019. Connect with Hayley: | |||
| #125 Eddie Rawk | 18 Jul 2021 | 00:38:42 | |
Eddie Rawk made his Mum cry after years of training to be a professional AFL player that he was going to quit and focus full time on his music career. 33 year old singer songwriter and new father is in Melbourne and was worried about having to give up music when becoming a dad and Rae and Eddie discuss the truth, that his wife helped him realise, that if all his hero's in music like Keith Urban and Bruce Springsteen can have children and still have a successful music career than so can he. An inspirational chat and amazing music coming from this must watch country rock Australian Artist. Note: Bruce Springsteen Youtube link about songwriting as discussed in the podcast >>>HERE<<< Connect with Eddie: | |||
| #124 Katrina Burgoyne | 15 Jul 2021 | 00:48:24 | |
Katrina is an Australian singer songwriter who is chasing her dreams to be famous in the USA. She has faced so many challenges and grown a lot. one of the hardest times she shares as she was loosing her voice and running out of money she found a devotional and after never knowing anything about religion or God it entered her life at a time when she needed a sign and then found a doctor who graciously helped her through her medical issues so she could stay in Nashville. This conversation will have you on the edge of your seat hearing about just how life can be turned upside down in the best ways... Connect with Katrina: | |||