#250 Murray Cook

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, children’s 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 other’s stories to benefit 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