#252 Strawberry Swing

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: 🏞️ Inspiration from Nature: Malachi talks about the calming influence of New Hampshire’s countryside on his songwriting process. 🎸 Beginning in Music: Learn how Malachi’s musical journey started just four years ago, including his first time singing in front of his family during the pandemic. 🎵 Debut Release: Hear the story behind Malachi’s first song, "Craving Me," and how it marked a pivotal moment in his career. 🎤 Artist Growth: Malachi discusses his transition from covering songs on social media to writing and releasing his own music as a verified artist. Join us for an insightful conversation about overcoming fear, the joy of creating music, and what it takes to grow as an artist in today’s world. Connect with Malachi: Instagram TikTok YouTube

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

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 [email protected]

In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, we sit down with Vanessa Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Grafton, deeply connected to the Northern Rivers. Vanessa shares her journey of discovering her artistic identity, starting from her early inspirations like Shirley Temple to her high school days where she began to realize her potential in songwriting. She reflects on her father's influence, the encouragement she received, and her struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism. Vanessa opens up about her transformative path, which includes a detour into healing and spirituality as a massage therapist before fully embracing her musical career. She discusses the importance of genuine connections, role models like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, and the challenges of navigating the modern music industry. With a focus on creating music that truly represents her values and experiences, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in her artistic journey. Join us as Vanessa Lawless candidly shares her story, her growth, and her vision for the future. Watch Vanessa Lawless's liver performance in the Songwriter Trysts Studio HERE Connect with Vanessa: 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