Songwriter Trysts

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 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

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

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

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

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

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