From a Full Moon Jam to Grammy® Consideration: The Story of “Into The Dream”

Every great song starts with a moment — a spark of inspiration, a story shared, a few chords that pull everyone into a feeling. For Songwriter Trysts, that spark happened one magical night under a full moon on the Gold Coast.

Into The Dream — the first co-written song from a Songwriter Trysts songwriting night to be officially released — was born that night. Written by an inspired group of artists including Tiana Storm, Allan Craige, Michael Hickey, and Songwriter Trysts founder Rae Leigh, this song has now found its way all the way to the Grammy® ballot for Best Solo Country Performance (2026).

The Night It All Began

Back in 2020, Songwriter Trysts began as small, intimate songwriting sessions in my Gold Coast home — a few friends gathering to write, share, and connect through music. Those early nights quickly grew into something special, eventually expanding into public events at incredible local venues like Mo’s Desert Clubhouse and The Whiskey Lounge, both known for their unwavering support of original music and the arts.

But Into The Dream came from a unique, one-off night in between venues. We were invited to host a Songwriter Trysts night in a warehouse studio that was being set up for live streaming and production. It was an open, creative space — the kind that instantly feels alive with possibility.

We had a great lineup that evening, including some familiar faces and new ones, along with a special guest, the legendary Allan Caswell. After introductions and a few laughs, we broke off into small groups to co-write something new — a tradition at every Songwriter Trysts night.

The Story That Sparked a Song

In one corner, Allan Craige, newly arrived from Nashville, shared a heartbreakingly beautiful story about the love of his life leaving him to become a dancer in Los Angeles. As the full moon shone outside, we all agreed: this was the perfect story for a country song.

With Michael Hickey strumming an easy country groove and Tiana, Al, and I bouncing around lyrical ideas, the song started to take shape. It became a reflection on love, loss, and the dreamlike memories that linger long after someone’s gone.

One of my favourite lines still makes me smile

“You took the cat and all the dishes.”

Simple, human, and heartbreakingly relatable.

Later, Al crafted a bridge that tied everything together, and suddenly Into The Dream was more than just a song — it was a story we’d all lived a little piece of.

From the Gold Coast to Nashville

Fast forward to 2025, and Into The Dream found new life in the hands of Songwriter Trysts producer Michael Flanders in Nashville, Tennessee. With his signature touch, the song evolved into a polished and emotionally charged track that carries both the authenticity of its Gold Coast roots and the refined craftsmanship of Nashville’s best studios.

Bringing the Song to Life

The music video, directed by Songwriter Trysts guest Jay Seeney (musician and filmmaker) alongside Nate Eggin (Conspiracy of One), visually captures the heartache and hope within the song. Featuring Rae Leigh and Tiana Storm, the clip pays homage to the idea that music is often what gets us through grief — that even when we’re alone, we’re never truly without connection.

The Power of Community

Now, Into The Dream sits proudly on the Grammy® ballot for Best Solo Country Performance (#69) — a huge milestone not just for the artists involved, but for the Songwriter Trysts community as a whole.

Because when we win, we win together.

This song stands as proof that magic happens when songwriters come together with open hearts, creative courage, and a shared love for storytelling. It reminds us that songwriting isn’t about being “better” or “clever.” It’s about honesty, emotion, and humanity — the parts of us that can never be replicated by machines.

That’s why we write.
That’s why we share.
And that’s why Into The Dream is just the beginning of what’s possible when a community believes in the power of song.

Discover the music Video Into The Dream

🎶 Credits

Songwriters: Tiana Storm, Allan Craige, Michael Hickey, Rae Leigh
Producer: Michael Flanders (Nashville, TN)
Director: Jay Seeney
Video: Nate Eggins (Conspiracy of One), Tiana Storm, Clare Cowley & Deividy Reis (Lead Male Actor)
Recorded at: Songwriter Trysts / Nashville Studio