In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, host Rae Leigh sits down with Grammy-winning LA drummer MB Gordy, whose legendary career spans session work, touring, composing, teaching, and film production. After meeting through mutual friend Kitt Wakeley at NAMM and the 2026 Grammys, Rae and MB dive into his eclectic — and sometimes chaotically honest — approach to surviving and thriving in the music industry. Raw, insightful, and wildly inspiring, this conversation gives listeners a rare peek behind the curtain of a true working musician’s world. Tune in for stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 emphasises 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.