In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matt Oakley to discuss his heartfelt song "Soldier's Son," a tribute to his father and Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in combat. Matt shares his unique journey growing up as an "army brat," moving across the world, and eventually discovering his love for music. He also opens up about his songwriting process, the importance of authenticity, and how his personal experiences have shaped his artistry. They explore the emotional impact of military life on families, and the challenge of balancing creativity with the demands of social media in today's music industry.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that dives into the heart of storytelling through song, the power of music to heal, and the resilience of those who serve. Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone looking to understand the creative process behind meaningful music, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the life of a passionate artist.

Connect with Matt:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Spotify

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 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