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

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.

As an award-winning artist, Kaylee's music resonates with audiences worldwide, weaving emotion into every lyric and melody. With her new album topping charts and a captivating tour underway, she's proving herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Don't miss the chance to experience Kaylee Bell's magic live. Catch her on tour and new album "Nights Like This" and witness the raw talent and infectious energy that have made her a rising star in country music. Join the journey and be inspired by the unstoppable spirit of Kaylee Bell.

Connect with Kaylee Here:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Spotify

Welcome to Songwriter Trysts Podcast! In today's milestone 250th episode, we have the incredible Murray Cook joining us, alongside our host, Rae Leigh.

Murray shares his remarkable musical journey, from crafting his first big hit, "Dorothy the Dinosaur," to his illustrious 20-year tenure with the iconic children's group, The Wiggles, and now his exciting venture with The Soul Movers. We delve into the intricacies of the music industry, the joys and challenges of touring the world, and the evolution of his sound throughout his career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true legend of the industry!

Connect with Murray:

• Instagram
• The Wiggles website
• The Soul Movers Website
• YouTube
• Dorothy The Dinosaur original music video

Canada's musical landscape continues to blossom with the emergence of young talent like Elyse Saunders. With her latest single, "Never Have I Ever," climbing the Canadian Country Top 40 Charts, Elyse is making waves both at home and abroad. Notably, her collaboration with Rae Leigh on the Songwriter Trysts podcast provided a captivating glimpse into her musical journey, highlighting her passion, perseverance, and the soaring success of her latest endeavors. As her star continues to ascend, Elyse Saunders stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the global country music scene, enchanting audiences with her heartfelt melodies and authentic storytelling.

Connect with Elyse Saunders:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Apple Music
• YouTube
• TikTok