What happens when a young folk musician sharing the stage with legends like Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Mama Cass finds himself at the crossroads of a musical revolution?

For Jeff Hyman, it meant leaving the spotlight behind when The Beatles changed everything. But his musical story was far from over.

In this inspiring and entertaining episode of Songwriter Trysts, host Rae Leigh sits down with her dear friend, recording artist, radio host and music industry advocate Jeff Hyman for a fascinating journey through more than six decades of music, creativity and reinvention.

From his early success with The Gaslight Singers and Mercury Records to rediscovering his musical passion decades later, Jeff shares the experiences, friendships and unexpected opportunities that have shaped his remarkable journey.

Rae and Jeff also reveal the heartwarming story behind their international collaboration on “Daddy Played the Banjo”, featuring extraordinary young banjo player Johnny Mizzone and his brother Robbie. What began as a chance encounter between neighbours became a joyful musical collaboration spanning generations and continents.

But this conversation is about much more than music.

Drawing on his experience as an artist, businessman and founder of Somewhere in Time Media, Jeff offers invaluable insights into the realities of today's independent music industry. From Grammy campaigns and creative marketing to the importance of collaboration, quality, budgeting and getting your music heard, Jeff challenges artists to think beyond simply making great music.

Is winning a Grammy really the ultimate measure of success? Or is reaching the hearts and ears of listeners around the world the greater achievement?

Filled with laughter, personal stories, industry wisdom and a shared love of supporting fellow musicians, this episode is a celebration of the power of music to connect us at every stage of life.

Whether you're a songwriter, an independent artist, a music industry professional or simply someone who loves a great story, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Connect with Jeff

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes Jeremy Birdsall, an inspiring musician, creative and the visionary behind Synachrome.

Rae first met Jeremy at NAMM 2025, with their connection continuing through the Recording Academy. In this fascinating conversation, Jeremy shares his passion for music, his musical upbringing, the experiences that have shaped his creative journey, and the lifelong ambitions that continue to drive him forward.

Jeremy also opens up about his unique ability to see lights and colours in sound and how this extraordinary way of experiencing music has inspired his new project, Synachrome — bringing together sound, light and visual experience in a truly creative way.

From his early musical influences to his dreams for the future, Jeremy offers an inspiring look at what can happen when you follow your curiosity, embrace the way you experience the world, and turn that perspective into art.

🎧 Listen to #275 of Songwriter Trysts with Rae Leigh and Jeremy Birdsall — and discover the story behind Synachrome.

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes the incredible M.E, an artist based in Atlanta and originally from Nigeria.

M.E shares his passion for music, the piano, the teachers who have influenced his journey, faith, worship, and some of the mistakes and lessons he experienced while entering the music industry.

This is a deeply honest and vulnerable conversation. M.E bravely opens up about his history with faith and mental health, sharing personal truths that may be difficult or triggering for some listeners.

Listener discretion is advised. If any part of this conversation brings up difficult feelings or experiences for you, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional. If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, contact your local crisis service or emergency hotline.

Thank you, M.E, for sharing your story with such courage and honesty.

Connect with M.E here:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Website

Welcome to a new episode of Songwriter Trysts with the wonderful May Blue, joining us from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia.

May’s jazzy, soulful new sound is making waves across Australia, taking her all the way to the ARIA Awards and into the Recording Academy Class of 2026.

After facing a major health scare, May took a step back and re-evaluated her decade-long career as a ghostwriter. It gave her the courage to step out of the shadows, find her own voice, and begin writing and releasing her original indie music.

After spending a month in LA and dedicating two years to working full-time on her music, May finally released her album with us — and believe us, it was worth the wait!

Make sure you check out May Blue’s music, give her a follow, and support this incredible independent artist. We can’t wait to see what’s next for May Blue, both in the studio and on the live stage.

Connect with May:

- Spotify

-Instagram

- Facebook

- Youtube

In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, I sit down with Nigerian Afrobeat artist Baba Kuboye to talk about music, culture, identity and the journey that has shaped his sound.

Born in Nigeria, Baba’s story has taken him through the UK and now to Dallas, Texas, bringing together influences from across continents while remaining deeply connected to the rhythm, energy and storytelling of Afrobeat.

We talk about songwriting, building a life in music, carrying your culture with you wherever you go, and how our experiences and environments ultimately find their way into the songs we create.

Connect with Baba:

- Website

- Instagram

- Youtube

- Spotify

This week on Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Michi, a Virginia-born, Madrid-based indie folk artist whose music blends heartbreak, humour, and brutally honest storytelling. Picking up her first guitar at just three years old and writing songs by twelve, Michi has built an impressive international career, performing for hundreds of thousands of people and sharing festival stages with some of the biggest names in pop music.

Known for her witty lyricism and deeply relatable songs, Michi has spent nine consecutive years performing on the main stage of Capital Pride in Washington D.C., while her music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Her single Roses surpassed 100,000 streams and was featured in the final film project of acclaimed Spanish actress and director Itziar Castro.

In this inspiring conversation, Michi joins Rae Leigh to talk about songwriting, building a sustainable independent music career, life as an artist abroad, and the exciting journey of recording and releasing her brand-new album, made possible through the incredible support of her fans via a successful Kickstarter campaign. Whether you're a songwriter, indie artist, or music lover, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and the real stories behind the songs.

Connect with Michi:

- Spotify

- Youtube

-Instagram

In this deeply moving episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Grammy Award-winning guitarist, educator, and recording artist Markus Illko.

Rae first met Markus through the Recording Academy at the 2025 Grammy Awards and later reconnected with him at NAMM, where he was performing with the acclaimed String Revolution. Their conversation explores a remarkable musical journey spanning performance, recording, education, and personal resilience.

Markus shares insights from his successful guitar studio and music school, where he helps aspiring musicians elevate their craft and unlock their creative potential. He also opens up about one of the most profound experiences of his life—becoming a father and navigating the heartbreaking tragedy that followed.

At the heart of this episode is Markus's stunning instrumental composition, Milo, written in honour of his son. The piece is both a musical masterpiece and a deeply personal tribute, accompanied by an artistically captivating music video that has resonated with audiences around the world.

Together, Rae and Markus discuss the creative process behind Milo, the emotional dynamics of recording such a personal work, and how music can become a powerful vehicle for healing and remembrance. They also dive into Markus's extensive industry experience, including recording a Johnny Cash cover in his son's studio and sharing the stage while touring with legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.

This episode is a powerful conversation about artistry, loss, legacy, and the enduring ability of music to tell the stories that words alone cannot.

Listen now for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion with one of the guitar world's most accomplished and passionate musicians.

Connect with Markus:

• ⁠Spotify⁠

• ⁠Website⁠

• ⁠Youtube⁠

• ⁠Instagram

Brian Rhea is a Christian country artist from Nashville, Tennessee, a devoted father, grandfather, and man of faith whose music is deeply rooted in real-life experiences. His passion for songwriting and his commitment to telling authentic stories shine through in both his beautiful songs and this heartfelt conversation with Rae Leigh on Songwriter Trysts.

From gospel and country music to songwriting, co-writing, publishing, and navigating the business side of the music industry, Brian openly shares his journey, lessons learned, and the wisdom he's gained throughout his career. He discusses the highs and challenges of being a songwriter, including one of his favourite songs that was written for Keith Urban and came close to making the final cut.

This is an inspiring and insightful episode packed with songwriting advice, industry knowledge, and genuine stories from a seasoned Nashville songwriter. Listen now to discover more about this incredible artist, and be sure to check out Brian's social media, give him a follow, and enjoy his music.

Connect with Brian:

• Spotify
• Website
• Youtube
• Instagram