In this powerful episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Canadian musician and producer Tim Steinruck to unpack a life shaped by rock ’n’ roll, resilience, and raw honesty.

Tim shares his journey from playing in a rock band signed to the KISS label, navigating the highs and pressures of the music industry, to finding his footing as a producer and creative mentor. Beyond the accolades, this conversation goes deep into Tim’s mental health journey, the personal challenges he’s faced, and how music became both an escape and a lifeline.

This is a candid, human conversation about success, identity, burnout, and the courage it takes to keep creating when life gets loud. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or music lover who values truth behind the tracks, this episode will resonate.

✨ Real stories. Real music. Real connection.

Connect with Tim:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

🎄 Christmas Special: Songwriter Trysts with Rae Leigh ft. Kenny Nolan 🎄

This Christmas, Songwriter Trysts with Rae Leigh delivers a truly iconic episode, welcoming legendary songwriter Kenny Nolan — the hitmaker behind timeless classics “I Like Dreamin’,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and the global anthem “Lady Marmalade.”

In this festive and deeply personal conversation, Kenny Nolan takes listeners behind the songs that shaped generations, sharing incredible stories from his career writing chart-topping hits that became part of music history. From crafting unforgettable melodies to navigating the highs and challenges of the music industry, this episode is packed with rare insights, heart, humour, and holiday warmth.

Host Rae Leigh dives into Kenny’s creative process, the magic of collaboration, and the moments that turned simple ideas into songs still loved decades later. Whether you’re a songwriter, music lover, or simply looking for something inspiring to listen to over the Christmas break, this episode is a must-hear.

✨ Perfect for fans of songwriting, classic hits, music history, and Christmas listening
✨ Exclusive stories you won’t hear anywhere else

Press play, pour a drink, and unwrap this special holiday episode of Songwriter Trysts — where legendary songs meet unforgettable stories.

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.

Connect with Ester:

• Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

🌟 NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW!
Join Rae Leigh on the Songwriter Trysts podcast as she sits down with the one and only 8 Ball Aitken for an insightful and entertaining deep dive into his remarkable journey in music. From growing up in Australia to carving out a career as a songwriter and session musician in Nashville, 8 Ball shares the real stories behind the music and his signature swamp-blues sound.

🎤 In this episode, they explore:

🎶 Life and creativity in Nashville's vibrant music scene
🎸 The evolution of his unique swamp-blues style
📀 The story behind his new album Ice Cream Man 2, featuring the track "The Friends We Make"
🎉 Details about the upcoming Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival this May

📅 Join Us at the Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival!
Celebrate the craft of songwriting in the stunning Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane. Enjoy live performances and workshops with artists including 8 Ball Aitken and Rae Leigh. A perfect day out for music lovers and creators alike!

📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025
📍 Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://events.humanitix.com/mt-coot-...
📘 Facebook Event: /18qtdbo5uc

👇 Stay Connected & Show Your Support:

🔗 Follow 8 Ball Aitken:
🌐 Website: 8ballaitken.com
📘 Facebook: /8ballaitkenmusic
📸 Instagram: /8ballaitkenmusic
🎵 Bandcamp: 8ballaitken.bandcamp.com
📺 YouTube: /8ballaitken

🔗 Follow Songwriter Trysts:
🌐 Website: songwritertrysts.com
📘 Facebook: /songwritertrysts
📸 Instagram: /songwritertrysts
🎧 Podcast: Listen on Podbean
📺 YouTube: /@songwritertrysts

💬 We’d love your feedback!
Let us know in the comments what you thought of the episode and who you’d love to see featured next.

#8BallAitken #SongwriterTrysts #RaeLeigh #TheFriendsWeMake #NashvilleSongwriter #AussieMusic #MtCootthaFestival #IndependentArtist #SongwritingCommunity #PodcastEpisode

In this heartfelt episode of Songwriter Trysts hosted by singer-songwriter Rae Leigh, Ester Wiesnerova, composer and Recording Academy member, takes us on a journey from her roots in Slovakia to the vibrant music scene of New York City. With a powerful story of resilience, Ester shares how she was influenced by her mother’s political and spiritual songwriting, and how music became her tool for connection and healing. From performing in prisons and psychiatric hospitals to overcoming language barriers and funding her studies at Berklee College of Music, Ester's passion for jazz and composition has been the driving force behind her remarkable career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of music and the determination to follow one's creative path.

connect with Ester:

• Website
• Instagram

• YouTube

🎙️ Songwriter Trysts Podcast – Episode with Aubrielle 🎶

In this special episode of Songwriter Trysts, host Rae Leigh visits the home of Bri, the creative force behind Aubrielle Artist, for an intimate and inspiring conversation. This episode dives into the life and artistry of a songwriter whose music is as cinematic as it is captivating.

Aubrielle crafts dark-pop soundscapes that blend powerful vocals with atmospheric orchestras, heavy drums, and enormous synths. Her work as a multi-instrumentalist, performing artist, and screen composer bridges the worlds of pop and film music, creating a signature style that’s contemporary, cinematic, and epic.

Bri opens up about her childhood spent between Rockhampton and the Gold Coast, how these experiences influenced her artistry, and her journey into music, starting with the humble recorder and evolving into a fearless sonic dramatist. She shares her philosophy of making listeners feel like they’re part of something greater — the same “movie trailer” anticipation that her music evokes.

This episode is packed with authenticity, laughter, and creative inspiration for anyone who loves songwriting or seeks to connect with the heart of music.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!

🌟 Subscribe to hear more powerful songwriter stories from around the world.

Connect to Aubrielle

• Spotify
• Instagram
• Facebook

🎄 Songwriter Trysts Christmas 2024 Bonus Episode 🎄

Join Rae Leigh for a special holiday episode featuring Los Angeles-based soul-pop sensation Cooper Phillip! Cooper shares the magic behind her brand-new Christmas single, co-written and produced by the legendary Walter Afanasyev—best known for co-creating Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

Discover Cooper’s inspiring journey from her classical roots in Russia to becoming a global pop powerhouse with over 15 million streams. Hear how her passion for timeless Christmas classics shaped this heartfelt holiday anthem and what it’s like collaborating with a true legend.

✨ A celebration of dreams, music, and holiday cheer, this episode is the perfect soundtrack for your festive season!

Listen now and let the holiday spirit inspire you. 🎶

#ChristmasMusic #CooperPhillip #SongwriterTrysts #HolidaySpecial

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 Malachi:

Connect with Matt:

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠TikTok⁠

• ⁠YouTube⁠

• ⁠Spotify