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

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