Podcast Spotlight: Songwriter Trysts Podcast
Last updated on February 4th, 2021
Have you ever been so moved by a song that your heart sings for joy? Then you know just how powerful songwriting can be. In Songwriter Trysts, singer, songwriter, and host Rae Leigh interviews songwriters on their history and creative process. Leigh creates an intimate, judgement-free space for each interviewee to share their truest selves. While based in Australia, this podcast includes songwriters from all over the world who share how the coronavirus has affected the music industry, reaching your big break, and so much more. Episodes come out every few days, so you’ll never have to wait long.
Leigh asks thoughtful, open-ended questions that naturally lead interviewees through their own story. Featured artists range from music industry newbies to seasoned professionals, so there truly is an episode for every skill level. If you are interested in honing your own songwriting craft or are just looking for great music, sit back, relax, and lose yourself in each songwriter’s story.
We were fortunate to talk with Rae Leigh about the podcast Songwriter Trysts, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.
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DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?
LEIGH: During lockdown, I decided that I wanted to create a podcast, but initially struggled to find a subject I was interested in and that I could provide value to. When I researched available podcasts on songwriting, I found that many were now inactive and that it could be a niche I could look into. I listened to all the songwriting shows I could find and enjoyed Song Exploder & Sodajerker. I decided I wanted to create a space where songwriting could be celebrated and discussed and the stories and people behind the songs could be shared. This podcast opens the discussion around songwriting, where it comes from, how and why songwriters are drawn to it. It was born out of a desire to connect with people during the COVID-19 lockdown and support songwriters to share, inspire and learn. It took around three weeks to go from initial idea to releasing the first podcast, and it’s been nonstop ever since. The first three episodes launched on 3rd August 2020. It’s been an amazing journey which I will continue on as long as I provide value to the guests, listeners and myself.
Read more: Switched On Pop: A podcast that’s music to your ears
DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Songwriter Trysts Podcast?
LEIGH: The podcast has world class advice on songwriting from top professionals. The podcast aims to be entertaining, inspirational and educational. No topics are off limits, as all of the stories shared inspire the songs we listen to. Our audience has predominantly been other songwriters and their fans; however, listeners that have no connection to music have loved the stories and were surprised that non-songwriters could enjoy and get so much from the podcast. Due to the safe space I create for the podcast, my guests have often shared more personal and emotional stories to my audience.
DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?
LEIGH: Everyone has been amazed at the quality of production. I’ve been told that the conversations are engaging and entertaining and that it feels like you are in the room listening to two people talking, often for the first time.
DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?
LEIGH: At home I have a small studio space setup in my bedroom. I have a RODE PODMIC with the RODE PSA1 Professional Boom stand going into Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface all connected to my iMac Pro. I use RINGR for remote interviews which allows me to separate the audio tracks and produce the podcast in Pro Logic. If the podcast interview is in the studio I have another microphone and we record both directly into Pro Logic.
DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?
LEIGH: The biggest challenge so far would be marketing and awareness along with working out when to release them. We have been releasing between 2-5 podcasts a week, testing what works and what doesn’t, it’s all trial and error. The best thing I can say is that the quality of the guest has a huge impact on the quantity of the support. Our more famous guests bring in a much higher listenership than those who are earlier in their career. We have noticed that by having a mixture of people, locations and genre, we are collaborating and supporting everyone in the industry.
DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?
LEIGH: I want to podcast to be a place where people can talk about their music and life, share stories and inspire others. Storytelling is the core of all connection and life and it’s the best form to inspire and educate. I want songwriting as an art form to be celebrated, validated in people as a worthy task and encourage and educate each other in the form of art, music, songwriting and connection. A goal this year is to create a live show of the podcast with songwriters sharing and performing on stage to an audience.
Read more: 5 Practical Ways to Boost Empathy with Podcasts For Listeners Who’ve Had Enough
DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?
LEIGH: Journey to Worthy, SodaJerker, Song Exploder, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?
LEIGH: If you are a Songwriter and would like to reach out to be on the podcast please visit our website to apply : www.songwritertrysts.com
The name “Songwriter Trysts” is a play on words that my partner came up with. “Tryst” means a secret meeting of lovers that seemed perfect due to the intimate nature of the podcast and the shared love of songwriting. You can follow Songwriter Trysts on Instagram and Facebook @SongwriterTrysts.
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