May 2024 Songwriter Trysts Retreat: A Creative Journey
Welcome to the blog for the May 2024 Songwriter Trysts Retreat, a unique gathering of talented artists hosted by the incredible Rae Leigh on the beautiful Gold Coast. This retreat brought together a diverse group of songwriters and musicians, each bringing their own flair and creativity to the table. Let’s introduce you to the amazing class of May 2024 and celebrate the achievements and moments that made this retreat unforgettable.
Meet the Artists
Alexis Naylor
Alexis Naylor, known for her expressive vocals and poignant songwriting, brought a unique perspective to the retreat. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her music resonated with fellow participants. We are especially excited to share a co-write ‘Maria’ that Alexis inspired with her co-writers on this retreat ELEEA and Jimmy Watts based on Philippine folk law. Alexis was featured on the Songwriter Trysts podcast in Episode #11.
Clinton Weekes
Clinton Weekes is a multi-talented artist, musician and producer whose innovative approach to songwriting and music production inspired everyone at the retreat. His contributions were invaluable in creating an atmosphere of creativity and exploration.
ELEEA
ELEEA, a rising star in the music industry, is celebrated for her unique sound and powerful performances. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences made her a standout participant in the retreat. ELEEA was featured on the Songwriter Trysts podcast in Episode #55.
Daniel Sproule
Daniel Sproule’s was our newest member to the songwriting retreat and came with an open heart and great desire to develop his songwriting. Along with lots of fun and great company playing exploding cats in the evening, Daniel also opened hi diary of lyrics in a co-write with Rae Leigh and Clinton Weekes and performed it in the ‘Same Day Songwriting Challenge’ called Heartbreak Highway.
Nathan Eggins
Nathan Eggins, with his soulful voice, killer guitar skills and dynamic songwriting, added depth and emotion to the retreat. His versatility as an artist and his collaborative spirit enriched the experience for all involved. Nathan is always a fun person to have around and his openness to exploring different genres and write with others added a great addition to the retreat. Check out his co-write with Emily Hatton “Better In My Day” below as a part of the retreats ‘Same Day Songwriting Challenge’ videos. Nathan is a valued member of the Gold Coast and Brisbane songwriting community and has been attending our live events for many years now. We are so grateful to have such a talented artists as apart of our podcast and live events. Nathan appeared on the Songwriter Trysts podcast in Episode #176.
Jimmy Watts
Jimmy Watts, a skilled songwriter, musician and performer, also showcased his talent as a videographer at the retreat. His dual role added a dynamic element to the event, capturing moments that will be cherished forever. Check out his videography work under his brand, BadOctipi. Jimmy was featured on the Songwriter Trysts podcast in Episode #190.
Robert Leigh
Robert Leigh, a versatile lyricist and skilled photographer, not only contributed to the creative sessions but also captured the essence of the retreat through his lens. His photography beautifully documented the memorable moments shared by all. Robert also headed up the BBQ at the retreat dinners and helped with the running of the whole weekend.
Emily Hatton
Emily Hatton, known for her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, brought a wealth of experience and passion to the retreat. Emily has been a guest on the Songwriter Trysts podcast in Episode #195, where she shared her journey and insights into the world of songwriting.
George
George, our anonymous ghostwriter, brought a mysterious and intriguing element to the retreat. His contributions, though behind the scenes, were instrumental in the collaborative songwriting process.
Achievements of the Retreat
The May 2024 Songwriter Trysts Retreat was a resounding success, marked by numerous achievements and memorable moments:
Collaborative Songwriting: Participants engaged in intensive songwriting sessions, resulting in the creation of several new songs. The spirit of collaboration and mutual support was palpable, leading to innovative and heartfelt music.
Song Challenge Night: Each group took on a song challenge, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. These performances are now available on the Songwriter Trysts YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe and support the channel and the artists.
Networking and Community Building: The retreat fostered a sense of community, allowing artists to network, share ideas, and form lasting connections that will continue to inspire future collaborations.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tom McLeod and the Australian Songwriters Association for their generous sponsorship of the retreat. Your support made this incredible event possible and greatly contributed to its success.
A special thank you to Jimmy Watts from BadOctipi for his exceptional videography skills, capturing the magic of the retreat. We also thank Robert Leigh for his stunning photography, which beautifully documented our time together.
Support the Artists and the Podcast
We encourage you to support these talented artists by following them on their musical journeys. Many of our retreat participants have been featured on the Songwriter Trysts podcast, sharing their stories and insights:
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Songwriter Trysts YouTube channel to watch the song challenge performances and stay updated on future retreats and events. Your support helps us continue to create opportunities for artists to grow, collaborate, and inspire.
Thank you for being a part of the Songwriter Trysts community. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep creating!
