Rae Leigh

Cinematic storytelling through music, film, and social impact.

Actor + Singer-Songwriter + Producer

🎬 Creator of Living for Today -(short film + original single)IMBD
🎵 Recording Academy Voting Member
📖 Author of The Darkness Between the Stars (Forthcoming)

Featured Projects

Major works spanning film, music, and storytelling.

🎬 Living for Today

Living for Today — Short Film & Original Single

A powerful social-impact drama exploring domestic violence, resilience, and recovery through film and music. Written, produced, and performed by Rae Leigh, the project combines cinematic storytelling with an original soundtrack and is being prepared for international festival release.

🔘 Learn More
🔘 IMDB

📖 The Darkness Between the Stars

The Darkness Between the Stars — Memoir & Music Project

A deeply personal true story of survival, healing, and transformation following the successful prosecution of childhood abuse. The book will be released alongside new music inspired by the journey, creating a multi-platform experience of hope and recovery.

🔘 About the Book

🎵 Into the Dream

Into the Dream — Music & Music Video

New recordings produced in Nashville, blending country roots with cinematic storytelling. This body of work forms part of Rae’s evolving international artistic vision across music, film, and live performance.

🔘 Listen

Actor & Screen Work

Rae Leigh is an actor and producer working across independent film and television. Her screen credits include NBCUniversal’s Young Rock and the Oscar-nominated film Elvis, with new projects currently in development.

🔘 Watch Showreel
🔘 Film & TV Page

Music

A recording artist with multiple charting releases on the Australian National Country Radio Airplay Chart, Rae’s music combines emotional storytelling with cinematic sound.

Highlights include:

• “Push Em Up Jill” — #1 Australian Country Radio
• “Blue Shoes” and “Love Me” — Top 10 charting singles
• “Country Pride” — Theme song for Bravery and Betrayal
🔘 Music Page

International Engagement & Industry Leadership

Rae Leigh is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and a Board Observer (2024) with the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA). She regularly collaborates with artists and professionals across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Through her work as founder of Songwriter Trysts Pty Ltd and host of the long-running Songwriter Trysts podcast, she has built a global network of independent creators and industry leaders.

Work With Rae Leigh

Rae is available for selected collaborations, performances, screen projects, speaking engagements, and partnerships aligned with her creative and social-impact mission.

Areas of work include:

🎬 Film & Television
🎵 Music & Performance
🎤 Speaking & Advocacy
🤝 Creative Partnerships

🔘 Enquire

Artistic Contributions:

Singer-songwriter, actor, and producer Rae Leigh works across music and screen to create emotionally powerful stories grounded in lived experience. As an actor, she appeared on NBCUniversal’s Young Rock as an ’80s Nashville singer performing Dwight Yoakam’s “Honky Tonk Man,” and featured in the Oscar-nominated film Elvis.

Her recording career includes multiple charting releases on the Australian National Country Radio Airplay Chart following her 2021 EP Powered by Love. In 2022, Rae released three singles that all charted nationally, including the #1 hit “Push Em Up Jill,” produced by Angus Gill, along with “Blue Shoes” and “Love Me.”

Rae continues to perform across Australia while expanding her work into film and multi-platform storytelling. She is currently producing, writing, and starring in the short film Living for Today, a social-impact project addressing domestic violence, resilience, and recovery through film and original music, with international festival submissions planned.

In 2024, Rae was honoured to join the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) as a Voting Member and to participate in the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) Board Observership Program, gaining valuable experience in industry governance and advocacy.

Her commitment to community and creative empowerment extends beyond performance. Rae has performed at significant events including Emergency Services International Women’s Day and serves as an Australian Ambassador for Mama’s in Music, a U.S.-based non-profit organisation supporting mothers in the music industry to advance their careers while balancing family responsibilities.

Through music, film, and advocacy, Rae Leigh continues to create work that inspires connection, resilience, and hope.

Future Plans:

Looking ahead, Rae Leigh is entering a major new creative chapter spanning music, film, and literature. Her latest body of work includes new recordings produced in Nashville, alongside cinematic releases designed for both live performance and screen.

Rae is currently producing, writing, and starring in the short film Living for Today, a social-impact project addressing domestic violence, resilience, and recovery through film and original music. The film and accompanying single will be released together, with submissions planned for international film festivals in 2026.

In parallel, Rae is preparing to publish her deeply personal memoir, The Darkness Between the Stars — a powerful true story of survival, healing, and hope following the successful prosecution of childhood abuse, and the transformative role of therapy, music, and creative expression. The book will be released alongside new music inspired by the story, creating a unique multi-platform artistic experience.

With a growing international network and a commitment to storytelling that inspires change, Rae continues to develop projects that connect audiences across music, film, and social impact. Through strategic partnerships, creative leadership, and advocacy for independent artists, she is dedicated to building meaningful work that empowers individuals and communities worldwide.

Thank you for visiting. Rae looks forward to sharing this journey with you.

Rae Leigh BIO

Rae Leigh is an Australian actor, singer-songwriter, producer, and author creating powerful work at the intersection of music, film, and social impact. Known for her emotive voice and deeply personal storytelling, her projects explore resilience, healing, and hope through cinematic sound and authentic lived experience.

Rae first gained national attention at the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s 50th anniversary and has since headlined major events including the Groundwater Country Music Festival. Her recording career includes multiple charting releases on the Australian National Country Radio Airplay Chart, with the #1 hit “Push Em Up Jill” followed by singles such as “Blue Shoes” and “Love Me.”

As an actor, Rae has appeared on NBCUniversal’s Young Rock as an ’80s Nashville singer performing Dwight Yoakam’s “Honky Tonk Man,” and featured in the Oscar-nominated film Elvis. Her work increasingly bridges screen and music, positioning her as a distinctive voice in cinematic storytelling.

Rae is currently producing, writing, and starring in the short film Living for Today, a social-impact project addressing domestic violence, resilience, and recovery through film and original music. The film and accompanying single will be released together, with submissions planned for international film festivals.

Alongside her screen work, Rae is preparing to publish her memoir The Darkness Between the Stars, a powerful true story of survival, healing, and transformation following the successful prosecution of childhood abuse, and the role of therapy, creativity, and music in recovery. The book will be released with new music inspired by the story, forming part of a broader multi-platform artistic project.

Rae’s songwriting also reflects her personal history as the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, most notably in “Country Pride,” the theme song for the documentary Bravery and Betrayal, honouring the experiences of returned SAS soldiers and their families.

A Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and a Board Observer with the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), Rae is actively engaged in international industry leadership and advocacy. She attended the GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles in 2025 and continues to build global creative partnerships across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Rae is also the founder and host of the long-running Songwriter Trysts podcast, featuring hundreds of interviews with artists and industry professionals worldwide, and the founder of Songwriter Trysts Pty Ltd, a platform dedicated to supporting independent songwriters through collaboration, education, and community.

Beyond her professional work, Rae is a passionate advocate for mental health, creative empowerment, and child protection, supporting organisations including Raising Brighter Futures and At The Ark. Whether performing on major stages, working on film sets, or engaging with community audiences, she brings a consistent commitment to storytelling that uplifts and connects.

Through music, film, and writing, Rae Leigh creates work that transforms personal experience into collective hope — inviting audiences to engage not only as listeners or viewers, but as participants in stories that inspire resilience, empathy, and change.

Professional Achievements:

• Global Artist Support: Developed and implemented innovative programs such as songwriting retreats and showcases, supporting over 260 artists worldwide.

• Creative Content Curation: Produced and hosted podcast episodes featuring Grammy-winning songwriters and prominent artists, fostering meaningful collaborations.

• Event Leadership: Organized and delivered high-impact events and workshops, bridging the gap between emerging talent and industry leaders.

• Program Management Expertise: Managed all aspects of program development, including budgeting, marketing, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring measurable success.

• Advocacy for Women in Music: Spearheaded initiatives and participated in events designed to empower female artists and amplify their contributions to the industry.

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Partnered with music organizations to create opportunities for underrepresented groups, fostering an inclusive and equitable creative environment.

• Board Member of Child Abuse Prevention Service(CAPS)

A song about letting go of comparison, living one day at a time and finding hope in the present.

Written alone in Nashville and later inspiring an award-winning short film, original artwork and a listener’s lifelong reminder, Living For Today is more than a song — it is a message to keep going.

Out Now

The Story

“Living For Today” was written in Nashville in 2023 during a trip that did not unfold the way I had expected.

I had travelled to the United States through an export development opportunity, attending SXSW before heading to Nashville for a fully booked week of songwriting. When several of the co-writing sessions were cancelled after I arrived, I was disappointed and felt very alone.

Instead of allowing that disappointment to end the experience, I picked up my guitar and wrote by myself.

Sitting on a bed in an Airbnb, only a short walk from Broadway and the Country Music Hall of Fame, “Living For Today” began to take shape.

At the time, I was also carrying the pain of an estranged family relationship and learning that I could not build my life around the expectations I had placed on other people. I had to accept that my dreams were my own—and that I needed to keep moving forward, even when I felt unsupported or misunderstood.

The opening of the chorus says:

“I’m living my life, stopped measuring my stride.”

Those words are at the heart of the song.

We live in a world that constantly asks us to measure ourselves: by followers, streams, achievements, productivity and how quickly we appear to be succeeding. I know how exhausting it can be to compare my path with everyone else’s and feel as though I am never doing enough.

“Living For Today” is my decision to let go of that pressure.

The title was partly inspired by the old hymn my mother sang, “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.” My faith reminds me that God meets us in the present. I cannot change the past, and I do not have to carry the whole future today. I can trust Him, take the next step and live this day as well as I can.

I hope “Living For Today” brings listeners a sense of peace, hope and love. I hope it reminds people that they are already enough, and encourages them to notice the ordinary moments that make them smile, take their breath away and feel truly alive.

What began as a song written alone in Nashville has since inspired an award-winning short film, an original artwork by Hope Corrigan and a tattoo worn by a listener as a permanent reminder to keep going.

For me, that is what music is meant to do: move from one life into another and meet someone exactly where they are.

The Recording

Rae Leigh first connected with Nashville producer Michael Flanders through an interview for the Songwriter Trysts podcast. After discovering a shared love of honest storytelling and acoustic country music, they went on to work together on Rae’s charting single Love Me.

Their creative partnership continued with Living For Today and a larger body of work recorded in Nashville. The stripped-back recording uses acoustic instrumentation to preserve the intimacy, vulnerability and hope at the heart of the song.

Credits

Written and performed by: Rae Leigh
Producer: Michael Flanders
Musicians: Rae Leigh, Michael Flanders, Ben Flanders and Caleb Flanders
Mixed by: Jason Millhouse, Brisbane
Mastered by: 12th and Vine Post, Gold Coast
Original artwork: Hope Corrigan, Melbourne
Label and publishing: Rae Leigh Music
Distributed by: Kycker

The Film

Living For Today began as an idea for a music video inspired by Rae Leigh’s original song, but the story grew into something much bigger.

The award-winning Australian short film follows a mother and her young daughter through one difficult day as they try to escape domestic violence, financial dependence and a system that repeatedly fails to recognise what they are going through.

She seeks help, searches for better work and tries to protect her daughter while carrying the fear, shame and exhaustion that often accompany abuse. When she is left with nowhere safe to go, music becomes a reminder of the dreams and identity she had lost along the way.

At the end of the night, one unexpected act of kindness gives her the hope and practical support she needs to take another step forward.

The film explores domestic violence, motherhood, inequality, disempowerment, resilience and the impact that compassion can have in someone’s darkest moment.

Written and produced by Rae Leigh, and directed and co-written by Ryan Littler, Living For Today was adapted from the original song written and performed by Rae Leigh.

Film Recognition

🏆 Low Budget Indie Short Film Award
New York Film & Cinematography Awards

🏆 Low Budget Short Film Award
Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards

🏆 Social Issues Award
Depth of Field International Film Festival

💛 Honourable Mention
HeARTflicks Charity Film Event

A public premiere is currently being sought through the film-festival circuit.

The artwork

The visual world of Living For Today was created by Melbourne-based artist Hope Corrigan, whom Rae met through a women’s mental-health workshop in Melbourne.

After hearing the song, Hope immediately imagined Rae’s hands reaching forward with flowers that appeared to melt with colour. That vision became an original artwork filled with expressive flowers, flowing paint and open hands—a visual reflection of vulnerability, hope and the act of offering something beautiful to another person.

The piece was created using watercolour, coffee-stained textures and touches of gold. The coffee gives the artwork an honest, imperfect warmth, while the gold represents the light and brightness that can still break through during difficult seasons.

“When I first heard Rae Leigh’s new song, I was immediately struck by the strong vision I had of her holding flowers that were melting colour. We added some coffee stains to match the authentic style, and a touch of gold for the brightness shining through in this song.”

— Hope Corrigan

Hope is a Melbourne-based artist originally from Western Australia. She works across watercolour, traditional paint and digital art, and is known for her expressive use of colour and loose watercolour style.

Jason’s Story

Music can reach people in ways we may never fully understand.

Rae first met Tasmanian listener Jason Dwyer after a festival performance she shared with Adam Brand. At the time, Jason had recently been through a serious period of poor mental health and connected deeply with Rae’s song Find a Better Day.

The message stayed with him so strongly that he later had the song title tattooed on his arm as a permanent reminder to keep moving forward.

Years later, when Jason again found himself at a difficult crossroads, Rae trusted him with an early, unreleased recording of Living For Today. The song’s message of taking life one day at a time gave him another reminder to stay present and continue.

Jason later had Living For Today tattooed as well.

The handwritten title treatment used throughout the Living For Today film, artwork and merchandise was inspired by the lettering of Jason’s tattoo.

For Rae, Jason’s story has also become a source of encouragement.

Jason’s tattoos represent more than song titles. They are daily reminders to keep going, remain present and believe that a better day is still possible.

If this story raises concerns for you, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.

Wear the Message

The limited-edition Living For Today T-shirts were created as a simple reminder to keep going, stay present and take life one day at a time.

Featuring the handwritten title treatment inspired by Jason Dwyer’s tattoo, each shirt carries the same message at the heart of the song:

Wear the message. Carry the reminder. Live for today.

Available Styles

Black T-shirt
Black shirt with white Living For Today lettering

White T-shirt
White shirt with black Living For Today lettering

• 100% cotton

• Unisex fit

• Generous sizing

• Limited-edition release

• $40 each

Current Stock

Black: Small, Medium and Large available
White: Small, Medium and Large available, with only a few XL remaining

Black XL and all XXL sizes are sold out.

These shirts are generously sized, so many people who usually wear a larger size may still find a smaller size comfortable.

Every purchase helps support Rae Leigh’s independent music, film and storytelling projects focused on hope, healing and meaningful social impact.

Limited edition. Once these sizes are gone, they may not be restocked.

"Into The Dream"

Released July 11 2025

Step into a world of beauty, emotion, and haunting melodies with Rae Leigh's latest single, Into The Dream. This sweet country-pop ballad captures the essence of longing and wonder, weaving a heartfelt narrative that lingers long after the music fades.

I’m so excited to finally share my brand new single Into The Dream with the world—and even more thrilled to reveal the stunning music video that brings the emotion of the song to life. Directed by the incredibly talented (and award-winning!) Jay Seeney from Blacklist Productions in Brisbane, this video is a visual journey through the bittersweet space between love and loss. Huge shoutout to Jay for capturing this story so beautifully—what a legend.

I had the absolute honour of co-starring alongside the brilliant actor Deividy Reis, whose presence brought such depth and realness to the screen. And I’m bursting with gratitude to my gorgeous friends and fellow Brissie creatives Nate Eggins (from Conspiracy of One) and Clare Cowley for lending their musical magic to the video. Plus, the beautiful Tiana Storm—who not only acted in the video but also co-wrote the song with me! She’s a total powerhouse.

The story follows a woman (played by yours truly) wandering through the echoes of a relationship now gone. The apartment still holds the memories, and while the love may have vanished, the music hasn’t—it’s always there, keeping her company, helping her feel it all. It’s that messy middle place between heartbreak and healing, where you still dream of what was, even as you try to let it go. It’s sad, it’s sweet, and it’s a little bit magic.

Thank you to every single person who helped me bring this song and video to life. My heart is full. I hope this track finds the people who need it and reminds them they’re not alone in the in-between.

Singer-Songwriter Rae Leigh Releases Heartfelt Tribute to War Veterans with New Single 'Country Pride’

Released: April 18th, 2025 – Australia

Rae Leigh announces the release of their new single, "Country Pride" available 18th April 2025 in time for ANZAC day. Co-written and produced with Dave Laycock, the song is a poignant reflection on War’s enduring impact on soldiers and their families. The track draws from Rae's own experience growing up with a father who served as a tunnel rat in the Vietnam War.

"Country Pride" delves into the personal cost of war on the soldiers, inspired by the film and Rae Leighs lived experience with her Vietnam Vet father Robert Hewett, Dave and Rae put their heart and soul into this emotional heart felt song in tribute to the men and women who severed.

Rae Leigh is on a journey around the edges of country music and she’s taking us with her.

Her first single of 2022, the irreverent, quirky #1 HIT ‘Push Em Up Jill’, certainly got our attention, and the super hooky, with a message, ‘Blue Shoes’ also nailed the charts capturing the hearts of us all.

Her new single ‘Love Me’ is a smooth, sensuous song revealing another side to Rae’s personality where she expresses her experience and revelations of overcoming depression & anxiety and feeling confident in herself. Rae explains when everything seemed dark & hopeless, she learned to have compassion and love for herself. Rae Leigh is taking chances with her vulnerable storytelling and has a lot of fun doing it.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Blue shoes

Rae Leigh follows her Hit #1 single ‘Push Em Up Jill’ with a family fun song released on the 23rd of April 2022

Description

Following up from her success with her number 1 single “Push em Up Jill”; Blue Shoes dives into generational story telling, passing on the gifts of knowledge we have as women, to make us stronger and nurture the girls we are blessed to raise up. 

“A story that has been shared for years and even at my wedding was my mum always wondering why there was lipstick all over her mirror in the bedroom, turns out younger me had been putting make up on the girl in the mirror and couldn’t understand why she kept moving! ” - Rae Leigh

Rae Leigh was inspired for the idea of this song after attending the 2021 Australian Songwriters Conference north of Sydney after sitting down to do a co-write with someone who didn’t show for the session she ended up writing it on her own.

Rae was working as an extra on the Young Rock the TV show when they bumped her to a singing role performing “Honky Tonk Man” as an 80’s Nashville singer.

As part of the performance Rae was asked to perform an original song as well. The crew were so impressed with the song they organized the song to be optioned and although it was not included in the final cut, if gave Rae the encouragement she needed to record the song professionally by the amazing team at Kross Kutt Records. You can still hear and see Rae perform on the Young Rock in episode 4 season 2.

About the Production

Produced by Lindsay Waddington from Kross Kutt records.

Push Em Up Jill

18th February 2022

Rae Leigh gets cheeky with her new single ‘Push Em’ Up Jill’. A comedy country song about a nurse from the 70’s that came about from a music festival in Queensland and a common love for country music, nurses and their sense of humor and what women have and how they use it. 

This is Rae’s debut comedy country song showing us the lighter side of her personality that she picked up from her mum who was a midwife for 35 years and age care nurse for 15+ years till present.

“My mum was a nurse growing up and she always had a great sense of humour to help get through the up’s and downs of being a nurse, it’s a hard job and i have a lot of appreciation for men and women who dedicate their life to such an essential job”

Just Like That

The excitement of a night out leads to too many drinks and a one-night stand that never ends. She falls into a long-term relationship that despite the passion and fun turns emotionally abusive. Using all the strength she has she leaves “Just Like That”

This song shines a light on the power struggle that occurs in gaslighting and emotional abuse within a relationship and has a powerful happy ending of a woman creating a life that she is in control of and driving into the sunset of her dreams. An inspirational message for women to create their own destiny and take their power into their own hands.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

JMC Academy & Logan City awarded Rae Leigh a $10k prize for this song 'Just Like That' and worked on the production and music video over the past year to get it ready for release.

Produced by Tom Combes Co-Produced by Daniel Spirovski

Drums: Kai Shaing Fung

Bass and Electric Guitars: Tom Combes

Acoustics and Slide: Michael Flanders

Keys: Daniel Spirovski

Mixed By Daniel Spirovski

Mastered by Alan Chang

MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION

Lead Actor: Shayne Nash - Love interest

Producers: Rebekah Evans & Mark Overett

Director: Mark Overett

Cinematographer: Rebekah Evans

Camera Assistant: Nathan Byrnes

Lighting Assistant: Vellin Claretta

Hair & Makeup: Sian Sandilands

Editor: Cassandra Warner

Powered by LOVE EP

$25 signed CD available

Rae Leigh releases her first EP in 2021. All the tracks have been produced by Jason Millhouse in Brisbane.

Find a Better Day

20th November 2020

Find A Better Day is an original song from the up coming EP Powered by Love and will be her sixth single released on Spotify and Apple Music on the 20th November 2020.

Rae co-wrote this song with Mary Haller from Nashville Tennessee. It was an idea that was sparked in 2015 after emotional and spiritual adversity that tested her resilience.

This song is all about holding onto the music and hope that one day things will be better and that you just have to keep searching.

Fathers Love

19th August 2020

Fathers Love is an original song and will be her fifth single released on Spotify and Apple Music on the 19th August 2020.

Rae Leigh is one of five children, her father was a pastor, missionary, Vietnam veteran, foster parent and loving husband.

Rae Honours and respects her father this year on his birthday with this recording of ‘Fathers Love’ which sings about a love that goes beyond any other and that even when things get hard or when mistakes are made, that a father keeps loving their child and keeps trying and never gives up. It’s not about being perfect, it’s just about being there for each other, especially your children.

“Dad, I love you, you're an amazing man who has given more than any man I know. You deserve to be recognised for your consistent faith, compassion, love and understanding. You showed me what it is to stick to something, be committed and stand up for what I believe in. Thank you” - Rae Leigh

Rae Leigh is an Australian singer songwriter from Bairnsdale in country Victoria and now lives with her family of five in the Gold Coast, Queensland. During lockdown she ran online music festivals with Danni Shaw and Bec Gracie on Country Kickbacks Social media platforms, she has recorded many more songs which are coming in the future and she also started a podcast called ‘Songwriter Trysts’ a safe and open place for songwriters to discuss the powerful stories and healing power that is music.

Saying Yes to Love

19th June 2020

Saying Yes To Love is an original song and will be her fourth single released on Spotify and Apple Music on the 19th June 2020.

Rae first performed this live at Tamworth Songwriters Showcase at the DAG. During her visit to Nashville she collaborated with Chuck Townz at the SongTown retreat and produced it with Corey Pryor and Jason Millhouse.

Rae has been writing songs as a form of emotional expression and therapy since she was a little girl but she never had strong core beliefs that she was good enough, worth being loved or protected. Rae has since discovered on her healing journey that this feeling is really common among women who were sexually abused as children.

This song is about learning to love herself by constantly saying yes to love. Rae know’s that if she does she will be a stronger and better mother for her children and have secure attachments in her relationships.

Sleepless Nights

6th april 2020

All of me

14th February 2020

All Of Me is an original song by Rae Leigh and will be my second single released on Spotify and Apple Music on the 14th February 2020.

Rae Leigh wrote this song last year after returning from Nashville which was a large part of her voyage to self discovery as a performing artist. Its an emotional song about the people closest to us seeing us for who we are and not what we portray ourselves as.

All I Can do

3rd January 2020