All Episodes

June 18, 2025 60 mins

Award-winning Brisbane synth-pop artist Mardi Lumsden has long been known for her ethereal songwriting and shimmering sonic landscapes. But her sophomore album Slow Emotion came to life in a way that was as delicate and intimate as its title suggests—written asynchronously and collaboratively with her husband and producer, Pennay, in the quiet hours while their baby slept.

This episode of The Magic of Songwriting podcast explores the creative journey behind Slow Emotion, and in particular the evolution of its standout track, “nineteen.”

About Mardi and Andrew: 

Mardi Lumsden is an award-winning synth-pop charmer from Brisbane. Mardi spent 2020 writing happy music resulting in her sophomore album "Slow Emotion", an 8-track delight written in IHSC that transverses disco, indie pop and stargazer anthems. The title track was added to Double J and was called "another stellar success" by Obscure Sound.

Andrew Pennay has spent his days teaching music in schools, lecturing in music education, and slowly working through a PhD in (not surprisingly) songwriting education. 

Contact Mardi : Facebook / Instagram

Song Credit: ‘nineteen’ Written by Mardi Lumsden and Andrew Pennay and Performed by Mardi Lumsden. 

Ready to deep dive into songwriting? Join our 10-week online intensive course to write 10 new songs with lessons, personalised mentorship and practical tools to refine your craft. Learn more at iheartsongwritingclub.com/songwritingcourses.

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. 

Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses

Don’t struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass

Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Be inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Theme song “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

United States of Kennedy
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.