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Today's Country Magazine / Interview
Elyse Saunders Interview
The country music industry is always on the lookout for their next young star to rise up and make an impact. Canadian native Elyse Saunders may just be that next young star. After meeting Cyril Rawson, who became her mentor, she has released her self-titled debut album that instantly grabbed attention for her through its singles “Nobody’s Watchin’” and “More of That.” We recently had the chance to catch up with Elyse and chat with her about working with Cyril, the album, the singles, the possibilities of signing a record contract, and much much more.



1. Your debut album is out now. What can people who have never heard your music expect to hear from it when they hit play?

Elyse: As soon as they hit play they can expect an upbeat modern country song with a rock edge. I wanted to start the album off with something edgy and with lot’s of energy so the listener would want more. I would also say that this song has a really cool story that you can really visualize as you listen to the words. Following that the listener can expect other tunes full of stories about love, life, and heartbreak. Each song means something different to me and has my own unique sound put into it. Overall the listener can expect a modern sound mixed with pop, roots and rock influences throughout the album.

2. You had the opportunity to meet Cyril Rawson who became a mentor for you. What was Cyril able to teach you about the music industry, selecting songs, recording in Nashville, etc…?

Elyse: Wow where do I begin? The biggest thing that comes to mind is that Cyril has taught me how to make a song my own and what it takes to be an individual in a business full of talent. He has helped me to further my talent by teaching me how to bring out my emotions and unique sound to every project I do. Not only that, but he was also able to teach me about the technical sides of recording and writing. There is a lot more involved in the process then what meets the eye. I don’t think Cyril’s work in done with me yet, he continues to be a great mentor and friend of mine at the same time.

3. Cyril also produced the album. What did he bring into the studio with him that helped you to find your sound the most?

Elyse: Cyril has years of experience which he brought to the studio with him. He knows about all aspects of an album and what it takes to create an amazing sound. He came well prepared and made sure I was well prepared because it was my first time in a studio so everything went smoothly. Cyril is a detail guy and that really shined through.

4. The first single from the album, “Nobody’s Watchin,” attracted a fair amount of attention from radio. Were you expecting the program directors and listeners to jump at the song the way they did and why do you think they did?

Elyse: The success of the release would be a combination of timing, commercially friendly to radio, a collaboration of successful writers and musicians, planned promotion and something new and unique that stood out at that time. In my opinion, I think all of those things are the reason why I got the success I did!

5. You followed- that up with your second single this past January, “More of That.” What can you tell people about this song?

Elyse: The song “More of That” is a fun, upbeat song that everyone can relate to. The lyrics are catchy and simple to follow making it one of those songs that just stick in your head. It was written by Cyril Rawson and Daryl Burgess and for me it’s about the innocence of first love and how you can’t get enough of it. You just want “more of that.” Again as a result of all of the other factors I was really excited to see that it got even more station adds then the first one. As an artist that’s what you really want for a follow up single!

6. Why did you feel it was the perfect follow-up to “Nobody’s Watchin’?”

Elyse: Well, it was released off of the momentum of my first single and I wanted to follow up with a similar sound so audiences would remember me. I felt both songs complimented each other nicely because they’re upbeat and playful songs about new love.

I’m actually getting ready to release my third single to radio now. It gives off a slightly different sound and side of my music and I feel is one of the strongest off my album. I hope it will do even better then the first two!!

7. Which one song from the album is your personal favorite and why?

Elyse: Hmm… that’s a tough one. I actually don’t have one personal favorite off of the album. I chose each song for the album based on experiences in my life that I could relate to in each song. I feel that every song on my album is my favorite…that’s why I chose them!

8. Have any record labels started to spark an interest in signing you? If so are there any that you can talk about?

Elyse: There has been some interest in a couple of labels that I have passed on for various reasons. I feel right now I have a strong team behind me and want to establish myself further and grow as an independent artist before approaching labels that I have an interest in. I feel it’s important to be able to offer them as much as possible before approaching them. This will be to their advantage as well as mine.

9. What one thing would a label have to offer before you’d be willing to sign with them?

Elyse: I would look very closely at any long-term development issues that may affect the momentum of my career.

10. What piece of advice can you offer to someone that is looking to break into the music industry?

Elyse: I believe there are three main things every artist should know. Number One: Be prepared for A LOT of work. This is not an easy industry! Another main one is to surround yourself with people you trust and who have your main interest at heart. Also, learn from the artists that your respect but above all just be yourself because it will come through in your music!



CD Review - Todays Country Music Magazine
The country music industry is full of young talent and the focus from a label standpoint seems to be getting younger with the emergence of artists like Taylor Swift. Sometimes you even have to expand past your own surroundings to find that talent and if you look to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, you will find the young singing sensation Elyse Saunders. On her recently released, self-title debut album, Saunders quickly puts aside any stereotypes that you may have about young artists when opening track “Mama Hates Guitars” kicks in and she instantly showcases her rockin’ brand of modern pop country and more importantly allows her outstanding vocal to guide you through the song. This same up-tempo style that gets you moving can be heard throughout the album on cuts like “Sally’s Out Rockin’ Tonight,” and album closer “More of That.” Saunders maintains the modern sound as she slows things down with cuts like “Long Enough,” which allows her voice to take center stage and capture you as a lone piano guides it through the opening verse. With the industry wanting a younger star right now it would be great to see one of the caliber of Elyse Saunders be the one that gets the break. Her songs are perfectly crafted, radio ready, modern country combined with her voice that showcases great pitch, great tone, and the ability to pull you into a slower paced song while at the same time rock it out and get you moving. This is the artist to watch because it is simply a matter of time before she is the next big thing if this album is any indication of what to expect from her going forward.



Review/Interview Ladies Of Country Music Magazine
A note from Elyse: Here is a link to a free online version of "Ladies of Country Music Magazine" where you will find this write up as well as tons more interesting reading. http://www.locmradio.com/LOCMMagazinePremierIssue.html

ps. LOCM have been very supportive of me an other new talent out there.

Please support them back by ordering your subscription of LOCM today. Also pass this link on to anyone that may be interested in this publication. Here is the link to the LOCM web site. http://www.locmradio.com

Its a great new magazine! I just order a subscription myself.



Music City Muse / CD Review
Meghan Shapiro
She certainly won't be a small-town girl for long....
She certainly won't be a small-town girl for long. Elyse Saunders, a Peterborough, Ontario native, released her self-titled, 13-track debut album at a pretty inspiring time. In an industry full of artists such as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Saunders could eventually manage to fit right in among the top blondes in country music today.

To become a top artist, one must have a few essentials on their premiere album: the sweet, the swag and the innocent. Saunders has all of that, and then some. Her songs "Long Enough" and "Bittersweet" are beautiful ballads about young love, while her song "Try it on for Size" is fun, upbeat, and centers around a topic almost every woman can relate to — getting even with men. It's even pretty reminiscent of Kelly Pickler's infamous "Red High Heels."

Saunders has a bright future ahead of her, but it all begins with this album. Everyone remembers their first ... and she should certainly revel in it.

http://www.themusiccitymuse.com/albumreviews/elysesaunders.htm


CD Review Maverick Magazine
Sara
Hi Elyse

I am a big fan of your CD and think it...
Hi Elyse

I am a big fan of your CD and think it is amazing as are you. So much so that I have put together a review of the CD, which I have just tonight emailed to Maverick magazine. Maverick magazine is a music magazine published in the UK that covers country, roots, Americana, folk and music on the fringe. I have enclosed a copy of my review for you to read. I gave your album a five out of five star rating also.

A talent to be reckoned with
Born and raised in Ontario, Elyse Saunders a nineteen year old fresh faced female singer/songwriter who has always had a passion for music. Elyse made her debut performance opening for Deric Ruttan in July 2008, at a venue packed full of over 10,000 country music fans. Experienced singer/songwriter Cyril Rawson took Elyse under his wing and helped her develop her talent for singing. The end result being a self-titled album packed with thirteen fantastic tracks. Compared with the likes of Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood, Elyse effortlessly switches from soulful slow numbers to fast paced racy numbers that really stand out from the crowd. Elyse is not just another pretender to the female country throne she is the real deal. The album starts off with a lively rocky number entitled Mamma Hates Guitars. This is one of those tracks that really packs a punch – not for the faint hearted. Don’t Touch Me Like That follows on in the same vain as the opening track. Another rocky number, which sounds highly polished. Bittersweet sees the mood slowed down just a little. Elyse really shines on this emotional number reminiscent in style and sound of Martina McBride. Long Enough is a gritty song that sees Elyse change down another gear. This is one of those songs that will get under your skin. Army of Angels is a really upbeat number that allows Elyse to show off her vocals talents to their full potential. A future single I would suggest, it is certainly striking enough to be a big hit! Try It On For Size is another fast number. Where I’ve Never Been is a slow number, delicate in style. Sally’s Out Rocking Tonight is a classy song with a truly modern pop/country vibe. Nobody’s Watchin’ was the first radio release from this album and it is easy to see why. A pop infused song with a dash of country thrown in for good measure. This is a catchy number that will easily appeal to fans of top notch modern country. Paris Is Burning is a truly amazing song, tender and soulful. Elyse sounds much older than her nineteen years on this outstanding track. Love Re-Invented sees the tempo lifted once again. Yet another good quality song. What’s Stoppin’ You has a slight old fashioned sound about it, which is echoed in the use of instrumentation on this song. The album ends in a similar style to how it started with a punchy track entitled More Of That, the newest radio single off of the album. I can hear echoes of Dolly Parton’s vocals in this final song. Let’s just hope that Elyse is allowed to grow and develop her musical talents and have as long a career as Dolly. Elyse has had the opportunity to work with some great names in producing this album. One such name is Canadian Lisa Brokop who appears on this album providing background vocals. This album is suited more to the tastes of people who like the modern more lively side of country music. Elyse is certainly a talent and force to be reckoned with. All the songs on this album are superb, not one let’s the quality of the album down!


Sara


CD Review / Peterborough This Week
Paul Rellinger
MUSIC TO THE EARS/CD Review

Date: 2009-02-05
...
MUSIC TO THE EARS/CD Review

Date: 2009-02-05
Elyse Saunders • Elyse Saunders

This debut CD from Elyse Saunder delivers in terms of what more and more are finding out: the 19- year-old Peterborough teen is blessed with a uniquely soulful voice that gives her country music songs a sweet fullness.
More Of That is the single but I’m partial to Long Enough. Can’t go wrong either way, though.



Saunders' musical journey takes a huge stride
Paul Rellinger/Peterborough This Week
Date: 2009-01-20
By Paul Rellinger
In Cyril Raw...
Date: 2009-01-20
By Paul Rellinger
In Cyril Rawson’s opinion, three words sum up the evolution of Elyse Saunders as a singer -- “She gets it.”
With Saunders, 19, having just released her self-titled debut country music CD, Rawson, a widely-acclaimed country music producer and songwriter, is nothing short of thrilled with the Peterborough teen’s progress.
“It’s very gratifying...Elyse has worked very hard and that’s made it very easy for me,” note Rawson, who has worked the better part of the last year with her in his Peterborough-based studio.
“Elyse is not a karaoke singer anymore. She now has a very good understanding of the difference between being a professional and someone who simply has a passing interest in being a good singer.
“She knows what she does well and she will focus on that.”
Recorded at County ‘Q’ Productions in Nashville over the course of two visits to the country music mecca, Saunders’ 13-track CD -- all of the songs were written or co-written by Rawson -- is available locally at Moondance.
However, more notable than that, its debut single, More Of That, is perking up the ears of those who matter -- radio station programmers.
Peterborough-based Country 105 is among those stations with a copy in hand.
“I’m really happy with it,” enthuses Saunders, noting 11 stations so far have picked up the single for airplay.
Locally, country music fans may remember Saunders from her July 2008 Festival of Lighs performance at Del Crary park, opening for Deric Ruttan.
“I’ve found that my voice is always growing...I’m finding out new things I can do with my voice,” says Saunders.
That self-discovery, notes Rawson, is buoyed by Saunders’ being “very prepared” to work hard.
“The single (More Of That) is what I describe as a ditty; it’s an up tempo, feel-good song.
“You want to peak come the summer. This is the safest song for her to put out at this time.”
Ahead for Saunders is a new challenge -- perfecting her live perfomance persona.
“I really want to get out there...that’s really going to be a focus.”
For more on Elyse Saunders or to order her CD online, visit www.elysesaunders.com


Album Review / January 2009 CMN
Larry Delaney / Country Music News
ELYSE SAUNDERS
Elyse Saunders
Indie (No Number) ...
ELYSE SAUNDERS
Elyse Saunders
Indie (No Number)
Produced by: Cyril Rawson
(13 Selections – Playing Time 48:26)

Peterborough, Ontario-based singer Elyse Saunders makes her recording debut with this 13 song collection of tunes produced and written or cowritten by Cyril Rawson, long one of the most prolific music creators in the Canadian country scene.
The album has already served up a nationally charted single in Nobody’s Watchin’…and there’s a bunch more here that should attract similar airplay and interest. Listen for the catchy country/pop tune Try It On For Size, the sultry Love Re-Invented and the love ditty What’s Stoppin’ You to be among the standouts.
There’s also plenty of variety in styles – we get country/rockers in Sally’s Rockin’ Out Tonight and Mama Hates Guitars, both potential radio picks; while Army of Angels has a neat tempo swing from moody to ballsy, which is certain to attract ear attention.
There’s also no shortage of country/pop, found in tunes like Bitter Sweet, Don’t Touch Me Like That and More OF That.
The album was produced by Cyril Rawson in Nashville studios by fellow Canucks Lisa Brokop and David Martin.

For info /copies visit:
www.elysesaunders.com


Comments from the industry people Elyse worked with.
Country Music Greats
“Upon listening to Elyse's version of our song " N...
“Upon listening to Elyse's version of our song " Nobody's Watchin’ " I was taken in by the husky soulful tone she has. It's that kind of voice that makes you believe in what the singer is saying. And Damn!makes you feel good Having co-written the song with Cyril , I also sang the guide demo which can become a staple in one's mind. Elyse performance showed taste for the arrangement and vocally added her own soulful flair. That's what count's." I dig Elyse's Vibe.”

John Acosta Pop RnB Latin- Artist/Songwriter Producer SKY-Canadian Idol- myspace.com



“I recently had the pleasure of working with Elyse Saunders at County Q Studios in Nashville and she was a real pro! She showed up extremely well prepared and ready to work hard to make her vocal performances shine. Elyse's voice has a soulful quality with cool phrasing and a maturity beyond her years.”

Rob Matson Recording Engineer County Q Productions Nashville, Tennessee



"I recorded with Elyse recently and she is incredible. I was very impressed with the originality of her voice. She has her own style and sound, and has that rare ability and talent to communicate with the listener. I've often thought that is the most important part of a singer's art; the recognition by the audience that the singer believes in what they're singing, so the listener can believe in the singer. Elyse certainly has that ability and it shows in her performances. She's a rare talent and will make quite an impact in the entertainment world."

Glen Duncan Grammy Award Winner, recorded with: Shania Twain, Elton John, Tim McGraw, Mark Knopfler, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Don Henley, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Bill Monroe, Melissa Ethredge, Roy Rogers, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Earl Scruggs, Will The Circle Be Unbroken 3, Merle Haggard, Patty Loveless, Marty Stuart, Billy Bob Thorton, Travis Tritt, and hundreds of others.


“I loved Elyse's version of "Paris is Burning" she sang the song like she wrote it. She made it her own and sang it from the heart. I loved her performance on the song.” Thanx Gary

Gary Breit Toronto based Singer/Songwriter and keyboard player for Bryan Adams, co-writer of Paris Is Burning.



"Canada has produced some great female singers over the years and I have been lucky enough to have been able to work in the studio with several of them, including Lisa Brokop, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Michelle Wright to name a few. I have also had the good fortune of having songs of mine recorded by some other Canadian female greats, most notably, Anne Murray and Alannah Myles. All of these great singers had some special quality about them that set them apart from the rest. I think Canada is about to add another young singer to that list. After working with Elyse Saunders in the studio recently, I watched a young girl go in a few short months from just being one of the rest to stepping in to that category with those few that really have that something special, that unique sound that has a way of pulling you in to a song and making you listen. She has evolved from just being a singer to becoming an artist that I am confident people will want to listen to for years to come. The comments on her pure warm and soulful tone that I have had from people in the industry along with my co-writers and musicians on the sessions, are all the same... What a great voice"

Cyril Rawson Songwriter/producer



“It's always nice to see someone so young with so much potential. It may have been her first time in the studio but it's obvious that she's a quick study by the way she handled herself with such maturity. The future is bright for Elyse!”

Lisa Brokop Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist



"Americans have been inspired by Canadian artists for decades. Elyse Saunder's talent rises from that great tradition. These recordings reveal depth and maturity. She's a star in the making."

Steven Sheehan Recorded with: Pam Tillis, Kathy Matten, Trisha Yearwood, Dirks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry, Rodney Atkins. Toured with: The Judds, Randy Travis and Trisha Yearwood.