Elyse Saunders

Artist Information

Biography

Elyse Saunders is a 23 year old recording artist originally from Peterborough, Ontario, currently residing in the Toronto area where she is rapidly making her mark on the country music scene. She has worked with some of the most talented people in the industry as seen on her current album where she worked and recorded with legendary hit songwriter Cyril Rawson (Lisa Brokop, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban and others). Not only was Cyril a part of her first project but another one of Canada's proclaimed writers and producers David Martin was a part of the song "What's Stoppin' You". A few trips to Nashville saw the recording of her debut album whom she also shared the recording space with musicians who've worked with all of the greats in country music. Elyse notes that, "It was a surreal moment to be recording in music city with these people who have worked with everyone who is anyone in country music, to know that they were playing on my CD was a thrill." A down to earth moment for Elyse is when she states, "They were all so nice too... they saw me the same as anyone else they've worked with and that meant a lot to me."

The album was a huge success on Canadian country radio where she received major air play for her 3 chart-topping singles on the “CMN Charts” Top 100 Cancountry Hits; “Nobody’s Watchin’”, “More of That” and her most recent single “Bittersweet”. Her music has been successful not only on Canadian radio but overseas in Japan, Australia, The Netherlands, Spain, UK and the U.S. The success wasn't only shared by many radio stations but by the website "Ourstage" for upcoming artists from all genres across the world. Based on fans of the artist voting, Elyse made it to #1 for her song "Nobody Watchin'" in the Country Channel and #1 for her song "What's Stoppin' You" in the Alternative-Country Channel. Some of Elyse’s other accomplishments include opening for Canadian country artist Deric Ruttan at the esteemed Festival of Lights with a crowd of over 10 000 people. From this she was then given the opportunity to be a feature artist in front of her own crowd of 5 000 people. Since then Elyse has been performing throughout Ontario with various radio tours, festivals, jamborees, bars and more. She's also been asked several times to be a guest judge at singing contests across Ontario. This is where she's been able to share her keen ear and natural sense for music in helping upcoming future talent. After all this is where Elyse first got her start at 16 and feels she should give back.

Currently she’s perfecting her skills as a songwriter where she is heading back and forth between Nashville and her home writing towards a new project. She feels that the next album will be able to showcase even more of her many talents and sounds. In the meantime she continues to perform in Toronto at various club and throughout Ontario at festivals, jamborees, concerts, fundraisers and more with her official band "The Elyse Saunders Band" (Dustin Olyan on guitar, Richard Henderson on lap steel guitar, Don Hart on bass and Phil Michael on drums). As well as writing and performing she is regularly working with a team in developing towards a new project. You can expect to see Elyse performing her originals, new and classic country covers as well as some top 40 music with her country flare; she can do a full band or acoustic/piano duo's. From small groups at local bars to thousands of people at festivals, she is excited to do it all. Elyse is no stranger to consistency, hard work and dedication. Along with her unique talent and abilities, Elyse has what it takes to make it in the industry and will only continue to rise to the top!

TO VISIT AND INTERACT:

www.facebook.com/elysesaundersonline
www.myspace.com/elysesaunders
www.ourstage.com/fanclub/elysesaunders
http://www.cmt.ca/Artist/ElyseSaunders

Instrumentation

Varied depending on venue. Elyse can be accompanied acoustically or by piano and can also do a full band.
Dustin Olyan - Guitar
Don Hart - Bass Guitar
Richard Henderson - Lap Steel Guitar
Phil Michael - Drums

Discography

Self Titled Album: Elyse Saunders
-Mama Hates Guitars (3:35)
-Don't Touch me Like That (3:48)
-Bitter Sweet (4:10)
-Long Enough (4:18)
-Army Of Angels (4:03)
-Try It On For Size (4:23)
-Where I've Never Been (3:34)
-Sally's Rockin' Out Tonight (3:11)
-Nobody's Watchin' (3:15)
-Paris Is Burning (3:20)
-Love Re-invented (4:00)
-What's Stoppin' You (3:31)
-More Of That (3:16)

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace

Audio

• Nobody's Watchin'
  Listen  
• More Of That
  Listen  
• Bittersweet
  Listen  
• Mama Hates Guitars
  Listen  
• Paris is Burning
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Mama Hates Guitars
• Don't Touch Me Like That

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Comments from the people Elyse worked with. [+ Show ]
  

  “Upon listening to Elyse's version of our song " Nobody's Watchin’ " I was taken in by the husky sou...“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.
  

• Radio Review 2011 [+ Show ]
  

  "Elyse Saunders is on the road to stardom. She has an unforgettable voice but more importantly she ..."Elyse Saunders is on the road to stardom. She has an unforgettable voice but more importantly
  she has the desire and drive to be the best. Her first CD is catchy and beautifully put together. You
  don't have to be a country fan to enjoy her CD. She's been in the music industry over two years now
  and is only going to get better over time. She's young, beautifu, and extremely talented and the sky
  is the limit for Elyse."
  Nicholas Pescod - Host of Radio Nation

• Album Review / January 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  ELYSE SAUNDERS Elyse Saunders Indie (No Number) Produced by: Cyril Rawson (13 Selections – Playi...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
  

• Saunders' musical journey takes a huge stride [+ Show ]
  

  Date: 2009-01-20 By Paul Rellinger In Cyril Rawson’s opinion, three words sum up the evolution of...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
  

• CD Review / Peterborough This Week [+ Show ]
  

  MUSIC TO THE EARS/CD Review Date: 2009-02-05 Elyse Saunders • Elyse Saunders This debut CD f...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.
  

• CD Review Maverick Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  Hi Elyse I am a big fan of your CD and think it is amazing as are you. So much so that I have pu...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
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• Music City Muse / CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  She certainly won't be a small-town girl for long. Elyse Saunders, a Peterborough, Ontario native, r...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

Setlist

Set can range from 30-90 minutes long.

Performances can be arranged to include all, or any of Elyse's original songs mixed up with a number of top charting covers, although her focus is country she's able to do top 40's too.

Basic Requirements

Calendar