Toronto, ON-based country-pop recording artist, Elyse Saunders has just released a video for her newest single, “Free”. “Free” was co-written by Saunders and Shawn Moore and is her debut collaboration with acclaimed producer, Dan Swinimer. An upbeat country song that blends electronic-pop elements and an acoustically driven rhythm with soaring vocals, the summertime story at the heart of the song carries a deeper message for the Peterborough, Ontario native.
“I believe there’s something really beautiful about celebrating life and just taking in the moment. ‘Free’ takes me back to simpler times when I was younger and there were less responsibilities. It’s when a day at the beach enjoying the sunset and watching fireworks was really important to me. I’ve come to learn that it’s these experiences with the people in my life that matter. It’s important to slow down and soak in these quality moments. We need to make time to be free and this single is a reminder of that.”
“Free” is also the first in an exciting wave of new music from Saunders through her new collaborations with Swinimer, as well as with co-producers Paul Shatto and David Wills (The Higgins, Robyn & Ryleigh). All part of her planned album – also called “Free” – these songs will capture her artistic freedom and authentic ability to explore different sectors of the commercial country universe.
With live shows on hold due to COVID-19 concerns, Elyse is supporting the release of “Free” with a weekly vlog series on YouTube and connecting with her fans in real-time through regular Facebook Live chats.
Saunders says,
“We all have a place in our hearts and minds where we feel free and liberated. I want people to hear this song and be reminded of those moments that take us there and to never lose them. Life can be confusing – especially right now – which makes it even more important to slow down and enjoy quality moments. Keep that high alive!”
Check out the video below and find out more about Elyse via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! My name is Elyse Saunders and I’m a country recording artist and singer/songwriter. I’m originally from Peterborough, Ontario, but I now live in the Toronto area, hustling and bustling. I love hopping up on stage and playing live. Making my songs come alive in the studio is fun, too! I just released my summer anthem “Free” with more new music coming soon!
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I love to write songs that share real stories that are either based on my own experiences or those of the people around me.
My music has evolved throughout my career and it feels like I’ve reached a point where I’m free to express, expand and push the boundaries of my sound and career a little bit.
“Free” is the first single from my new set of material and it is a fun introduction to who I am as an artist right now. I have a commercial country-pop sound and lyrical content that always provides listeners with a message even if it’s just a quick sum up in the bridge. My favourite thing to do is paint pictures with my lyrics, so that my listeners can visualize the song in their minds.
My writing style is usually crafted by starting off with an interesting title, a personable storyline and a country/pop melody that is authentically my own. From there, I like to really play with those sensory lyrics. Ultimately, I like to give my listeners songs that they can relate to!
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
With this whole pandemic thing, I’ve lost out on a bunch of shows this year, just like my many peers in the music industry. It’s been really tough on the music community and I hope that we will be back up and running again soon.
In the meantime, it’s been great to see how many people are into the virtual live shows going on through multiple online platforms. I recently had a writers round-style show with Chris Labelle, Kris Barclay, and Alexis Taylor for “In The Country with Dave Woods”. My typical set-up for that is just acoustic. It’s always fun to share the stories behind the songs.
As for full band shows – my favourite way to perform is when I can make it happen on a stage with my full band! Being an entertainer with the whole production is a big part of who I am! When I can have that big show, I feel right at home!
I’ve been told that my live show can described as upbeat, engaging, inclusive and inspiring! I hope that with every live show, I can make people feel happy or inspired and no matter what they’ve got going on in their lives, they’re always welcome in my audience!
I do have a drive in show coming up in August… stay tuned for details!
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Well, that’s a toughie! I’m so proud of my recent release “Free”, as it really represents where I am right now. I also had the good fortune to work with the uber talented Dan Swinimer on this track and he blew it out of the water, so there’s that! It’s reached over 300,000 streams on Apple Music, so I figure if those people have been enjoying it so much, then maybe a new listener would, too!
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
And I absolutely love that about you all!! Thank you for all of your support for our Canadian talent. I’m impressed by so many like Meghan Patrick, Tenille Townes, Lindsay Ell, Brett Kissel, Dallas Smith, and the James Barker Band. It’s hard to just choose a few! We’re kicking butt out there.
Connect with Elyse Saunders:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram