Presented in partnership with Mississauga Music and Modern Mississauga Media.

In conversation with Mississauga’s own Elyse Saunders, a multi award winning country artist with an impressive catalog of standout country tunes. She has carved her path with powerhouse vocals, memorable live shows, undeniable drive and impressive songwriting abilities. 
In June 2024, she earned the Female Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards!

Rob Aguiar - Elyse, thank you so much for taking some time to share a little glimpse into your heart as a singer songwriter. I’m excited to get to pick your brain about lyrics, songwriting, and your journey as a whole.

Elyse Saunders - I really appreciate you reaching out, Rob! I love how you’re shedding light on the artist's journey and songwriting. Happy to chat!

RA - Watching you perform live, I love how much fun you have on stage and how that energy resonates through the audience. When you’re writing a song, are you already considering how it will translate to a live setting? 

ES - I definitely think about how my songs will translate to the live show. I’ve spent many years performing on all types of stages in all kinds of settings throughout my artist journey, and it’s always been important to me that I create shows that give people an experience! It’s about creating moments that help a song to shine and make it memorable for the audience. 

RA - People have really connected with your recent single, NEVER HAVE I EVER. It is getting a lot of attention not only locally, but across Canada, and even as far out as Australia. How do you find a balance between writing songs that resonate with a wider audience while staying true to your artistic vision?

ES - During my cover band era, I studied a lot of songs from some of my favorite artists and by memorizing their lyrics, I learned how they would share a message in a relatable, universal way.  It inspired the way I approach my story telling and ultimately for me, it’s about sharing a story that needs to be heard but in a way that’s easy to digest and hook onto. I love the challenge of crafting words and melodies that are true to me but also hopefully memorable for the listener. I’m so appreciative that people are really connecting to my current radio single “Never Have I Ever,” and if I can continue to put out music that makes a positive impact and helps people in some way, I’m so happy!

RA - As CMAOntario’s Female Artist of the Year, what did it mean to you to be able to celebrate your accomplishments right here in Mississauga? 

ES - It’s honestly a full circle, pinch me moment to not only win one of the biggest honors of Female Artist of the Year but because CMAOntario awards were hosted in my hometown, the place where a big part of my musical journey began! When the Mississauga music community took me under their wing so early on in my artistry, it helped to shape me into the person and artist I am today and now at this exciting time in my professional career, it feels like I get to represent that with this award. 

I was excited to close the show for “Sauga Sunday” at Celebration Square and then be back to perform on the award show stage at the Living Arts Centre. Being a part of these moments, in my hometown, mean a lot.

We also have such a strong music support scene here, so I’m happy that other people got to see what music in this city is all about!

RA - You have recently signed a songwriting publishing deal that includes songs you write for other artists’ projects outside of your genre. How do you generally approach songwriting?

ES - I usually like to start with a title, a story and a melody. Once I have those, I start to build the structure of the song so that they can all fit together. Sometimes that means I start with a chorus, so that it has the main foundation but other times I can start with a verse, it really depends on what’s best for the song at that moment. I also try to get into a state of flow and be less rigid about trying to make something fit when it may not be working. If it’s not entirely 100% accurate to my story, that’s okay, as long as it’s still authentic, true to me and captures the message. 

RA - I appreciate the vulnerability brought to a song by the artist but also the vulnerability experienced by the listener. Have you ever found yourself surprised by the emotional impact your music has had on others? 

ES - It’s always an amazing feeling when people share what their take is on a song and how it connects with their story. We’re all people and go through a lot of similar experiences and to know I can be a voice for someone and their story or encourage or help to uplift someone is what this is all about. We’re in this together and I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do!

RA - You just released your brand new song, “Dirt”, what’s this song all about?

ES - Yes I did! I’m so excited to finally share my new song, “Dirt” with the world. I wrote this song with my friends David Madras and Sam Davs. We’ve all been on the right and wrong side of the gossip train and the song paints a picture of funny small town rumors. Anyone that knows my music catalog of past releases knows that I enjoy writing songs with a good double entendre. This song reminds us that no matter how pretty our lives might look on the outside, we all have our own dirt to deal with. It was therapeutic to write about this topic in such a fun way! “Dirt” will go to Canadian radio this summer. I’m excited for people to connect with it.  

RA - How do you see the rest of the year playing out for you and your journey, both here in Canada and abroad?  

ES - We have a bunch of shows in the works for festival season and more music coming down the pipeline. I’m looking forward to expanding on what’s happening in Australia and to take this journey as far as I can take it!

RA - Elyse, you’re definitely enjoying the ride and I wish you continued success! Having the opportunity to connect with you and add your heart to this series has been a true honour for me. Thank you so much!

ES - THANK YOU Rob! Thanks to anyone that’s taken the time to read about my musical journey, I hope you’ll join me online, I’m on all of the platforms, reach out! You can also see where I’ll be this summer at elysesaunders.com. Hope to see you on the road this summer!

elysesaunders.com