Article - Peterborough This week
January 2009
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Saunders' musical journey takes a huge stride Paul Rellinger/Peterborough This Week 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 Lights 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 performance persona. “I really want to get out there...that’s really going to be a focus.” |