Elyse Saunders was born and raised in Peterborough, and has spent years building a career that now stretches from her hometown roots to Nashville. A multi-time CMAOntario Award winner, Saunders has earned millions of streams, charted at Canadian country radio and developed a reputation as both a strong live performer and accomplished songwriter. Her music blends modern country production with the storytelling and energy of the genre’s ’90s influences, while songs like “Never Have I Ever,” “Mending Heart,” “Heartbreak Rodeo” and “Cowboy Up” have helped introduce her to a growing audience in Canada and beyond. Her latest chapter includes a move to Nashville, new music and her Cowboy Up Tour, which brings her back home to the Venue in Peterborough on October 9th. In this interview, Matty Buller talks with Elyse about her journey from playing local stages as a teenager to building a full-time career in country music, life and songwriting in Nashville, the story behind “Cowboy Up,” and what’s next.
