The Sit Down with Elyse Saunders
Canadian country artist Elyse Saunders has quickly become one of the most exciting independent voices in the genre, known for her powerhouse vocals, relatable songwriting and high-energy live performances. Raised in Ontario, and now splitting her time between Canada and Nashville, she has amassed more than five million streams, earned major playlist support, and won Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Ontario Awards. Her music has charted both at home and internationally, with singles like Never Have I Ever breaking into the Canadian Billboard Country Chart and reaching the top ten in Australia. Having performed at major festivals including Boots & Hearts, sharing stages with Thomas Rhett, Terri Clark and Jason Aldean, Elyse continues to expand her global reach. Now, with the release of her bold and empowering new single Rent Free, we sat down with Elyse to find out more.
Hi Elyse. How are you?
Hi Ian, I’m good. How are you?
Good, thank you. And thanks for taking the time.
Thank you as well. I know you’ve been busy, so I appreciate you setting this up and finally making it happen.
How was the show last night?
It was great. It was a beautiful venue and I’d never played there before. It was an all-ladies round, so the vibes were really good.
Was it nice to have a new song to play for everyone too?
It was. My two co-writers were there. Joey was playing guitar for me, which was cool, and Andrea—our other writer—was in the audience with her friends. It was her first cut, so it was a great thing to celebrate.
I guess that doesn’t happen often, having all the writers in the room at the same time?
I know! It was special to be able to present it live so soon after releasing it last Friday. I didn’t even realize the timing when I accepted the date, but it worked out perfectly!
Is it nice to finally have Rent Free in the world?
Definitely. We wrote it almost two years ago, which surprised us—it doesn’t feel that long ago. It’s been a long time coming, and I’ve been excited about it. I actually surprised my co-writers when I told them it was recorded and ready to release. It feels good to put it out. It shows an evolution in me as an artist—more depth and a more grown-up version of myself.
Was there a reason you held onto it for so long, or was it just timing?
Just timing. There were other singles we wanted to release first, and financial timing always plays a role too!
Hi Elyse. How are you?
Hi Ian, I’m good. How are you?
Good, thank you. And thanks for taking the time.
Thank you as well. I know you’ve been busy, so I appreciate you setting this up and finally making it happen.
How was the show last night?
It was great. It was a beautiful venue and I’d never played there before. It was an all-ladies round, so the vibes were really good.
Was it nice to have a new song to play for everyone too?
It was. My two co-writers were there. Joey was playing guitar for me, which was cool, and Andrea—our other writer—was in the audience with her friends. It was her first cut, so it was a great thing to celebrate.
I guess that doesn’t happen often, having all the writers in the room at the same time?
I know! It was special to be able to present it live so soon after releasing it last Friday. I didn’t even realize the timing when I accepted the date, but it worked out perfectly!
Is it nice to finally have Rent Free in the world?
Definitely. We wrote it almost two years ago, which surprised us—it doesn’t feel that long ago. It’s been a long time coming, and I’ve been excited about it. I actually surprised my co-writers when I told them it was recorded and ready to release. It feels good to put it out. It shows an evolution in me as an artist—more depth and a more grown-up version of myself.
Was there a reason you held onto it for so long, or was it just timing?
Just timing. There were other singles we wanted to release first, and financial timing always plays a role too!
It’s already landed some great playlists, which must feel like a bonus.
Definitely. I’ve built good relationships with DSP teams, and they’ve been amazing supporters. It was cool to be a playlist cover artist this time. The track is doing well on Spotify, and Apple Music has always been supportive too. I’ve been doing this for more than ten years, so the last few years of playlist support really feel like a full-circle moment. These are playlists I grew up listening to, so being featured on them is surreal.
Did you know ahead of time that you’d be the playlist cover photo?
They reached out about a week before and asked for a few photos. They told me they’d send the assets, so it all felt pretty casual.
Does it feel too good to be true until you actually see it on release day?
It does. I remember the first time it happened with Apple Music—George called me, and it was a huge moment. Now I’ve had a few, so I sometimes wonder if the well will run dry, but it’s nice they still choose me for covers.
Do you have a bucket list playlist or billboard you want next?
Yes! I’d absolutely love to be on the Amazon Music digital billboard in downtown Toronto. Being a Canadian girl, that would be incredible. I’ve had the Nashville billboard before, but Toronto is definitely a bucket list one.
Would that mean booking a flight home immediately?
Totally! I’d fly back, and we’d all meet downtown Toronto to take photos!
Rent Free is a post-breakup track, but it’s not from personal experience. Was it nice to write this song without it being your own story?
Definitely. I’ve been with my high-school-sweetheart husband for a long time, so I don’t have the wild dating stories some friends do! This one was inspired by a friend's experience with a toxic relationship. Everyone can relate in their own way—whether it’s romantic, business, or a friendship. It’s about hitting your limit, walking away, and realizing the other person is still thinking about you. The phrase “living rent free” is everywhere, so I thought it would make a great title—especially since I haven’t heard it in country music yet.
When a song comes from someone else’s story, do you feel nervous telling them it was inspired by their situation?
A little! I don’t make it fact-for-fact, so it’s not nerve-racking for either of us. It’s inspired, not an exact retelling. As a songwriter, I love drawing inspiration from anything—conversations, lines I overhear, visuals that come to mind. I enjoy building a whole world around each song, even if it’s not fully my story.
Plus, since you’re in a long-term relationship, your husband must be happy when you release the love songs.
Exactly! Then I can say, “This one’s about my husband.” He’s also involved on the business side and helps choose the songs. It’s funny releasing a song like Rent Free about a toxic ex when he’s the one saying, “We need to put this out!”
Definitely. I’ve built good relationships with DSP teams, and they’ve been amazing supporters. It was cool to be a playlist cover artist this time. The track is doing well on Spotify, and Apple Music has always been supportive too. I’ve been doing this for more than ten years, so the last few years of playlist support really feel like a full-circle moment. These are playlists I grew up listening to, so being featured on them is surreal.
Did you know ahead of time that you’d be the playlist cover photo?
They reached out about a week before and asked for a few photos. They told me they’d send the assets, so it all felt pretty casual.
Does it feel too good to be true until you actually see it on release day?
It does. I remember the first time it happened with Apple Music—George called me, and it was a huge moment. Now I’ve had a few, so I sometimes wonder if the well will run dry, but it’s nice they still choose me for covers.
Do you have a bucket list playlist or billboard you want next?
Yes! I’d absolutely love to be on the Amazon Music digital billboard in downtown Toronto. Being a Canadian girl, that would be incredible. I’ve had the Nashville billboard before, but Toronto is definitely a bucket list one.
Would that mean booking a flight home immediately?
Totally! I’d fly back, and we’d all meet downtown Toronto to take photos!
Rent Free is a post-breakup track, but it’s not from personal experience. Was it nice to write this song without it being your own story?
Definitely. I’ve been with my high-school-sweetheart husband for a long time, so I don’t have the wild dating stories some friends do! This one was inspired by a friend's experience with a toxic relationship. Everyone can relate in their own way—whether it’s romantic, business, or a friendship. It’s about hitting your limit, walking away, and realizing the other person is still thinking about you. The phrase “living rent free” is everywhere, so I thought it would make a great title—especially since I haven’t heard it in country music yet.
When a song comes from someone else’s story, do you feel nervous telling them it was inspired by their situation?
A little! I don’t make it fact-for-fact, so it’s not nerve-racking for either of us. It’s inspired, not an exact retelling. As a songwriter, I love drawing inspiration from anything—conversations, lines I overhear, visuals that come to mind. I enjoy building a whole world around each song, even if it’s not fully my story.
Plus, since you’re in a long-term relationship, your husband must be happy when you release the love songs.
Exactly! Then I can say, “This one’s about my husband.” He’s also involved on the business side and helps choose the songs. It’s funny releasing a song like Rent Free about a toxic ex when he’s the one saying, “We need to put this out!”
Your other releases this year also lean toward breakup themes. Was the plan always to drop three tracks across the year?
Yes. I try to release at least three a year. Some artists drop songs every few weeks, but as an independent artist, it makes sense for me to build the world around each track—branding, socials, marketing, playlists, radio. Canada and Australia often run on slightly different timelines, so each song ends up having a long life, which is great. Sometimes a song appears unexpectedly, like Heartbreak Rodeo, and I pivot the plan to fit it in.
As an independent artist, is it important to release on your terms rather than rushing content out?
Absolutely. The life of a song can change based on opportunities that come up, so flexibility is important. You also want to find the right release windows when things aren’t saturated. Distributors often require six weeks’ notice, so once things start rolling, they roll.
Do you ever feel the temptation to release more?
Totally. I’m building my team in Nashville and hoping to eventually align with the right label. That will change how much control I have, but I’m looking forward to building with a team that understands timing and strategy. For now, I’m enjoying the creative freedom.
How long have you been based in Nashville, as we’re starting to notice more Canadian’s, especially the female artists, making the move?
I’ve been going back and forth for more than ten years. I started coming as a teenager for writing trips. I built my career and resume in Canada, then applied for the O-1 visa so I could stay longer. There’s so much room for growth in the U.S., and it’s exciting to see Canadian artists—especially women—being taken seriously here. When I first came to Nashville there wasn't as many Canadians and as a teen just starting out, it was kind of like “Oh you're from Canada, that's so nice,” but now the Canadians are being taken in a serious way which is cool. I think the females have had to work really hard and we're always looking for new opportunities. It is a market that's saturated by male country, and I think the females have proven that we have to sometimes work the hardest. Nashville gives us that opportunity to keep connecting with like-minded people and stretch our wings a little. But I’ll always go home for festival season.
And CMA Ontario hasn’t forgotten you—you had four nominations this year and won Video of the Year. Is that still important to you?
Absolutely. They’ve been a huge part of my story. I've been on the other side of the audience, growing up in the industry and then to have them really back me in such a big way now in my career is something you can't forget about. All of these things do add up and it makes a difference in an artist's career to be able to put that in the resume. It's also a good feeling just to know I'm connecting with people and they're connecting with my music - I must be doing something right! They were one of the very first for sure to recognise me and you don't forget that. Female Artist of the Year was one of my earliest wins, and that meant everything because Ontario has so many incredible artists. It’s amazing to be voted by my peers and fans.
Yes. I try to release at least three a year. Some artists drop songs every few weeks, but as an independent artist, it makes sense for me to build the world around each track—branding, socials, marketing, playlists, radio. Canada and Australia often run on slightly different timelines, so each song ends up having a long life, which is great. Sometimes a song appears unexpectedly, like Heartbreak Rodeo, and I pivot the plan to fit it in.
As an independent artist, is it important to release on your terms rather than rushing content out?
Absolutely. The life of a song can change based on opportunities that come up, so flexibility is important. You also want to find the right release windows when things aren’t saturated. Distributors often require six weeks’ notice, so once things start rolling, they roll.
Do you ever feel the temptation to release more?
Totally. I’m building my team in Nashville and hoping to eventually align with the right label. That will change how much control I have, but I’m looking forward to building with a team that understands timing and strategy. For now, I’m enjoying the creative freedom.
How long have you been based in Nashville, as we’re starting to notice more Canadian’s, especially the female artists, making the move?
I’ve been going back and forth for more than ten years. I started coming as a teenager for writing trips. I built my career and resume in Canada, then applied for the O-1 visa so I could stay longer. There’s so much room for growth in the U.S., and it’s exciting to see Canadian artists—especially women—being taken seriously here. When I first came to Nashville there wasn't as many Canadians and as a teen just starting out, it was kind of like “Oh you're from Canada, that's so nice,” but now the Canadians are being taken in a serious way which is cool. I think the females have had to work really hard and we're always looking for new opportunities. It is a market that's saturated by male country, and I think the females have proven that we have to sometimes work the hardest. Nashville gives us that opportunity to keep connecting with like-minded people and stretch our wings a little. But I’ll always go home for festival season.
And CMA Ontario hasn’t forgotten you—you had four nominations this year and won Video of the Year. Is that still important to you?
Absolutely. They’ve been a huge part of my story. I've been on the other side of the audience, growing up in the industry and then to have them really back me in such a big way now in my career is something you can't forget about. All of these things do add up and it makes a difference in an artist's career to be able to put that in the resume. It's also a good feeling just to know I'm connecting with people and they're connecting with my music - I must be doing something right! They were one of the very first for sure to recognise me and you don't forget that. Female Artist of the Year was one of my earliest wins, and that meant everything because Ontario has so many incredible artists. It’s amazing to be voted by my peers and fans.
You’ve also been gaining traction in Australia. Was that planned, or did the music just take off there?
I’ve always pictured my music going to Australia. With Never Have I Ever, it became my first top-30 Canadian hit, so we said, “Let’s try Australia.” My team there did an amazing job — it went to number six. Since then, every release there has charted. I’ve built a little music family and now we’re planning when I can get over there for festivals and a tour.
It’s not the easiest place to get to from Nashville!
I’ve heard all the tricks—fly to New Zealand first, then Australia. It’ll definitely be a long trip.
Is Europe also on your radar?
Definitely. Through CCMA, I had one-to-one meetings with UK industry early this year. The opportunities, festivals, and country fans there are amazing. Everyone said I’d do great, so I’m excited. First Australia, then Europe.
Better get the passports ready.
I’m ready! I might be exhausted with all the time zones, but I’m ready.
Take three or four weeks — Australia, New Zealand, then come back via us!
That would be amazing!
Thank you so much, Elyse. Congratulations again on the release of Rent Free.
Thank you, Ian! I appreciate you making this happen. I’m excited to get my name out more in the UK, and thank you for helping me do that.
We can manifest a UK tour, don’t worry.
Yes — we’ll do it together.
I’ve always pictured my music going to Australia. With Never Have I Ever, it became my first top-30 Canadian hit, so we said, “Let’s try Australia.” My team there did an amazing job — it went to number six. Since then, every release there has charted. I’ve built a little music family and now we’re planning when I can get over there for festivals and a tour.
It’s not the easiest place to get to from Nashville!
I’ve heard all the tricks—fly to New Zealand first, then Australia. It’ll definitely be a long trip.
Is Europe also on your radar?
Definitely. Through CCMA, I had one-to-one meetings with UK industry early this year. The opportunities, festivals, and country fans there are amazing. Everyone said I’d do great, so I’m excited. First Australia, then Europe.
Better get the passports ready.
I’m ready! I might be exhausted with all the time zones, but I’m ready.
Take three or four weeks — Australia, New Zealand, then come back via us!
That would be amazing!
Thank you so much, Elyse. Congratulations again on the release of Rent Free.
Thank you, Ian! I appreciate you making this happen. I’m excited to get my name out more in the UK, and thank you for helping me do that.
We can manifest a UK tour, don’t worry.
Yes — we’ll do it together.
