2013 is unquestionably the year of the producer/ song writer. Many producers chose to stay behind the scenes and not mention their name on the records; others such as Rodney Jerkins (Brandy), Bangladesh (Lil’ Wayne), and Mike Will (Juicy J, Kelly Rowland) have stamped their signature on their songs by announcing their names somewhere in the lyrics. Perhaps some like to show their talent to the world like Kanye West, Neo and R-Kelly.
Anthony Saunders, a singer, producer and songwriter has done it all. As this year, pure music connoisseur’s will be hearing or reading more of the producer/songwriter as he has earned his credibility working with many heavy hitters in the industry i.e. Justin Bieber, Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business soundtrack, Joe and he has introduced songs to Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson.
On Justin Bieber’s most recent album’s Saunders has co-wrote two songs on the album Believe, “Fairytale” which features Jaden Smith as a bonus track, and “Just Like Them”, a bonus track on the deluxe Japanese edition of Believe. A humble native of Kansas City, born into a family of singers and musicians, he has been blessed to see his name in the spotlight just as the many producers that are mentioned above.
Examiner: You are so proud of your city? How did growing up in Kansas City affect your music, what is the culture of music like in your hometown?
Saunders: Kansas City is amazing musically; there are all different walks of life, it is very diverse genre of music, jazz, soul and rock music that one can listen to at the local clubs. Kansas City is a great place to be, when you are from Kansas City, whatever you do; you are the best at it. Janelle Monae is the epitome of the talent that comes out of Kansas City.
Examiner: I never knew Janelle Monae was from Kansas City?
Saunders: Yes she is. We graduated from the same high school, SL Schlagle.
Examiner: That is a great example of the talent that comes out of Kansas City!
Examiner: Do you aspire to be a singer or do you consider yourself to be a songwriter in totality?
Saunders: I come from a musically inclined family in the church they all play instruments and sing, my father has 11 brothers and sisters, which play instruments and sing. So quite naturally I wanted to be a singer, until the age of 16, around the age of 17 and 18 I realized I wanted to write songs as well.
Examiner: Have you ever considered auditioning for a reality T.V show?
Saunders: In 2007, I made it to American Idol, it was the 2008 airing, the year David Cook won. I made it very far, but was cut. I learned a lot of that experience, and wanted to continue to produce and write for other artist.
Examiner: Why do you feel that you didn’t make it to the final round of American Idol? What did you learn from the American Idol experience?
Saunders: They knew what they wanted and what they were looking for. There were many valuable lessons learned, you take what you can from it, strive and move on.
Examiner: Who do you look up to in the industry?
Saunders: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jimmy Jam, Damon Thomas from the Underdogs from Kansas City.
Examiner: What did you learn from working with a mega pop-star such as Justin Bieber?
Saunders: I worked with the biggest of the biggest machines working on projects for Justin Bieber. You learn how to handle a superstar that big, to see the works behind the production and the budgeting are amazing.
Examiner: Let’s go back a moment, how did you even get introduced to Justin Bieber?
Saunders: A friend Benard Harvey, plays in Justin Bieber’s band. He heard some of my songs and thought that Justin Bieber would be interested in them. He let Justin Bieber listen to the tracks, from there they flew me to Atlanta to work on music with Bieber’s and his team. I met a lot of amazing people.
Examiner: Would you consider writing for a gospel artist?
Saunders: Yes. I can write anything.
Examiner: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Saunders: The publishing company that I write for has me writing a lot, I am always in and out of L.A, and thus I can truly say that 2013 and 2014 are going to be great for me.
Examiner: Where can you be reached at?
Saunders: On Twitter @ LeFrance83.
Listen to this great track "Come Home" by Anthony Saunders!
Be Blessed!
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