Meet Starr Saunders
If you're around the San Francisco Bay Area- be sure to stop by the WCS Songwriter Competitions in San Francisco at Cafe Royal. Or, perhaps register for The San Francisco Song Screenings which are managed by Starr Saunders. Starr spends countless hours putting together an inspiring and exciting program for WCS Members who wish to have songs critiqued by industry guests.
Meet Starr Saunders!
How did you get your start?
I fell in love with performing and musical theater when I was in high school and went to college in LA to pursue an acting career. While I was pursuing acting a friend of mine heard me singing along to the radio in the car and said that I had a really solid voice and encouraged me to do a demo. With a “why not?” attitude, I started recording cover songs, which lead me to writing my own music. After I wrote my first song, I felt like my brain was just put together like a puzzle and everything felt like it fit for the first time. Music and songwriting completely took over my focus.
Who are your major influences?
John Mayer is huge musical influence on me. There is not one song that he has written that I do not connect with and relate to. He is also such a strong musician. Rachael Yamagata - this woman sings one word and she owns you. Imogen Heap - her freedom on her music is bliss. Others include: Bonnie Raitt, Linda Perry, Elton John, Carole King, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Areosmith, U2, Radiohead, Sheryl Crow and the list goes on...
What sparks your passion to write?
Writing songs is an uncontainable compulsion for me. When a song is coming out, it takes precedence over everything I am doing at that moment and finds it’s way out of me, either on a piece of paper, a recording device or by calling myself and leaving a message on my voice-mail with melody and lyric ideas. The inspiration to write truly is sparked by life and all that surrounds my experiences and me. Songwriting heals me and is the way I figure things out.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
John Mayer hands down!
Where do you find the best place to write your songs, at home, restaurant, coffee house etc…?
Honestly, anywhere I have a piece of paper or a recording device to remember my melodies. Though, the place I seem to be the most comfortable is when I am alone at home in my living room or bedroom.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself touring and playing shows all over as well as placing music on the radio and in Film and Television. I also see myself continuing to collaborate and writing for other artists. I adore collaborating and changing it up. I always want to be growing and learning.
What made you join WCS?
I took some detours and stopped writing for a couple years. After experiencing what can only be described as an "emotional exorcism" and realizing that I could not live without songwriting, I jumped right back in! I had heard of WCS through my dad and I wanted to find a community of like-minded artists and opportunities. WCS is and has been just that for me.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel really grateful to be a part of WCS and to be a musician. I’ve met so many amazing people because of WCS and have and continue to be
inspired on so many levels!! To anyone with a dream/goal let yourself take the leap and you will fly!
