To neatly squeeze Sanden into one specific category would not do this San Luis Obispo based singer-songwriter justice. One part Brandon Flowers of The Killers, one part Jason Mraz, with the controlled intensity of Ian Astbury of the Cult, Sanden has gained a reputation for putting on solid performances in the local circuit.

With subtle ballads like “Abandoned Desire,” and “End of Me”…Sanden swoons with effortless melancholy, flexing his vocal control honed under the tutelage of vocal coach Rosalind Crew.

Clever wordplay layered over rhythmic pounding of the acoustic guitar, frame the arc of the self-loathing, “Perfect Storm.”

“We are a flaming disaster, we are a stunning catastrophe,…together we, create a perfect storm.”

‘Nuff said.
 
Don’t let Sanden’s clean cut image fool you, lab rat by day, he puts on a different face when he takes the stage, displaying the chops of a songwriter intent on making a name for himself.

He took first place honors at the “2010 Central Coast Songwriter Contest,” held at the Clubhouse at This Old House in San Luis Obispo, besting a field of twelve performers to take the overall award for performance and songwriting. Sanden also tied for first place at the “Last Stage West Valentine’s Day Songwriter Contest,” held at the Last Stage West in Atascadero, a local gathering place for songwriters in the area.

At the urging of fans and promoters, Sanden built his home studio to cut his debut demo/EP, Into the Unknown. Calling on his collaborator and lead guitarist, Jose Espinoza, Sanden recorded six of his original songs.

This initial offering features the aforementioned songs, including the dark and aching “Medicated Brain,” an edge-of-knife tale of personal exodus from a bad relationship – something we can all relate to! Close your eyes and you will hear the sounds of human ships crashing in the night. Rounding out the EP is the track “Dancing on the Road,” a yearning look at life through the eyes of a musician, whose wanderlust carries him away from the one he loves.

Sanden is busy gigging in support of the EP, which is available for purchase online and at upcoming show dates. For those lucky enough to see him live, it will be a night to remember, courtesy of this enigmatic songwriter.

Host of the Central Coast Singer/Songwriter Showcases
- Casey McDonald