biography

Shelly's songs captivate; a blend of country, pop and rock inspired by great songwriters such as Jimmy Webb, Randy Newman, Carole King and Beth-Nielsen-Chapman. Musically, vocally, eclectically, she is in the middle of where Norah Jones meets Kelly Clarkson. Comparative to female singer-songwriters like Paula Cole, Chantal Kreviazuk, Jewel, Vonda Shepard and Sarah McLachlan her songs are powerful and emotive, they will leave you wanting more. 

Shelly has always been a singer, recording vocals as a freelance session singer with various bands, studio sessions and in shows.  She had only had one dream which was to sing, in any capacity.  "From a very early age I discovered the voice of Linda Ronstadt" she says"I can honestly say that if I had to name one person that made me want to get on stage and do nothing but stand there and sing it's Linda.  Some of my fondest childhood memories are taking out my parent's old records placing them on the turntable and sitting for hours with headphones just listening to her over and over, studying her intonation."  Vocally she is Shelly's ultimate idol.  "She has an incredibly powerful voice, with crystal-like clarity, yet such a rich tone at the same time." 

First and foremost Shelly was always a vocalist and song writing was never a priority.  Born in Johannesburg , South Africa and growing up in rural Staffordshire, from an early age Shelly started working through the ABRSM syllabus in singing and piano. She has a wide interest in the arts; she trained in ballet and studied Performing Arts. Shelly continued to advance her studies and obtained a BA (Hons) in Music and Popular Music, whilst simultaneously working in a popular music duo. Shelly trained in both classical and contemporary music singing in small chamber ensembles and larger classical choirs.  The idea of going out performing as a singer/songwriter had not really crossed  her mind until she had the opportunity to write songs for a country compilation album for a small independent label.  Unfortunately the album never got to release, but it gave her the confidence to put the songs out there for public opinion.  In 2007 she entered "Love's Not All There Is To It" into the BBC New Talent for songwriters competition and got through in which she was one of only 60 participants across the UK to attend a weekend of collaborative song writing with highly acclaimed songwriters and producers.  After a good response to her music in a singing competition in the UK, Shelly decided a change of scenery was what she needed to kick start her launch into writing and recording her own material. 

In August 2008 she arrived in Toronto , Canada to record her debut, a 6-song EP.  She recorded "Change" the EP at Greenpail Studios with Inside Music.  In October of 2009 she was nominated by The Independent Singer-Songwriter Awards for two awards: Best New Artist and Best Adult Contemporary Song for "Love's Not All There Is To It". She also got an honourable mention in the 2008 Unisong Songwriting Competition.  

Change is for everyone, starting out as a collection of small lyrical ideas, a song with tempo changes and the shifting of mood and pace in the chorus "Change" stands out as the wonderful title track of this pensive EP.  The "Change" EP features a brand new version of "Love's Not All There Is To It" as well as four other full band produced tracks and a beautiful acoustic arrangement of "Let Me Be the One". With each play you'll hear: the maturity of Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan, the loveliness of Jewel and a dash of Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell.  You'll be singing these uplifting and catchy melodies after the first play, every moment in every song was constructed through a life experience.