Carrie Elizabeth Welling was born in Maryland and has lived the life of a “rolling stone” ever since! Raised on an air-base in Germany, Carrie and her large family have always been on the go. She’s lived in many states, but ended up in Colorado Springs, CO, where she attended high school. All her life Carrie’s been winning hearts with her sparkling personality and bubbly spirit, but also because of her unique talent as an actress and singer at a young age. Carrie performed throughout her attendance at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, but really hit her artistic stride when she was accepted into The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. There, she studied Musical Theater and was afforded limitless opportunities and exposure to the “who’s-who” of the dramatic arts. With a plan to audition for New York City’s Broadway and commercial advertising, Carrie graduated from AMDA in 2004 and was immediately offered a position as a performer on The Royal Carribbean Cruise Line. However, at the same time, she’d also been chosen as a member of a female three-part harmony trio—her choice was to stay in NYC and start her career as a member of “The Shells!” Four years later, Carrie has continued to shine as a performer with The Shells. Her dazzling smile and warm stage presence along with her uncanny ability to relate to the audience with her straight forward songs from the heart have won over fans in all walks of life. Not to mention she has vocal cords to rival Christina Aguilera’s! Carrie hopes to one day play acoustic guitar for “The Shells” full-time and continues to enhance the band with her unique style, presence, and determination to succeed as a band on the Billboard charts! Carrie’s song-writing style stretches from ballad to pop-rock, such as the title “Would You Say” on The Shells debut album Written Roads. Carrie’s always down for a good laugh and can appreciate all degrees of humor, so make sure you have a joke or your favorite Will Ferrell line ready when you’re saying hello at the next show!

 

Melanie Renae Klaja hails from Buffalo, New York and has been performing in theatre and as a singer/songwriter since a young age. As a youngster in Buffalo, Mel started out performing where most aspiring artists do…in front of a home video camera in her living room! Always the center of attention, and with obvious talent at such a young age, she started participating in numerous talent shows, singing competitions, and theater groups. With a reputation as “Most School Spirited,” Melanie was always in the spotlight playing lead roles in each of her High School musicals, as well as her college theatre productions, including her roles as: “Miss Adelaide” in Guys & Dolls & “Audrey” in Little Shop of Horrors. Melanie graduated from the University of SUNY-New Paltz in 2003 with a BA in Theater Arts. After moving to New York City in 2005 to pursue her career in Theater, she stumbled upon an audition for a female three-part harmony group for which she was chosen as one of the members. After 4 years of hard-work and determination, “The Shells” were born and have since grown into a dynamic and progressive music group. Melanie is an acoustic guitarist for “The Shells” and is known for her emotional stage presence, powerhouse voice and her knack for writing catchy ballads. She was the primary writer of “The Shells’” hopeful hit song, “Wrong From the Start” which will be included on their debut album, Written Roads. Whether she’s on-the-go working and singing about town or spitting out the occasional rap—she has mad rhyming skills!—Melanie’s passion as a song-writer and performer never ceases to “wow” her audiences. She’s an Aries, and one hot-tamale, so be sure to spice up your life and say hello next time you’re at a show!

 

Jessica Rae Waltz split her childhood between the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA and Nashville, TN. With roots in Music City, she has always been a performer whether it be with her church worship team, middle/high school & college choruses, or theater companies. She played “Cinderella” in Brentwood High School’s musical of it’s title role. After graduating at the top of her class from BHS, Jessi attended Rutgers University. There, she acted as co-director for a cappella group, Deep Treble, was president of the University Choir and sang with the Kirkpatrick Choir at Carnegie Hall. With a focus on pre-medicine, she majored in Genetics and Music with a desire to head on to medical school. However, after moving to New York City, she became refocused as to her goals as a performer, and in 2006 joined as the third member of “The Shells.” Known for her crystal-clear voice and unique style, Jessi has an ability to draw in audiences with her soulful performance. Her song-writing style is diverse, ranging from pop ditty’s like “Change” to ballads like “Learn to Let Go”. Both will be included on “The Shells’” debut album, Written Roads. With a combination of lyrics both simple and complex, Jessi’s songs are reflective and honest, appreciated by listeners of all kinds. Jessi is a pianist and hopes to one day accompany the group on keys, but until then she continues to study guitar and has recently picked up harmonica as her newest ambition… She is the youngest member of the group, but is considered an old-soul by her band mates and close friends. Shy at first, Jessi loves to laugh and get silly, so the next time you see her, be sure to give her a high-five…if you can reach as high as her arms stretch…she’s 5’ 10”, people!!