The Shells, an aspiring female trio based in New York City, are set to launch their debut album Written Roads, with a release party at New York City’s Canal Room on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 8pm. Written Roads is comprised of deeply personal and honest tracks that appeal to audiences from all walks of life.

The Shells consist of three artists: Carrie Welling from Colorado Springs, CO, Melanie Klaja from Buffalo, NY and Jessi Rae Waltz from Nashville, TN. Written Roads was skillfully produced and mixed by Ryan Williams of Europa Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, who has engineered for other major artists such as Linkin Park.

Each member of the trio had her hand in writing a different track on the album, unveiling an intimate story about different aspects of each artist. All three women met in New York City in 2005, collaborating, performing and evolving into an original pop/rock trio in a genre they call "cosmo-country." As they describe in their blog, "[Cosmo-country is] city country, it's soft yet strong, it's edgy and rootsy...it's THE SHELLS!"

As The Shells approach their 3rd anniversary together, the three artists are ecstatic to move forward with their musical aspirations. The Shells and their band have performed for audiences in renowned venues and festivals such as The Knitting Factory, National Underground, The Bitter End, The Living Room, Arlene's Grocery, Pianos, Fest Evolve, and the Clinton Art & Music Festival. The Shells perform original acoustic-based music in a style that can be described as a modern-day Crosby, Stills, and Nash meets Indigo girls meets Dixie Chicks.

Carrie Elizabeth Welling was born to a large family that was nothing short of nomadic. Maryland-born but spending her formative years on an airbase in Germany, Carrie and her family moved frequently until finally settling in Colorado Springs, CO in time for her to start high school. Carrie developed and nurtured a unique talent as an actress and singer, performing throughout her time at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Colorado. Her talents took her to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, where she studied Musical Theater.  Originally planning to audition for New York's Broadway and commercial advertising, Carrie immediately offered a position as a performer on The Royal Carribbean Cruise Line upon graduation. However, at the same time, she was also chosen as a member of a female three-part harmony trio. She chose to stay in NYC and start her career as a member of The Shells and hasn’t looked back since!  With her vocal abilities being compared to those of Christina Aguilera's, Carrie not only impresses on stage but in person as well.  Her versatile writing style ranges from pop-rock anthems to ballads, such as the song "Would You Say" on The Shells' debut album Written Roads. Being the well-rounded musician that she is, Carrie adds a little bit of everything to The Shells' distinctive sound.

Splitting her childhood between the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA and the music hub of Nashville, TN, Jessica Rae Waltz was a natural performer from a young age, whether it was with her church worship team, various school choruses, or theater companies. At Rutgers University, Jessica filled her time with any singing/performing opportunities possible, acting as co-director for the cappella group Deep Treble, serving as president of the University Choir, and singing with the Kirkpatrick Choir at Carnegie Hall. She graduated from Rutgers with majors in genetics and music and intended to attend medical school, a plan which changed when Jessica moved to New York. Deciding instead to pursue a performance career, Jessica joined The Shells in 2006 to round out the trio with her crystal-clear voice and versatile songwriting skills. Her songs range from pop ditties like "Change" to ballads like "Learn to Let Go," both of which will be included on The Shells' debut album, Written Roads. Jessica plays the piano, guitar, and harmonica and her reflective and honest songs are an engaging combination of the simple and complex. Although considered an "old soul" by her band mates, Jessica is the youngest of the trio and also the tallest member - she's 5'10"!

Melanie Renae Klaja first showcased her skills in the performing arts for her family in the living room of her Buffalo, NY home as a small child. Ever since then Melanie has been on the fast-track to stardom. With an insatiable appetite for the arts and an obvious talent at a young age, Melanie participated in numerous talent shows, singing competitions, and theater groups throughout her career as a student. She also landed starring roles in her high school and college musical productions. Melanie graduated from SUNY-New Paltz in 2003 with a BA in Theater Arts, which she planned on using when moving to New York City in 2005. Fortunately for Melanie, she stumbled upon an audition for a three-part harmony group and nabbed one of the coveted spots. Ever since then she has devoted herself to building The Shells with her powerhouse voice, emotional stage presence and her knack for writing catchy ballads. Melanie’s songs include, "Wrong From the Start" which will be included on the The Shells debut album, Written Roads. Melanie’s passion as a song-writer and performer never ceases to "wow" her audiences.