Realize Records has inked a deal with singer/songwriter Michelle Carter-Leis. Michelle Carter Carter-Leis, a Vancouver, BC native, was discovered via Sonicbids in early 2009.
“I am so excited about working with this amazing team at Realize Records. Every person I’ve met and worked with so far has been truly wonderful, kind, professional, and committed to creating great music.” The musical sound of Michelle Carter-Leis can best be described as sultry modern pop with nuances of contemporary Jazz. Michelle’s bold charismatic performance is carried by a base of clean vocals with soaring angelic notes. Her powerful tone balances between soulful highs and melodic lows that permeate to the core of human experience. The rare purity of her voice ignites a sense of romantic idealism.
Carter-Leis’ musical journey began as a young child, taking an interest in singing as early as age 3. She started her classical training at age 11 and continued until age 20. Carter-Leis attended Douglas College and studied privately at University of British Colombia with renowned opera teacher David Meek. Carter-Leis was selected to attend the Banff Center of the Arts voice intensive with Richard Armstrong in Alberta. Michelle states, “That workshop was influential in my transition from opera and classical music to writing my own music. The transition from student to artist was easy because I had always written my own songs as well throughout my studies.” In 1999 Michelle auditioned for a new House/Ambient ensemble that became known as Mercury Sound Cartel. She performed and wrote with them for the next six years, leading to repeat song inclusion on the hit show “The L Word”, as well as licensed songs for film and commercials. After the band disbanded Carter-Leis went solo and independently released her debut CD “Glass” in 2005. That recording led to performances at high profile venues in Los Angeles, Winterfolk V, New Music West festival and opening slots for such acts as Lucas Rossi and Trulio Disgracious.
Michelle Carter-Leis is scheduled to enter the studio in 2009 to record her debut CD with Realize Records. A&R rep Erica Scott states, “I think Michelle Carter-Leis is the perfect addition to the Realize Records label. She is a lovely person with an extraordinary depth of talent and an amazing sense of what works. She expresses herself freely in a fun refreshing way and always has an interesting story to share.”
