Michelle Carter-Leis

In late spring of 2009, Canadian singer/songwriter Michelle Carter-Leis caught the attention of independent record label Realize Records. Several calls and emails later, the label signed Carter-Leis to a four option deal. Michelle knew this would be the start of a new chapter in her career that began many years ago.

Carter-Leis had always had an extremely clear idea that she would be an entertainer. While being dropped off at kindergarten for the first time Michelle felt her time could be better spent pursuing her profession. Carter-Leis states, “When my mom dropped me off at kindergarten I told her that she was holding me back from my singing career!” While in the third grade, influenced by her mother’s musical theatre experience and annoyed by silent reading, Michelle suggested to her teacher that the class do a performance rather than silent reading. He agreed and Michelle made her directorial debut in the classroom. It was that type of drive and vision that has carried her career through the ups and downs from the solace of growing up frustrated in Kamloops, British Columbia instead of New York City to being featured on National Television Shows.

Michelle, began performing at festivals while studying classical voice while attending Douglas College. She also studied privately at the University of British Columbia with renowned opera teacher David Meek. Carter-Leis had the distinction of being selected to attend the Banff Center for the Arts for voice intensive study with Richard Armstrong in Alberta before deciding to take a different direction in her career.

Prior to an important audition, Michelle made the biggest career decision to date; she quit opera and dedicated herself to write her own music. “It was a hard decision. Opera has a very structured system and writing your own music is much less structured. I had been completely immersed in the classical and opera mindset for eight years so it was certainly a period of adjustment.”

After a brief stint in Toronto, ever resilient, she moved back to Vancouver and became part of the house/ambient ensemble that became Mercury Sound Cartel. Michelle sang and wrote for the band for the next six years.

Michelle went on to perform and/or record with such talents as Lukas Rossi (Rockstar Supernova), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman), Dave Thompson (Digital Underdog) and Christine Connolly (Chrissy Danielle). Her voice has been heard on the entire first season of the hit show "The L Word" with Mercury Sound Cartel, as well as on Sony Music (Media Software) "Pocket Diva Acid Loop Pack". Her song "Wake Her Up" was added to the ‘Sounds Like Cafe Vol. 10 Compilation CD` in Australia, accompanying such great acts as Beth Orton and Grammy nominee Corinne Bailey Rae.

Carter-Leis and writing partner singer/songwriter Christine Connolly (co-writer of Theory Of A Deadman's two #1 hits "Bad Girlfriend" and “I Hate My Life”) are hard at work in Los Angeles working on new songs for the new recording. Michelle, presently in pre-production with producer Paul Lewis, is splitting her time between Canada, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. The label plans for a 2010 release followed by an international tour.

With her piles of blonde hair, sparkling grey blue eyes, and a sound that pushes the borders of pop music, Michelle is a force to be reckoned with and will have a career to aspire to for years to come. The uncaged bird is ready to sing.