artist Shelley Adams

"If I'm not talking out loud, chances are I'm singing something in my head. I'm always singing." The Hamilton music community is more vibrant since Shelley moved her songs from her head to her mouth and a microphone. Teaching herself to play guitar because she needed music to sing along to, Shelley started with cover songs but has quickly become captivated with the craft of songwriting. "I want people to listen to my music to learn something about themselves or life or discover they're not the 'only one' who thinks or feels the way they do." Shelley has been influenced by a wide range of artists, learning the value of songwriting and the ability to take chances and be unconventional, like Bjork and MGMT. From strong singer-songwriters such as Gillian Welch, Nina Simone and Paul Simon to rock bands like the Beatles, the Pixies and the White Stripes. Shelley has incorporated her love for the music of others into music that others will love of her own. And love it they do. Shelley has been recognized in several singer-songwriter competitions in recent months and bigger events are on the horizon.

She first tasted local success in the duo, Liam Ruby, where she was able to reveal the songs she was creating in a style not unlike the haunting bluegrass of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. As she has taken her next step into a solo career, you can find her at various pubs and coffeehouses, developing songs, finding her voice and learning more about herself. Shelley tells the stories you'll want to hear. The tales she tells become all the more beautiful because they are declared through her most intoxicating instrument, her voice. Shelleys unique vocal style, with an incredible range from strong and controlled to soft and vulnerable, has such bold character and expression that she is a modern tribute to the soul sisters of the past. She is a quintessential rare bird: whimsical, delicate, breath-taking and full of life. We are lucky to listen to Shelley soaring through the sky and sharing her gorgeous song.