Tamara Wellons

Official Biography (courtesy of Tamara Wellons)

It has been said that your voice can take you places. For Metropolitan based singer/songwriter Tamara Wellons, her powerful and graceful vocals have taken her everywhere from her hometown church in Ivor , Virginia  to smoke filled stages in London . 

            Tamara's eclectic and addictive blend of soul, jazz and house is a fresh, flavorful and classic contribution to the global soul community. Her upcoming debut record "Life Is" is set to be released this September on Ocha Records, a joint venture between House DJ/Producer Osunlade and Carlos Mena. .

            The buzz surrounding the project has been building since Tamara's first single release "Oh Well" (voted Traxsource's Best of 2007 Top 100 Singles)

which garnered Tamara with a following of soulful house music aficionados from Baltimore to Greece . It's been almost three years  since Osunlade discovered Tamara after she handed her cds to the überproducer at the 2005 Winter Music Conference. One fan described the club hit "Oh Well" as having the "sickest hook ever heard!".

            In 2007, Tamara enjoyed some success after the "Oh Well" release with performances throughout Washington DC (Mirrors, LIV), New Jersey , Detroit (DEMF), and New York . The single was featured on the Grammy Award winning DJ Roger Sanchez Release Yourself: Volume 6 Dance Compilation CD and is a playlist favorite among numerous djs, podcasts and mix cds. The Bahsonik remix has proven itself to be a dance floor mainstay among club goers throughout the East Coast region.

            Tamara's follow-up, "Like Rain", was released April 2008 with mixes by Jihad Muhammad and Nomumbah. The Runoff Groove describes the single as "truly on that other level, in terms of groove and being motivational....think Soul II Soul meets Jazzanova while hanging out in Brazil ". Wellons collaborated again with Muhammad on this summer's hit "Right Now" released on the infamous 161 Downtown.

Wellons also took time to collaborate with Italian Producer Anton Vitale on the original track "Broken Wings" which will be released on  DJ/Producer Ian Friday's Tea Party Music Label.  World renowned DJ and producer John Beltran will have a special Latin mix on this project.

Tamara's music reflects that of a passionate artist. While growing up in Virginia , Tamara was known as the "little girl with the big voice." Singing was only natural for the granddaughter of the legendary gospel group The Pritchett Sisters. While studying at Bowie State University , Tamara immersed herself into the sounds of eclectic jazz and soul music as well as, her school's jazz ensemble. And even today, she's known to add a little Nancy Wilson or Ella Fitzgerald to her set. Tamara can flow flawlessly from an acapella to an acoustic accompaniment to a full band.

            Though Wellons' musical foundation lies in gospel and jazz, she's an artist who appreciates all genres and is known for bending them her way.

This is showcased on her version of the Sinatra's hit "Fly Me to the Moon" released on "Introducing .....Tamara Wellons" released in 2003.

Wellons' approach to the standard was refreshing, soulful and cruised well over the hip hop track produced by KOKAYI. Her innovativeness was also showcased on her courageous rendition of Nirvana's anthem, "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The song is quickly becoming a favorite among soul music fans. 

            Wellons' says she is pleased with where her new project has taken her spiritually. "I was able to let a lot of past issues go during this process," she says.  "Life Is..." features production by Osunlade, Carlos Mena, and Wale Oyejide.

            Wellons' hopes the twelve songs on "Life Is..."  will take listeners on a journey through her own life as she balances motherhood, past relationships and commitment.  It is the fearlessness and humility that has allowed Tamara to let go and flourish as an artist.