Carrie Welling and The Young Fables

Fans have loved Carrie Welling’s music from the inception and it’s clear to see why. Her bold, sultry voice, reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s grit, Tom Petty’s pen, and Stevie Nicks’ heart, is upstaged only by the genuine love and connection this natural performer has with her fans both on and off stage.

Welling’s latest album, Crack in the Chaos, invites listeners on a journey to search for the joy in the turmoil, a testament to the belief that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us. Each track is a reminder that the struggle itself is a part of that journey. In each “crack” we find confidence and hope – the energy that drives us. 

Melodies rich in Americana pop blend seamlessly with her singer-songwriter roots and empowered, honest lyrics. But while this new collection of songs maintain Welling’s signature raw vulnerability and authenticity – qualities that are essential to her creative process – fans will certainly take note of a more mature and evolved sound.

Welling credits this transformation to Nashville producer Bobby Holland. Recorded at Pentavrit Studio and featuring collaborations with Nashville’s top-tier musicians (including co-writers Brad Sample, Craig Wilson, Eric Erdman, Donny Brewer, and vocalist Eric Holljes of Delta Rae), Crack in the Chaos is imbued with a sense of power and sophistication.  

The album found its own light in the support of a successful Kickstarter campaign and Welling’s loyal Patreon community, which she fondly calls her “Wellos”. Over the past four years, her Wellos have grown significantly, providing both financial support and an emotional anchor during challenging times. From opening their homes to host intimate, beautiful house concerts to extending their hospitality throughout their network, her Wellos have transcended the role of fans and become true, deeply cherished friends.

Fans are not the only ones who have seen Carrie for the brilliant artist she is. From touring with Delta Rae, Wyn Starks, Carbon Leaf, David Cook and Bowen Young to singing on the Melissa Etheridge Cruise and Sail Across the Sun Cruise with Train, Welling’s voice shines boldly and brightly the moment she takes the stage. Whether performing in The Netherlands and Germany, headlining Norwegian Cruises and the Meeting of the Minds Festival, or dazzling crowds at the Songwriter Island Showcase in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Carrie Welling shows no signs of stopping. 

A Crack in the Chaos may have been born out of a glimmer of light, but Welling has done so much more that reflect on its radiance. She’s become it. 

The Young Fables (TYF) create music with classic storytelling weaved into Country music with pop sensibilities. East Tennessee (Maryville) natives, Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford are influenced by timeless treasures like Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt, Glen Campbell and Chet Atkins. The duo’s unique sound has resonated with audiences around the globe as live performances have become stages from which The Young Fables discuss themes and topics typically saved for the therapy couch. Strong advocates for mental health awareness, The Young Fables are focused on helping to erase the stigmas surrounding the topic. Recognizing the duo’s advocacy, the pair were honored with The Troy Gentry Compassion Award in 2021 for compassion, commitment, kindness and love.

Their whimsical yet unmistakable blend of Country and Pop has garnered praise from industry icons and tastemakers. Nine-time GRAMMY® Award winner Sheryl Crow once tweeted, “Laurel’s as good as any country singer out there!” Their releases have earned them recognition, including a spot on Rolling Stone’s “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week.” They have also had the privilege of supporting artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Rascal Flatts, as well as being invited by multi-platinum songstress Shania Twain to participate in the CBS showcase celebration Real Country. Twain praised, “Wes is a perfect partner for Laurel’s voice. I fell in love with these guys as genuine, authentic talents.” Travis Tritt added, “Our industry needs (TYF) right now!” In September of 2023, the duo was honored as BMI & Texas Roadhouse’s Artists of the Month, resulting in their music videos being showcased in locations across the United States.

The Young Fables continue to grow their team recently inking a publishing deal with BMG. In October 2024, Wright and Lunsford will unveil their fourth studio album, Short Stories, alongside their feature documentary ‘The Fable of a Song’, which clinched the Nashville Film Festival Audience Choice Award. “Each album we release serves as a journal entry for us, and Short Stories represents the next chapter,” Wright explains. “We feel fortunate to have a platform to share our music and are grateful that our story resonates with others, aiding in their healing. That’s a reward unlike any other.”