By: Adam Grant

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When you release an album in 2006 with a title like Thumbelina's One Night Stand, you're bound to be asked about the experiences you've had in regard to this adult equivalent of a sleepover.  Treading with caution, McClelland admits that while much of her material from this record does reflect on some her "personal drama" of the past, but also contains "a lot of fiction," too. 

 Regardless of those past dramas and fictions, McClelland appears to be in a really good place within her storyline both personally and artistically.  Currently she is on the road with Sarah McLachlan as one of her background vocalists, living in Nashville, Tennessee throughout the winter months when not touring, and enjoying love in its most committed of forms, marriage. 

 In McClelland's case though, she has found more than just a man to share her life with - she has also found a permanent creative partner.  The gentleman fitting both roles is Toronto area musician Luke Doucet, who has his own indie-rock act, Veal.  And since people say that 'couple's that play together, stay together,' it shouldn't be much of a shock to know that when it came time for Thumbelina to be made, Doucet stepped into lend his assistance on the production side of this project.

"It's a funny relationship because there are so many different aspects of it," explains McClelland over the phone from B.C.  "We, first of all, both have our solo careers so we have to spend a lot of time apart because we're both traveling and touring and unfortunately, that's not usually together.  But on the other hand, we have done some tours together, so that can be pretty intense - spending days together in a van.
"Then working together in the studio - which is another really intense experience and I think we've pulled it off wonderfully," she adds.  "We really respect each other, so there is no power struggles, no egos involved and we just get really excited about the music."

 However, McClelland's collaborative spirit isn't limited to just those she's now related to.  Also appearing in a vocalist role on Thumbelina is Blue Rodeo singer/guitarist Greg Keelor, Justin Rutledge, as well as McLachlan, who personally guests on the track "Go Down Matthew."

 Beyond that, McClelland is also a part of what's known as The Ladybird Sideshow, which is a female collective made up of her, as well as friends and fellow singer/songwriters Janine Stoll, Erin Smith, and Lisa Winn, who have all proven that while they may be indirectly battling for some of the same listeners, what they're really trying to establish and maintain is a solid connection between each other and their audiences. 

"I think what a lot of women are drawn to is that personal connection when you are on stage.  (Whether) it means actually taking more time to talk to the audience, tell stories, and really make it personal," says McClelland.  "That's really our thing when we're on stage - just making that personal connection with everybody."

For more information on Melissa McClelland, please visit www.melissamcclelland.com