Belle Canto started their existence as the brainchild of singer Meredith DiMenna. Acting as the focal point for the band, DiMenna began collaborating with musician Keith Saunders and soon the band took shape. Named after an Italian vocal technique, the band began playing shows around their native Stamford, CT, with drummer Chris Sala. Gaining valuable experience through gigs, they eventually recorded a set of songs to use for songwriting competitions, resulting in national exposure in the American Music Awards New Music Awards contest in 2001. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide