Born in Dallas, Texas, Camille Cortinas’ earliest musical influence came in the form of her grandmother, a migrant farm worker who taught Camille wonderful Spanish folk songs that enchanted her and set her on a musical path. For her 16th birthday, she received her first guitar and pleaded with her older brother to teach her to play.

Camille spent her first semester of college in France where she honed her songwriting and guitar skills. On returning home to Texas, she began exploring the idea of creating a band with her brother and a few college friends. However, the band dream was abruptly interrupted when, at the age of 21, doctors discovered a hole in her heart that required open-heart surgery.

After a year dedicated to recovery and creating new music, Camille entered the Dallas music scene as lead vocalist/songwriter for the band Fishing for Comets. They quickly gained notoriety and were nominated by the Dallas Observer Music Awards for Best Folk Acoustic Band and Best Female Vocalist three years in a row, and won Best Folk Acoustic Band two years in a row.

While actively playing with her band, Camille ventured into the realm of the jingle. Hot Pockets, Starbucks, Dixie Cups, Payless, and Grocery Outlet are among the commercials where she captivates the consumer’s ear. Her distinctive voice is easily recognized in jingles for the Methodist Health System, Texas Lottery and TXU Electric.

In March 2011, Camille’s solo album “Taken Apart” was released. The album was recorded and produced by Eric Neal in their home studio, and mixed and mastered by Mark Hallman of Congress House Studios. Band members include Aaron Thomas (drums, percussion), Linda Garner (bass and upright) and her husband Eric Neal an award winning multi instrumentalist.

Newlyweds Camille and Eric also travel the region performing concerts for kids and families with their Band of Puppets created and performed by Eric. Videos featuring the puppets with Camille and other artists have appeared on PBS’s Art & Seek as well as in several family film festivals. The songs such as Camille’s “Big Yellow Bowl,” are indelibly memorable, incredibly fun and are quickly gaining popularity Online.

Camille’s musical style uses storytelling and personal experiences to create a human connection that appeals to audiences of young and old. While her music remains upbeat, her songwriting finds its way through melancholy and melds into a hopeful and optimistic future. It’s learning to let go of the heartbreaks and find the happiness that life can bring.