Camila Recchio was raised with an appreciation and love of music. Her mother, Christi Landrum, a truely gifted singer, would write her lullabys and play piano and guitar. Her father, Steve Recchi, was also an avid music lover. His instrument of choice was the drums and throughout her childhood, Camila’s father collected recording equipment and encouraged both her and her mother to record and collaborate with friends.
She attended the Seattle Waldorf School where she developed her passion for art, specifically painting and creative writing. In kindergarten her teachers would comment on her ability to shyly captivate those who happened to catch her singing to her baby dolls. In 1st grade Camila got in a little trouble for teaching her girl friends how to sing Aretha Franklin’s Do Right Woman at recess. In middle school, she met Jerry James, father of a fellow student, who took her under his wing and taught her a few chords and progressions and weeks later she was asking to record her first songs.
That year she became enthralled with writing. Nearly everyday inspired another song, and these songs told the stories of a troubled and emotional young lady who had just tapped into self expression.
Her singing continued in high school where she became a member of the school choir. She lingered in the practice rooms at lunch playing piano and writing music with friends. She was introduced to a few local hip hop artists in Seattle and began collaborating with them, singing hooks and getting an introduction into this genre and style of performance and culture .
Around this same time her mother heard about the Total Experience Gospel Choir and was very interested in having Camila and her cousin Sanjaya Malakar (who was living with them at the time) join the choir. They began attending rehearsals and a few weeks later started attending events and performances. The renowned choir was free and had no skill requirements but it was a huge commitment which would fruitfully reward those who had the devotion to make it a part of their lives.
With Total Experience Gospel Choir Camila Recchio debuted at The Paramount Theater onstage with Ernestine Anderson singing “Lean On Me.” Camila has had the privilege of traveling and performing in Japan, South Korea, 12 of these United States, Canada and NUMEROUS Washington state gigs with the choir.
Camila’ mother grew up in Mississippi. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005 Camila and her little brother were actually in south Mississippi visiting their grandparents. Upon their safe and arduous return Camila became a spokesperson for Katrina Relief as a member of Total Experience Gospel Choir. Sharing her story and singing “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” as insight into what a miracle God is and we are.
Total Experience Gospel Choir became a huge influence in the lives of Camila’s family. Performances and traditional black gospel music became a lifestyle. Camila Recchio credits Pastor Pat Wright for much of her singing and performance knowledge. Pastor Pat became Camila’s mentor and taught her how to captivate a crowd, arrange music, execute business quickly and professionally, how to inspire others as well as inspire yourself. She taught Camila so much about life and history and Camila Recchio is eternally grateful and humbled by the fact that God saw it fit to place her under Pat Wright’s wing.
Camila has ambitions to the stars. She loves art of all kinds but one of her deepest loves is children and early education/child development. She hopes to start a non-profit in the near future for underprivileged and abused youth. Camila is inspired to give children healthy and motivating outlets that show them they are individually talented and personally meant to do great things. She wants to help children with finances for education and extracurricular activities. Her biggest goal is to one day start a school for talented children who, for whatever reason, were passed over. She wants to inspire generations with love and intelligence, she believes anything is possible with diligence, self-esteem and follow through.
