Twins thrilled to be nominated for Juno Award
Twins Carmen and Camille Thomas – who could once be heard on White Rock beach singing Christmas carols – are in the national spotlight now.
They have been nominated for one of Canada's most prestigious musical awards.
Juno nominations were announced March 3, with pop/rock/dance duo Carmen and Camille being recognized in the dance recording of the year category for their single, Shine 4U.
"I was so happy," Carmen told Peace Arch News from their new home in L.A., where they moved in December. "I sprung out of bed, and had a giant grin on my face."
The Semiahmoo Secondary grads are up against Deadmau5, Doman and Gooding ft. Dru and Lincoln, Misstress Barbara and Thunderheist. Winners will be announced at the Juno Gala Dinner and Awards April 17 in St. John's, Nfld.
"I think it's kind of still growing on me," Camille said of hearing the news Wednesday morning. "I feel kind of shocked."
The twentysomething sisters – who attended Jessie Lee and Ray Shepherd elementaries – have always been musical, with Carmen playing the flute in Semi's band program and Camille involved in jazz choir.
They also performed around the community, in restaurants and, once, at Camp Alexandra in Crescent Beach.
After high school, Carmen went on to study broadcast journalism – gaining her associate of arts degree – while Camille studied fashion, before attending Vancouver Community College's jazz vocal program.
It was about four years ago that the two decided to focus full time on a music career.
"It had always been something we had wanted to do," Carmen said.
Since then, they have released an album, Two, several songs from which were featured on MTV shows, such as The Hills.
They also recently won the Chum Emerging Artist Initiative with Shine 4U, resulting in national radio airplay across Canada and the creation of a music video, which has been aired on Much Music.
Carmen and Camille – who both play guitar – cowrote the single with producer Ryan Stewart, who has a Juno nomination for songwriter of the year.
Songwriting comes easy to the sisters, Carmen said, and their lyrics are largely based on relationships.
Sometimes they practise separately before merging their ideas, and in other instances they take one person's song and finish it together.
"I think we really balance each other," Camille said. "The things that I would need help on, she could help me; the things she needs help on, I could help her."
Camille said she is more of the "driving one," keeping them on task, while Carmen is more business-minded.
The sisters – who are managed by father John Thomas – are currently recording in L.A., and plan to release a new single within the next couple weeks.
Carmen would also like the opportunity to perform across Canada.
"We've played in different places but have never done a full-on cross-Canada tour, which we're hoping to do."
Camille said working as a full-time musician has been an "amazing" experience.
"I feel like it keeps me youthful. I get to do what I love."
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