By Kate Bartlett
Cami Clune is a singer and songwriter from Amherst, NY, who gained national attention as a finalist on Season 19 of NBCs The Voice. Known for her powerful vocals and storytelling, Cami infuses each song with emotion and theatrical flair. She is the official national anthem singer for the Buffalo Sabres and is returning to sing the anthem for the Buffalo Bills on October 5th. On October 11th, she will be at Ellicottville’s fall fest, performing at Mill Street Sports Pub at 8:30pm.
Cami began performing at 4 in dance and discovered her passion for singing at 11. Encouraged by her parents, she grew up immersed in theatre, music, and performing arts. By 15 she had already won several local competitions. She began writing her own songs at 17. “While I love all kinds of music, I describe my sound as a blend of pop, rock, and country,” says Cami. “For me, it’s all about storytelling and connecting with people.”
Cami was cast on Season 19 of The Voice at 20 years old. She was inspired by the contestants she met on the show. “The energy was contagious. We all shared similar goals and a deep passion for performing. Everyone brought their own style and story – coming from all walks of life, from all over the world with so much talent.”
Her time on the show helped shape her musical style. “I’m incredibly grateful for my time on The Voice. It was a transformative chapter in my career,” says Cami. “The judges were so down to earth and had a lot of valuable advice to share.”
After her journey on The Voice, Cami took a break from music for about a year while she struggled with health issues. Cami was not diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome until she was 18, but struggled with health issues her whole life. This connective tissue disorder affects multiple systems in the body, requiring her to prioritize self-care. Today, Cami is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting ongoing research for the condition, serving as a role model for others who are facing adversity.
Cami encourages anyone struggling to not give up. “Try not to let your situation define you. Trust me, I know firsthand how hard it is to push forward when you’re struggling, but never stop reaching for your goals. Give yourself grace, and always do your best.”
Cami performs solo, as an acoustic duo, and with her full band Cami and The Fringe, delivering a mix of country, pop, and rock tailored to every crowd. “I can’t say enough about my band – they’re incredible, and every show is unforgettable,” she says. Based in WNY, Cami plays venues across the region and beyond, including Salamanca, the Finger Lakes, and Ellicottville. This year, she sang the national anthem at NASCAR in Watkins Glen and SailGP in NYC, toured to Florida and Maryland, and opened for CeeLo Green in Connecticut. “The theater was massive, the crowd was amazing, and the whole experience was unforgettable. I hope to do more of that in the coming year.”
Cami has enjoyed playing several shows in Ellicottville this year, and will be playing Fall Fest on October 11. “I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the town. It’s so charming, with gorgeous scenery in every season, though fall is definitely my favorite. Holiday Valley has become a favorite of mine. Every show there has been a blast.”
On October 18, Cami will be playing with the full band in New York City at The Bitter End. “This is definitely a milestone for me,” says Cami. “It’s such an iconic venue, with legends like Bob Dylan and Lady Gaga having performed there. I’m honored to add my name to that history.
Since her time on The Voice, Clune has discovered that a career in music requires more than just talent. “Being a professional musician is running a full-time business. Performing is just one part of it. Behind the scenes, I’m handling contracts, managing bookings, designing merch, producing content, running my social media, and more.”
She does it all with the support of her mother, who works alongside her as manager. “Some days it feels like the two of us are doing the work of eight people,” Clune laughs. “But it’s worth it when I step on stage and see the audience connecting with the music.”
After a year packed with hundreds of performances, Clune is now carving out time to finish her debut album. She has already released several singles, with more ready to drop. “Songwriting and creating original music is where my heart is,” she says. “I’m focused on producing, releasing, and really marketing my songs. I want to bring my music to life and get it out into the world.”
For Clune, success isn’t measured by overnight fame but by authenticity and perseverance. She points out that artists like Morgan Wallen waited years after The Voice before breaking into the mainstream. “Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s,” she advises. “It’s your story. Be true to yourself, trust the process, and believe in your path.”
From Buffalo arenas to festival stages and iconic New York City clubs, Cami Clune’s story is still unfolding. With her unique blend of talent, grit, and authenticity, the young artist is proving that Western New York’s next big voice is rising.
For more information and upcoming events visit https://camiclune.com/ and follow on social media.