Album Notes

Fitting in is something Candyce never did well. As a teen Candyce said,“I never want to be like, look like or act like everyone else”. Going along meant following......bringing along meant leading the way for others. Candyce’s album, “Kickin’ Up Dust” follows in the traditional path of storytelling but leads with a fresh, edgy music production that encompasses the new country music style.

Born far from fast-paced New York City, Candyce was raised on a mini ranch with a half dozen horses in a rural Long Island farming community. Country life and country music was branded in Candyce’s soul.

Candyce’s talent & passion comes from her dad’s side. Grandma sang in Radio City Music Hall. As a small child Grandma would entertain Candyce by playing the piano and singing songs together. Dad’s passion for Country Music exposed Candyce to Traditional, Bluegrass & Contemporary Country music. As a toddler, Candyce swayed to the tunes of Merle Haggard, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, George Strait and countless other artists. Country music was always playing no matter what chore you had to do.

Candyce’s unique vocal ability was discovered when she tried out for a lead part in a school musical. Almost discouraged by one of the music directors, she explains, “He said I had to much twang in my voice”, after performing Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces" . “This is the way I sing. I can’t sing like someone else!” Shortly after, she was offered the part with the twang.

Throughout school, Candyce was known as the “Girl with the Voice”. Candyce sang in chorus, plays & talent shows. In her senior year, Candyce was voted “Most Musical” and recorded two CD’s on her own. The popularity of those CD’s led to her performing for private parties & local venues.

It must be true about the six degrees of separation. A Nashville producer in search of new talent heard about Candyce from a mutual connection. Candyce was offered an opportunity to compete in a talent search for a demo deal. After a team of producers reviewed thousands of submissions, Candyce’s unique voice, style, range, youth and beauty set her apart from the competition. Candyce was invited to come to Nashville to cut some demos.

Impressed with Candyce’s interpretation of songs from her demo submission, producers did not want to dilute her unique style and method of putting a song across. Candyce further explains, “The producers gave me the freedom to evolve a personal style of my own. We added the music to compliment my style and vocals. I feel fortunate that the producers heard the music in the same way I did in my head. It can be so intimidating when you are surrounded by incredibly talented musicians and professionals and you’re telling them “...I hear it this way”.

After a long search for songs, Candyce chose songs she felt would reveal her personal style. Songs that tell stories of life’s experiences....some personal for her. Songs have to touch her heart or a memory of a past experience of hers or a loved one. They also have to uplift her spirit or comfort her soul.

The first track on the album “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” celebrates quirky extended families. Candyce is enormously family oriented. “Love and appreciate your family. They are uniquely a part of your family tree, even if some of them are out on a limb.” says Candyce.

When Candyce heard Track 8 “Somewhere In Between” there wasn’t a second thought about the song. “That’s ME.....I have to do that song” said Candyce. Candyce was instantly on the phone with her producer to secure the song for her album. "It turned out to be a great choice. So many female fans have said to me how much they love "Somewhere In Between"..."your singing about me!" I love identifying with my fans. says Candyce.

The back-to-back Tracks of 9 & 10 are the most personal to Candyce. During this recording period, exhilarated by the beginnings of a promising career, a personal relationship struggle was looming in Candyce’s mind. The song sequence of “The Truth Is I’m Lying” and “I Won’t Be Lonely Long” was phases of emotional turmoil for Candyce during the recording of this album. “These songs were so painful to sing without getting choked up or teary eyed, then I’d have to start over again. As time started to heal the wounds, “I Won’t Be Lonely Long” showed me it was a blessing in disguise. Things have a way of working out for the best, we just can’t see it at that time” said Candyce.

“Kickin’ Up Dust” has been well received by more than Country Music Lovers. Candyce’s vocal style appeals to the Soft Rock & Pop music fans as well. Candyce is working on her live shows and promoting her album “Kickin’ Up Dust”. Recently, Candyce as been presented before some of Nashville’s Major Record Labels and hopes she will be recognized as an up-and-coming Lady of Country Music.