KANDYCE MARIE JONES
Born and raised in San Jose, California, Kandyce jones isgifted with undeniable talent and stunning good looks. At first glance she appears to have rolled off the Diva assembly line. Yet from an early age, the 21-year-old songstress has been a success story in the making. "It sounds so cliché," she laughs, "but I always knew that the performance path was one I would travel. " The punctuation of that single statement is noted in the tone of her voice. It's one that's naturally sweet with an almost undetectable hint of seductiveness. Her brand of Pop and R&B is infectious and it's evidenced in her sizzling debut.
In describing her first project, Kandyce eagerly begins, "Hearing the music and the lyrics really put me into a creative zone. When I first started working with Camp Carter International (CCI), we felt that fusing hip-hop laced Pop and R&B tracks with easily-understood subject matter would move people. " The end result can be heard in her new single, “Get Your Dance On” A West coast-feel good party and Club track, “Get Your Dance On” takes the listener straight to the dance floor. A universally-felt message to go for the gusto is sent accompanied by driving beats woven with sultry undercurrents. Another up-tempo track follows, propelled by unrelenting percussions and Kandyce's rock steady vocals in "Change" - proving it more than just another summer hit. This from a newcomer who has staked her claim in the Pop and R&B world shows Kandyce has arrived!
What's remarkable about this up and comer is her consistent work ethic and determination to succeed. Kandyce, with the guidance of her Manager, James Carter from ‘CCI’ showcasing this chanteuse’s potential. "It's been an amazing experience so far," she admits. Her winning formula is simple: “We really worked hard on those songs and just let our imagination go. Keeping a tight focus, surrounding yourself with a solid support group, and trusting your heart and instincts will never steer you wrong."
Undoubtedly a product of her Cali environment, Kandyce’s genealogy is a culturally diverse one. Her father is a mid-west born, southern raised black man while her mother was born in the Philippines and raised in northern California. Exposed to the arts early in her childhood, Kandyce began gravitating toward pop and R&B, inspired by the likes of Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston. With the desire to perform constantly motivating her, Kandyce added dance and drama to her repertoire. In middle school, she began to perform in local festivals and musicals, which continued into high school. Currently a Senior at San Jose State University, Kandyce balances out her career pursuits, taking life into high gear.
Kandyce adds; “I have respect for celebrities, like J.Lo, who crossed-over. I see myself doing that, too – acting, singing, dancing, fashion design, beauty – the whole Nine Yards.” This thinking would explain her crush on Will Smith. “His sense of humor and personality are what do it for me,” she giggles. Immersing herself in everything girlish she illustrates a typical off day and beams, “The ultimate chill day would be spent catching up on the phone with friends, going to the mall to shop or relaxing by the pool.”
Although determined to realize her dream, she gives credit where it’s due by emphasizing, “I believe the strength from my family and friends’ encouragement contributes to where I am now." It's clear that her passions are what guide this true Scorpio child. It’s felt, not just heard: the deep passion and commitment to the crafting of her art. Now, she's getting her shot to live out her dreams and bring her talents to the forefront. What does Kandyce want fans to get when they check her out? She responds with pageant contestant poise, "I'd like them to hear that my songs have real heart. You can feel it. This music has substance."
From the moment Kandyce entered the studio to record her first song she knew that she wanted to unleash a sound that was hard-hitting, yet melodic. Unabashedly feminine, yet strong. Something fresh, yet familiar enough to entice. The end result is heard in Kandyce's easy vocal stylings. Her songs are what Kandyce emphatically calls “Hot, hot, hot!”
Nothing less than an enthusiastic response is anticipated from her audience - the public and members of the radio community alike. Kandyce’s contribution is sure to create a strong buzz and great anticipation for her upcoming LP.
Put plainly, she is set to push the music world to “Get Your Dance on” for an exciting “Change”.