kandle

Best described as a force to be reckoned with, Kandle’s new EP deserves a top spot on all your favorite playlists. We talked to the songstress about her creative process, the biggest lesson she’s learned this year, and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by TESS ANANDA

Tell us about your new EP, ‘Stick Around and Find Out’. How long have these songs been in the works and what does it mean to you to be releasing them now?

The EP was written as recently as a few months ago up to 2 years ago. Each track was recorded in a different city with a different producer except for ‘How Can You Hurt Me’ and ‘Little Bad Things’, both of which were produced by Dave Genn. Releasing this EP marks the beginning of a new era for me as an independent artist. Now, I finally feel ready to be a strong business woman and be in charge of my own destiny! I’m confident that I have learned enough from being on labels all these years to do this on my own.

Is there a track that resonates with you the most? What’s the story behind it?

Little Bad Things. I wrote it at a time when I felt I had lost everything and I was anxious everyday waiting to see if I would be granted my freedom and allowed to continue being an artist. I’d been in such a bad place mentally that one day it occurred to me that the biggest thing holding me back from being happy and finding strength again was myself. And although I’d been through some terrible things, it was up to me to move past it and find the courage to move forward with my life. That song wrote itself pretty quickly – in about 15 minutes – as an apology to those closest to me and a promise to pull up my socks and keep my chin up.

How would you describe your creative process?

I’d say I don’t have much control over my creative process. Ideas, whether they’re lyrics or a melody or a subject, just appear at inconvenient times like at dinner or when running errands with my mom, haha! I always record the idea on my phone and hope it makes sense later! Songwriting, for me, is very therapeutic; so much of my creative process entails facing things in my life that are very difficult and that I’m unable to talk about. But I can always seem to write and sing about them and, through that, I find some release.

Which artist(s) are you currently obsessed with?

Of course, Michael Kiwanuka and Sharon Van Etten. Marlon Williams is another huge favourite. He’s got the greatest voice since Frank Sinatra. And Angel Olsen. Her raw, emotional songwriting and beautiful arrangements. Louise Burns, a collaborator and forever mentor, who consistently makes self-produced records with incredible songwriting.

When you think of your ultimate career goals, what comes to mind?

I strive to reach a point where I’m able to have my music heard across the globe by those I know would connect with it. And from that point, being able to continue to make records, writing about real things, good and bad, connecting with people and doing this forever.

What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?

I guess the biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is the importance of taking care of your own mental health since we’ve all lost so much that we’ve come to rely on in our day-to-day lives. Keeping yourself healthy and finding the small joys that bring you calmness and strength in every moment and making sure the people you love know that you’re there for them is key.

With a growing social following, what’s the best way for fans to get your atten- tion online?

I love reading fans’ comments when I share a new song or performance. It’s fun to be able to instantly engage with your audi- ence, especially since I’m not able to play live at this time and meet them in person. I start to feel as though I know some of them personally and I hope they feel the same about me.

Any special message for fans?

Independent artists rely entirely on our fans. Listening, saving and sharing music ends up being just as effective for us as labels marketing our music. I appreciate every person who posts in their Instastory or tags me in their post. Please know that this goes a long way and that I’m incredibly grateful for your support! xx