Friday Feature: Candace Monique Bell
Candace Monique Bell. Given the title of the ‘Poet Songstress’ or ‘Jazzy Belle’ for her lyrically astounding content and jazz-inspired melodic harmonies. Her work includes a fusion of elements including Soul, R&B, Funk, Hip-Hop and Jazz. She pulls from the musically astute like Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Outkast, John Coltrane, and Bessie Smith.
Regardless of the communication medium, Candace is exhausting all possibilities to share her story, her voice, and her uninhibited and colorful words. She can be found in the underground open mic circuit in Atlanta performing at the Java Monkey every Sunday. If you shall find yourself letting your hips sway to the brassy voiced songstress, don’t worry you are just might just be suffering from SubstanceAbuse. A perfect fitting name for a fierce lady projecting effort to “illuminate the world through song, musical integrity, social relevance, and purpose”.
Can we get some background info from you? (Where you are from and what is your genre?)
I am a product of Atlanta, GA where all white shoes and Georgia Red Clay do not agree. The home of the Bankhead bounce, Sear-sucker wearing in the summertime, from the filthy nasty dirty south I emerge to the scene bluesy and bold.
My musical genre is a hybrid of Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, Funk, Blues, and Soul. It is the music best described as ‘Brown Liquor Music’. There is no need for red cups or flasks just turn me up and incite feelings of intimacy, fellowship, and reflect until you become inebriated with positivity, substance, purpose, and, of course, funk!
Tell us a little about Candace
I’ve actually been a closet singer/songwriter for sometime now with aspirations of being an established novelist. Life has a way of positioning you to directly contribute to society. My journey unassumingly began with a Voice Note being sent via Blackberry Messenger to a friend (Joseph A. Parker). He immediately called me back with ideas of sharing my talent with others. I was a corporate worker with the heart of a blues singer. He saved me from calculated success and corporate ladder climbing. I am eternally thankful.
Were there any hardships you faced starting your music/poetry?
Poetry never has been a struggle for me. I have remained fearless with booking performances and events however; music is quite different. Being an independent artist is beautiful when you have complete autonomy in regards to creation, ideas, and inputs. Timing is the only factor that is subjective.
What (or who) inspires you?
What: I am inspired by nature, pain, people, music, silence, running water, Twitter, anything that will lubricate the wheels of creativity!
Who: My ancestors inspire me to continue my conquest equipping me with wisdom, guidance, and much lyrical content. Telling our story is important and relevant to our progression and mental freedom. Artists I admire and study include: Gill Scott-Heron, Charlie Parker, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Outkast, John Coltrane, Bessie Smith, and Erykah Badu.
Who are your favorite emerging act what is it that you love about them?
I am completely enamored with B.o.B.’s “I’ll Be in the Sky”. His persona, fashion, delivery, and talent are impressive. His energy is so electric and Idilewild 2010! Let’s just say I’m a fan.
JaYRroD 4 loVe makes me fall in love with Hip-hop all over again. His sound is distinct, confident, he’s lyrically talented, and of pure intent.
Where can people listen or sample your material?
www.brownliquormusic.bandcamp.com [Sounds and songs coming soon]
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/onepoetlaureate
What is your best attribute?
My best attribute would have to be my ability to adapt musically. My voice ranges from singing scales of “honey-dipped” proportion to belting out sorrowful and sultry sounds. Vintage yet cutting edge.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It is most important to keep a positive vibration, remained balanced, and continue to look within to encourage personal growth. When an artist has not personally grown his/her listeners are inclined to bear the same fruit.
Favorite lyrics from a song?
Dangerous rhymes (are) performed like surgery
Cuts so deep you’ll be bleeding burgundy
My intellect wrecks and disconnects your cerebral cortex, your cerebellum is next!
Your conscience becomes sub-conscious
Soon your response is nonsense….
The last words are blurred…mumbled then slurred,
Then your verbs are no longer heard,
You get your lung fried so good you’re tongue-tied,
He couldn’t swing or hang so he hung ’till he died,
- Eric B. & Rakim – “The Punisher”
Eric B. and Rakim are much respected lyricists with depth, and exceptional story telling ability. Hip-hop giants!
Word you live by?
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou
In times of weakness, meekness, or compromise I plan to remind myself why I left corporate to create: The music. The movement. The moment.
If you had anything to say to all the haters what would you say?
I don’t believe in haters because the most certainly don’t believe in me. PeaceLoveLight to all the believers of good music!
True Nubian queen. We can’t wait to hear more from Candace once her site is running.
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I have yet to hear music from Candace but I was told to be sure to check her out. Nice interview her personality makes me want to hear work. Brown liquor music sounds good to me.
I really enjoyed this interview and her personality came through her responses as well. I definitely can't wait for the her work to come out.
Wow! She's dope! I cannot wait until she hits mainstream!!
I was pleasantly intrigued by Ms. Candace Monique Bell in this interview. Ms. Bell brought an authenticity to the interview that you rarely feel from artist now a days and she knows her musical roots well. She is a raw artist with abundant talent reminds me of a star in the midnight sky, that shines bright beyond florescent lights, Ms. Candace Monique Bell oh how you sing your soul well~ Snap Snap
TJN
I LOOOOOVE THIS! MY SIS IS BEAUTIFUL!
Those are such beautiful words from TJN!
She is. I can't wait to hear her material!
She has a vision and that came well through the interview
It's all about living a passionate live. I love that Candace left the corporate ladder for something better fit for the soul 
She is an inspiration to the nations…she is an outstanding woman with multiple talents, her true beauty with in shine's through and reflects in her wording of her poery..she is aiming to use it for the grater good…to give hope to the hopeless and to inspire the less inspired….we do need a lot more fine out standing young woman like mizz Bell. God bless her heart!! lovies u Esmeralda….
We definitely do. I really think we need these positive influences in the community and we need more passionate people who go after their dreams!
Awesome Tweets thanks guys.