It it all too rare for me to hear a new artist and think "now this is something truly fresh...and good!". That is the reaction I had when I first heard Ledisi. And the reaction I had when I first heard Amy Winehouse (way before her U.S. debut). I'm having that reaction now to the music and videos and, quite frankly, the interviews I'm encountering by a thirty-something singer named Candice Anitra. I first encountered her on Soul Bounce, where they were touting her video "Objectify", which cleverly combines animation and straight videography in a series of vignettes wherein different people direct negative or unwanted speech or action at her and she draws a box around them--neutralizing them. It's catchy, and fun and makes a point at the same time. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aoFfCz3Luc
Candice herself comes across as attractive without going out of her way to play up her sex appeal, streetwize but in an easygoing way.
This clip sparked the same reaction I always have when I come upon a unique, talented, substantial artist; I want to hear, see, learn more. Internet searches turned up more videos, more song clips and some interviews and articles. One video clip was footage of Candice recording a song called "White Lines" with a band in what looks like someone's apartment or loft. This tune is a rocked up old-school R & B groove and Candice delivers a completely natural un-mannered Southern-Soul-styled vocal, demonstrating clearly that she knows that music and has the chops vocally to deliver it.
Then there's the video of the song she did in response of the passage of Proposition 8 in California, surpressing same-sex marraiges. Titled "We Got Love", it intercuts short dialogue scenes between couples of diverse genders and ethnicies...talking about their love for each other, underlining the the common essence of love among all who love no matter who they love. It makes its point in a most un-preachy, effective way. In short, she is socially and politically acute and sometimes uses her music as a weapon, as Fela would say. "We Got Love" and her advocacy on the behalf of the LGBT community has made her visible--and appreciated!--in that strata. Another song is reportedly a riposte directed at conservative agit-prop commentator Ann Coulter.
Another video finds her in various guises including wearing a tie and a charcoal moustache. In one interview she stated that though she is hetereosexual, "I explore the fine line between the up, the down, and the polarities that exist in us all" and elsewhere suggests that true sexiness comes from that exploration.
She deals with serious subject matter but in an entertaining, undidactic way, with humor, quirkiness, even playfulness. Musically, she roams and his hard to classify--and in fact it would seem that the point of her artistic expression is to demolish classifications.
All this would be of minor consequence but for the fact that she has a resonant voice and can sing. And she can write melodies. That makes her dangerous! Too many musical artists with "something to say" don't have the vocal chops nor the songwriting ability to really communicate beyond an intellectual level. She's got the intellect--in fact so far everything I've seen emanating from her radiates intelligence. But her expression has many levels--intellectual, yes, but also emotional, and spirtual. In her vocalizing, she cites Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke and Nancy Wilson as inspirations; for telling stories through song, she name-checks Bill Withers. The lady has great taste in antecedents. But unlike so many artists who cite iconic artists as influences, Candice's artistry does reflect elements of her musical insprirations.
Where did she come from? Well, Philly, in point of fact...and was on the Black Lilly scene there. Moved to New York to attend NYU and lives now in Brooklyn, where she swims in the fecund music/arts scene swirling there. Don't know how I missed her up 'til now. Might've heard her name but did not focus on her.
I don't say it often...you will be hearing from Candace Anitra, if you haven't already. Check her out; you'll be glad you did!
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