Local woman rising to fame as Nashville recording artist
Vocal talent, Candyce, rising to stardom as she was recently discovered by Nashville producers. She hopes to become one of the next leading ladies in the country music industry. Several years ago a sweet, dark-haired little girl swayed on her bed as she sang into her hairbrush along with Patsy Cline, hoping to captivate her pretend audience. Like most little girls, she dreamed big dreams, hoping that one day she would find stardom and follow in the footsteps of her country music heroines. Well that little girl has grown up and she is finally realizing her dreams. Her name is Candyce. This 22-year-old Payson resident has been discovered by Nashville producers and is now a rising star in the country music industry. The young recording artist claims that her talent and passion for music stems from her father's side of the family. Her grandmother even sang at Radio City Music Hall. When Candyce was a small child, her grandmother would entertain her with the piano, and they sang duets together. Candyce, who prefers to go by a single name, grew up in rural New York before moving to Payson at the age of seven. She was always active in choir and local talent shows, and when this "A" student graduated from Payson High School in 2005 she was voted "most musical" in her class. Little did she know then what the future held. "There was nothing I was more passionate about than singing. I always wanted to be a singer," said Candyce. It all began one afternoon about two years ago. Candyce was at work when she received an e-mail from a friend of her mother's, whom she hadn't heard from in years. The woman had no idea if she would be able to reach Candyce after so much time had elapsed, but she took a chance and sent Candyce information about a Nashville producer who was looking for new talent. The only problem was that the deadline for submitting a demo tape was the following day. Candyce wasted no time in getting her best material together and sending it off to the producer, Susie Marshall. She sent in "Crazy" by Patsy Cline, as well as two other vocal arrangements. Then she waited, not by the phone as in days gone by, but by the computer. Soon her lifetime dream came true. "Candyce, you're in!!!!" the email read. The young starlet, who was chosen from more than 3,000 competitors, had only two weeks to get ready before heading off to Nashville to meet with producers and to take part in her first recording session. It was a nervous meeting for the country girl from a small Arizona town, but it wasn't long before her production team made her feel like family. Ironically, co-producer Spike Jones is not a big fan of Patsy Cline. He had nothing against the artist, but the majority of young vocalists trying to break into the industry send in renditions of her music. However, when he heard Candyce's version, he just went "Crazy." "You nailed that song," Jones told her. He also complimented her on her studio work habits. Many artists are difficult to work with or want to take a large amount of time to record. Not Candyce. Her first experience at a big recording studio came naturally, and little time was lost. When this first opportunity arrived for Candyce, she was enrolled at Gila Community College while holding down a job as well. She wanted to be realistic about the future, but she finally decided to put school on hold. "I felt like I had to do it," she said, admitting that there were really no second thoughts about it. With her mother's encouragement, she pursued her dreams. "I only want to sing what I am passionate about," says Candyce. "If my music doesn't make you laugh, cry, or move you in some way, it's not worth singing. "Fortunately, her music does just that. Not only has she brought people over to country music, but her songs have genuinely touched a number of people. "It's the most awesome feeling in the world when fans approach me and tell me how they connect with my music, or how my lyrics got them through a break-up. That's what makes it all worthwhile," Candyce says through a smile. Not only does she hope to inspire her audience through song, she also endeavors to be a positive role model for the younger generation. She says that she would like young girls to feel like they can have it all, by believing in themselves and their dreams. Although she strives to be a singer and a distinguished entertainer, she recognizes the need to stay humble. She's not afraid to run her horse through the muck or to tear it up on the trails on her quad. She relates to her own role-model, Reba McEntire, another true down to earth country gal. Candyce describes her mentor as poised, smart, kind, and the perfect role model. Given the choice of accompanying any vocal artist, Reba would be the one. She took four trips to Nashville to record her first album, which took an entire year to get off the ground. She says that she has gained a whole new appreciation for what goes into making an album. The artist says that it's a real team effort, involving the talent, producers, musicians, songwriters, photographers, fan club managers, road managers, band managers, and even managers to manage the managers.
She is currently practicing with a Phoenix band while presenting her album to some of Nashville's major record labels. In no time at all we may be seeing her performing in a video on the Country Music Network. In the meanwhile, Candyce is thrilled to take part in her hometown community celebrations. You may have recently seen her perform on a float during the parade for the 125th World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo in Payson. If not, you can catch her at the Gila County Fair next month. She will be performing on Sept. 12 from 4-5 p.m. at the fairgrounds. You can also look for her in the Nov. 2 issue of "Country Weekly" magazine. She will be featured in the "Listen Up" section for up and coming artists. The magazine will hit the newsstands on Oct. 26. Candyce wishes to thank everyone who has helped her get this far, including her production team, the friend that sent her the original e-mail, and Kit McGuire of KRIM-FM radio, who took a chance and was the first to play her music on the radio. Now she can be heard on Internet radio stations throughout America and other parts of the world, including Australia. But most of all she is thankful for her best friend and manager, who also happens to be her Mom, for encouraging her to follow her dreams. Candyce is currently working on perfecting her live performances and promoting her album, You can also preview her music at www.myspace.com/candycecountrymusic. There is one more thing you should know about this little brunette with big dreams. She loves her hometown. Give her a chance; you're sure to love her too. © 2009 Rim Country Gazette
Country Weekly Magazine 11-2-09 IssueWhat a thrill to be in my favorite magazine with all my idols! 
PAYSON ROUNDUPContest gives woman something to sing aboutBy Alexis Bechman
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Tuesday, 25 August 2009 18:54 
Candyce has been through the first of two phases of becoming a national star: marketing a great product, and getting positive feedback from listeners. Her goal is to make it to the "big time" and to sign with the likes of Sony or RCA.
It may not be “American Idol,” but for one local woman, making it to the semi-finals of the Lone Butte Casino’s “Lucky Break” singing competition, is one step closer to her dream.