With a distinctive voice and powerful songs, Kandace Springs makes an impression that lingers. Springs was born in Nashville, and, as her father was session singer Scat Springs, she grew up listening to jazz and soul singers.
Her musical journey began at age 10 when she started piano lessons. By 2014, she’d released a self-titled debut EP for jazz label Blue Note Records.
Soon, she was touring, producing more music, performing on shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and yes, stopping by Arizona. She’s performed at Musical Instrument Museum, and last month, via a virtual performance with Chandler Center for the Arts.
We caught up with her to chat. Read on to learn about working with Prince, how she had to be talked into singing at first, and why she thinks music is important in the world.
What initially drew you to music?
My father was my biggest influence; he’s a great singer and did a lot of work as a session singer in Nashville. So, music was always in the house. We also went to church every Sunday and that’s where I heard a lot of gospel music, and that really got inside me when I was very young, too.
You began playing piano at age 10. Was that something you always enjoyed, as well?
I really wanted to learn piano at that time, so I asked my dad and he was nice enough to go out and find us an old used piano that I could have. And I just never stopped playing!
As a child, were you always singing?
No, I had to be talked into doing that. Again, it was my dad who pushed me and made me sing a song in front of the family at a family gathering, and I guess I begin to lose my stage fright after that.
How would you describe your music style/genre?
It’s really a hybrid between jazz and soul, but then also there’s a lot of classical music thrown in. Like on my new album we did, I Put A Spell On You, with the piano part from Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” underneath the vocal. So, what do you call that? Kandace Springs Music, I guess!
Why do you think music is important in the world?
It’s so important because it brings people together all around the world. I’ve played in Japan, Istanbul, Atlanta, London… everywhere I go people really embrace my music, and so in my little way I think I’m bringing them together.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
That’s an interesting question, because we’ve played events like a sold-out concert at Royal Albert Hall in London with a full orchestra, which was amazing. But then sometimes I think of the smaller shows I’ve done in the United States, where the crowd was really, really into it, and I think sometimes that those are the shows that I’m the most proud of.
Tell us about the music you’ve released…
I’ve done three albums for Blue Note Records, and each one is very different, so if you really want to get to know me you’re going to have to listen to all of them!
Your last album, The Women Who Raised Me, features renditions of songs made famous by some of history’s most iconic female vocalists. Why was it important to you to make an album like that, and why did you choose that name for the album?
I chose that title because those women really influenced me and helped make me who I am today. Not just musically, but also with the lives they led. So, I really felt it was important to pay tribute to them, and maybe introduce them to some people who wouldn’t necessarily know who Carmen McRae or Astrid Gilberto is.
Who has been your biggest inspiration(s) and why?
Well, my dad, who I mentioned before, but then also Prince, was a huge inspiration for me. He met me when I was just starting out recording, and we wrote songs together and I performed at Paisley Park for a concert he did. And we talked a lot about music and how I should focus myself. So, he was a huge influence.
You’ve performed in Arizona numerous times… have you had a chance to spend any time here while you’re here, and if so, what do you like about it?
I really enjoy performing in Arizona, but I have to be honest, I haven’t seen much of it because I’m always just so busy when I’m there to perform. We played at the Musical Instrument Museum twice, and I still have yet to see the museum!
Do you have any favorite places around town?
No, not yet, so I’m going to need you to recommend some!
Are you working on any new music?
I am always writing and learning new songs, and soon will have enough together to make a new record. I’ve created my own version of a great old song called “Wild Is The Wind,” and I’m really excited about how it sounds.
Besides singing and playing the piano, what else are you passionate about?
1: Cars. 2: Cars 3: Cars! I absolutely love cars, and I like buying old ones and fixing them up and reselling them, so that is a huge passion of mine. I own about nine cars at the present time, everything from a big jeep down to my favorite, a Corvette.
Any motto you live by?
I’ll be honest, I don’t really have a motto, I think I’m too busy living my life to stop and think of one! Maybe that’s my motto. (She laughs.)
Do you plan to perform in Arizona again soon?
Yes, I can’t wait to get in front of people again after this lockdown stuff ends. So stay tuned, we’re hoping to be there in the fall.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just my music! That’s how I share myself with the world.
To learn more about Kandace Springs, visit KandaceSprings.com.