In My Soul by Candice Monique & The Optics - Freestyle Records [FSRCD073] FLAC download included with physical items

In My Soul

Candice Monique & The Optics

A 11 track neo-soul album (45m 3s) — released February 22nd 2010 on Freestyle Records

#soul #neo-soul
Candice Monique is a talented & unique vocalist, songwriter and poet whose individual vocal and lyrical style fuses classic and Neo-Soul, Jazz, RnB, Funk, Blues, Folk & Spoken Word. It is this distinctive style along with her stage presence & artistic depth which makes her one of Freestyle Records most exciting & original new artists. After recording her first demo in Atlanta with producer Professor Griff (Public Enemy) in 2003 and later in New York in 2005 with Jill Scott and Vassy producer, Rich Medina, Candice returned home to Australia and began working on more original material, honing her writing, continuing to perform and refine her already formidable stage craft and the results speak for themselves. Kicking off her debut album with the sparse, punchy groove of the title track 'In My Soul', Candice and her band show how the 'less is more' approach can yield fantastic results. The beautiful, mellow and soulful 'For All Time' reaches the parts much contemporary RnB often fails to touch with electric piano and sweet backing vocals providing something akin to a Stax style soul groove. It is Candice's wide ranging influences, from Bill Withers to Skunk Anansie that inform her musical style and on the dance floor filler 'Feel The Vibe' one can really understand that simply recreating old skool sounds is not what Candice is about, this music could only be the product of now, by someone aiming to create quality rather than pastiche. 'In My Soul' is a strong, confident debut that draws together disparate influences into a well rounded modern sound that bodes well for Candice and her band. This is where the story starts and it is clear that a remarkable new talent is emerging in front of our ears and eyes!

A mix of funky storytelling and sharp modern soul from Candice Monique, a singer and poet, backed well by The Optics! The title track kinds things off with a mix of stripped down, but cleanly thumping funky soul and Candice in closer to a spoken word funk chanteuse mode, but she follows it up with some very sweetly sung numbers. They cover a lot of stylistic territory here, and they do it well! - Dusty Groove America

Like this. A slightly more modern sound production wise that works, but still that good ol soul. Great release! - Radio Metro Lucas Black

"natural and most impressive" - Tim Stenhouse Vibe magazine

With an enthusiastic and charismatic personality, Candice Monique could just about charm the life out of any deadbeat. She is very likeable and her sultry soothing voice lends itself to her debut album. Candice's beautiful singing and stage presence is what the love of music is all about - the positive reinforcement, the blending of musical cultures (from party funk to poignant ballads), and a sheer love of performance. Be sure to check out this album and to see her and the Optics perform live. It's a gorgeous experience. - Carmine Pascuzzi

Freestyle may hit the jackpot with this one - CM's individual half rap, half singing, which she hides up her sleeve just when you think you've got her taped - gives the girl an even more wider appeal - Emrys Baird Blues & Soul mag

A mix of funky storytelling and sharp modern soul from Candice Monique, a singer and poet, backed well by The Optics! The title track kinds things off with a mix of stripped down, but cleanly thumping funky soul and Candice in closer to a spoken word funk chanteuse mode, but she follows it up with some very sweetly sung numbers. They cover a lot of stylistic territory here, and they do it well! - Dusty Groove USA

"It is said Candice Monique fuses Classic & Neo Soul, Jazz, RnB, Funk, Blues, Folk & Spoken Word - some statement, but when you listen to this great new album, you'll see the description is spot on. As soon as you put this album in the player you are aware of the quality, with each track offering something different. Candice's vocals are really strong, and the backing group give it all they've got - great album. - Paul Miller Soul Show - BBC Radio

I'll be playing this to death, as it sounds like a goodie! - Mr Jason Breakthrough radio

ooh damn...candice is definately highly talented !!! her voice sounds so fresh so funky and so full of soul !!! i guess she's about to become a really huge star in the scene !!! stunning !!! A+ - Markus Milz radio corax 95.9fm

"Another belter from Down Under. What are they feeding the people there just now!" - Craig Charles BBC 6 Music

"Strong soul, r'n'b and funk groove ! Loving the Candices' smooth voice" - Angel Mishev Groovy Sessions Radio

"Sweet, sexy and sublime. Smooooove groove" - Michael Stukes WHCR 90.3 FM

"Really good LP with cool backing from the Optics, and Candace Monique front and center and doing the biz; a fine talent!" - Velanche KCPR radio

"Sweet soulful nuggets of lusciousness!!" - Diesler

"This cd is great, expressive and soulful reminds me of Chaka Khan and rufus when they first started out, i expect to see great thing from them in the future" - Marvin Dickey URBANMUSICSCENE.COM

"lovely soul vibe. great vocals" - Alex Attias couleur3 radio

"Super sharp liquid soul" - DJ Morgan Cannon Shuffle Club Night

"Very nice modern soul with a warm and authentic vibe to it. Wonderful voice!" - Tom Strauch Switchstance Recordings

"Delicious Voice!!! - Simone Vimercati Jazz It Up Radio Show

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