Candice Monique & The Optics
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | INDIE
Music
Press
The beautiful Candice Monique and band were next to the stage. Candice’s soul, funk, jazz fusion sound was a delight to the ears as she took us through her original tracks with gifted band consisting of guitar, bass, drums and soulful back up vocalist Nadee. Candice also took some time out to take us through some poetry, which is refreshing to see coming from a live band. As she introduced her band members, each were amazingly talented, especially experienced guitarist Mikey Chan who lifted the roof with his solo and stand out back up vocalist Nadee, whose powerful vocals had the crowd ‘wowing’. We will be sure to see more of Candice Monique as she performs around town.
- inthemix.com.au
Coming from Australia Candice Monique is a talented & unique vocalist, songwriter and poet whose individual vocal and lyrical style fuses classic and Neo-Soul, Jazz,R&B, Funk, Blues, Folk & Spoken Word. Candace first hit the scene after recording her first demo, with Professor Griff (Public Enemy) and then with Rich Medina, (Jill Scott, Vassy). When she returned home to Australia, she honed in on her writing skills. With a wide range of influences from Bill Withers to Skunk Anansie, she has covered all the bases on the new project. This particular album reminded me of the first Rufus and Chaka Khan LP - that fresh, new sound they possessed. Candice and her band shows you the less is more concept in terms of musicality and not just putting something together. They took their time on this cd.
Here is the track listing for this new and exciting collection!
1. In My Soul
2. For All Time
3. Mama Don’t Know
4. Feel The Vibe
5. Soul Dance
6. My Child
7.. Shave My Head
8. Crazy Crazy Thing
9. Hypothetical
10. Revolution ft. MC Momo
11. Wish I Was a Bass
I expect to hear great music from Candice Monique and the Optics in the near future. You can purchase this cd at www.freestylerecords.com
Marv D
The Urban Music Scene
http://reviews.theurbanmusicscene.com/2010/02/11/candice-monique-and-the-optics--in-my-soul.aspx?ref=rss
- The Urban Music Scene
Adorning her own album Ms Candice, resplendent in the tightest red dress seen since 'Pretty Woman' displays her easy on the eye splendour to devastating effect. But what's the girl actually like, she's catapulted out of nowhere and now I find she's landed on my lap (I wish!)
Title track "In My Soul" gets my attention immediately, a sensual sassy vocal prevails over a streamlined sparse downtempo ditty, her longing hurts as she spills her heart out! (hang on girl it's only the first song by 'eck!) Mikey Chan's beautiful telecaster
guitar grooving is an absolute delight. However, in my mind I would have held this soul bearer track back a few tunes, take it down a notch Candice, track 2 could have been the opener. 'For All Time' which smacks of a great single, even if it does reference quite heavily 'Sexual Healing' and 'I'll Be Loving You Always',sly but clever really... 'Mama Don't Know' sees a tougher side, lyrically and vocally delivering the standout tune of the album despite it's heavy leaning on 'My Name Is', CM's attitude kicks any criticism asunder!
'Feel the Vibe' sees the optics in full party swing mode, again Chan's exceptional fretwork drives this feelgood funkbomb forward, heck this album is now loosening up quite nicely. Definitely feeling their groove especially the tempo change in the outro, a masterstroke and boy you can literally feel the teasing vocals and sensual chemistry oozing out! CM look good, sing good and is one helluva foxy lady! Women will love her too as she cuts no slack on her punchy lyrics this album choc a bloc with goodies it keeps churning on like fresh butter! 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. Let's hope they come to the UK soon, and if you see a slobbering journo with a tatty notebook and his tongue hanging out - it ain't gonna be me right!?
Words Emrys Baird
http://www.bluesandsoul.com/review/990/candice_monique_and_the_optics_in_my_soul/
- bluesandsoul.com
Discography
Album: 'In My Soul'
Freestyle Records (UK)
Tracks receiving regular airplay include, "In My Soul", "Mama Don't Know" & "Feel The Vibe"
Regular airplay worldwide -
United Kingdom:
- BBC6 (Craig Charles Soul & Funk Show)
- BBC Radio (Paul Miller, Soul Show)
- Jazz FM
- Phonic FM (106.8 Jelly Jazz Radio)
- Soul 360
- Starpoint Radio (Eclectic Rhythms)
- Solar Radio
- Radio Cardiff (Jazz Connection 98.7FM)
France:
- RFE 106.6fm (RADIO FIL DE L'EAU)
- 100.9FM
- Coleur3 Radio
- 92.9 FM (Nu Soul Food)
Germany
- Byte FM
http://www.byte.fm/index.php?cont=sendungen_detail&sendung=169&termin=17301
Netherlands
- Nigmegen 107.8 (Eldoradio)
Italy
- Radiopellenera
United States:
- 90.3 FM (Harlem Radio, New York)
- KCPR 91.3 FM (Urban Landscapes, California)
Bulgaria:
- Groovy Sessions Radio
Canada:
- CJLO (Suite Delight)
Japan:
-81.3FM (J-Wave)
Spain:
- Radio Planet
(No-2 on Acid Jazz Charts)
http://santiagotadeocervera.blogspot.com/2010/02/chart-acid-jazz-hispano-enero-2010.html
Australia:
- PBS106.7 (Soul Groove66, Soul Time)
- 3RRR (Beats Electric)
- 3JJJ - Nationally broadcast (Roots n All, Home & Hosed, Radio Funktrust)
- Kiss FM (87.6 Fm)
Pacific & Asia
- Radio Australia (In The Loop)
Photos
Bio
Originally from South Australia - Candice Monique is a talented & unique vocalist/songwriter/poet whose individual vocal and lyrical style fuses Soul, 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 Australia's most exciting & original new artists.
After recording her first demo in Atlanta with producer Professor Griff (Public Enemy) in 2003 and later in Harlem, NYC in 2005 with Neo-Soul Producer, Rich Medina (Jill Scott, Vassy) - Candice Monique returned to her new home in Melbourne and has completed her debut album, "In My Soul" with her stunning five piece band, THE OPTICS
The band's debut album was produced by their multi-talented drummer, Choi. Recorded at the old Buscuit Brown studios in Brunswick, old school methods were employed recording straight to tape! Blessed with guest keys by Ollie McGill (The Cat Empire, Jackson Jackson) and backing vocals by Nadee (Diafrix, Blue King Brown, Traffik), the album was picked up by UK label Freestyle Records (release: Feb 2010) & has already recieved rave reviews:
" I'll be playing this to death, as it sounds like a goodie! "
Mr Jason (Breakthrough radio)
" Ooh damn...Candice is definitely 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 on 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 things 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)
Links
