Candice Chantrell

Written by Dan Satel

I very rarely take the time to personally write articles about local talent, but when I heard Candice Chantrell pumping through my Sennheiser headphones it made me really appreciate music.

With a powerful voice that takes your attention, mixed with lyrics that have substance and a positive energy, her music is the type that can turn a bad day into something beautiful. The first song I heard was “I Depend On Me,” and I was just blown away. Honestly, I just don’t how to explain it! You have to go and listen for yourself.

Who knew that the small town of Melville, Saskatchewan with a mere 4,700 residents could produce a talent of this caliber. I’m personally very happy that she’s made the move to Toronto, but kind of sad for Melville that they lost her. I’m sure they’ll be in her memories forever.

I must mention that this girl is a stunner! With her powerful voice and killer looks this little nut is about to become a mighty oak tree:) She is also a firm believer in positive thinking and being a true optimist, and personally I think it shows in her face.

What can I say about Candice? To start, she is a Virgo, what does that mean? Well generally Virgo’s are very sharp, a bit self critical, total perfectionists who love reading and writing and have special creation powers…which would explain why her music has lyrics and doesn’t just repeat “Fly like a G6” …somebody please kill that song!

According to her blog, there is a video of her somewhere out there that shows her first solo singing of “Puff the Magic Dragon.” If you have this video, please contact me, so I can post it on youtube. Seriously though, she did this at 8 years old and from then on family and teachers said she had to pursue music. What can I say; some people are just born talented. 

Getting to Toronto didn’t happen overnight though, she may have been born with talent, but it took a few moves and some education to get here. First, there was the move to Manitoba, then back to Saskatchewan, then to Edmonton. In Edmonton she studied contemporary styles of music at Grant MacEwan College and graduated from the Vocal Performance program. After her graduation and a few bumps in the road, and a steep climb up a really big hill she finally made it to Toronto.

Her debut album “Behind the Mic…” was created in total secrecy over 2 ½ years, which I can personally understand, there are a lot of ways to disrupt ones energy…One way is having everyone waiting for something and getting a lot of skepticism about what the end results may or may not be.

So what’s next for Candice? Coffee with Dan! PM me your number on facebook, I want to take you out!

Get more on Candice at the following links:
http://www.candicechantrell.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/candicechantrell
http://www.twitter.com/cchantrell
http://www.youtube.com/user/candicechantrell