Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Soul Eyes, Kandace Springs has announced the release of her brand-new single and music video for Don’t Need The Real Thing out now on Blue Note / Decca Records. Praised for her distinctive vocals, the Nashville-based singer, songwriter and pianist’s new track and video depicts her in a same-sex relationship, having a heated argument with her girlfriend. The single is taken from her upcoming album Indigo released on 7th September where Springs transcends genres and expectations in a way we have never heard from her before.
For Springs, her new album boils down to a question that connects past to present: “What would Nina Simone do if she had the technology of today? You could never put Nina in a box – she would do a blues followed by a classical piece, a jazz standard and then a Beatles cover. This LP took a lot of inspiration from that – it’s a mix of everything that I am”.
Don’t Need The Real Thing showcases Springs’ ability to seamlessly create an intimate world through her infectious, smooth and sultry vocals. Produced by renowned drummer Karriem Riggins, the single swirls between classical compositions, jazz poise with hip-hop swing, to tropical warmth and soulful depths. Filmed on a deserted road, the video is a glimpse of the highs and lows of a relationship on the brink of a break-up.
Springs’ journey to discovering her uniqueness didn’t happen overnight. She was spotted at the age of 17 by Evan Rogers, the music producer who discovered Rihanna. But her father, musician Scat Springs, believed it wasn’t the right time to launch her music career.
Springs, an avid car enthusiast, soon moved out and became a parking valet. Four years later, at the age of 21, she called Rogers directly and signed a deal on her own terms.
Her 2014 self-titled debut EP had a decidedly contemporary R&B/hip-hop bent with production by Pop & Oak (Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Miguel). The EP was incredibly well-received and led to TV performances on Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as appearances at the Afropunk and Bonnaroo festivals. Also during this period, Springs attracted the attention of the late Prince and the music icon invited her to perform with him at Paisley Park for the 30th anniversary of Purple Rain. He also gave her his custom-made leather jacket.
Kandace, however, soon discovered her true passion for jazz, blues and soul. Taking influence from Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, to Erykah Badu and Janelle Monáe, Kandace was signed to Blue Note Records after label president Don Was listened to just one song, and she released her critically acclaimed full-length debut album, Soul Eyes in 2016.
With this new single, Springs continues to develop and grow as singer and a songwriter in her own right. Even more vibrant and soulful than her last record, Don’t Need The Real Thing highlights Springs undeniable talent and gives a hint of what we can expect from the release of Indigo.
Check out the video below.
