Each week we'll take you 'Behind the Beats' to learn more about the artists that play on our airwaves. This week: Candy Dulfer.
I was fortunate to see Candy Dulfer performing live on the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea cruise this past May and now she is back at Smooth Jazz radio with a new single titled “Convergency.”
Candy, tell us about the songs title and how it came about as the first single from your upcoming album?
Convergency is what Nile immediately named the song, for a few reasons.
First of all we share birthdays and found out we Musical Virgos had so much in common when we started talking, it’s insane.
But also the way we got connected was very serendipitious if that’s a word lol, so it just felt right to name it that. We worked on this song during Covid and the song, especially when watching the video, makes me so damn proud.
We made real heartfelt music in a time when it was impossible to be together and feed of eachother’s presence. Nile, Philippe Saisse and me just mustered all the heart and soul we had in us, and just imagined us being together, and that is what the song is about. The feeling of longing to be together, but at the same time knowing that we have a forever bond; us three, musicians, and all people for that matter.
And you have Nile Rodgers on guitar for “Convergency”!
Yes! And on the other song Jammin’ tonight, I think you might understand how incredibly cool it is to get an email with that signature guitarsound in it, so legendary.
I would pop it in Logic, my computer music programm, and it felt like a Christmas present. Especially in those days of Covid and isolation.
And another key tune featuring Nile is titled “Jammin’ Tonight.” Tell us about that one.
After Convergency I just brazingly asked Nile if he would write me another track. He asked me what I wanted for that one, and I answered: Chic with sax lol! And then two days later I had this fantastic anthem in my email, an ode to the music and entertaining people that really needed to be uplifted at that time, and now still.
The new album is titled “We Never Stop.” Tell us what we else can expect.
We never stop was my mantra during covid and all the other terrible things that rose to the surface in that same period. Sometimes I used that mantra for other people, to get them out of their funk, but other times I needed to say it for myself.
It’s been a long while since your collaboration with David A Stewart “Lily Was Here.” I have to say the tune still sounds fresh today!
It does, it is timeless, and there hasn’t been a day gone by with at least four or five people commenting on it, posting it, or even performing the song. This is the magic of music, every once in a while a classic song comes by, and I happen to be a part of one, it’s just an incredible feeling. And I know that Dave Stewart thinks exactly the same way about it.
How has your approach to the business changed over the years?
I think I am still the same way since I started; I try very, very hard to stay true to myself, to the music that I want to make, and my principles. That’s not always been easy, but I fought hard to be the person and musician I am today. I try to loosen up a little and not fight every uphill battle, but in the end I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror and feel I have really done all to uplift people. And that I treated this beautiful musical legacy that is AfricanAmerican music with respect and that I tried to share it with as many great people as I could.
You have performed with some music legends. Can you share some back stories or personal highlights?
I’ve been so very fortunate in that aspect, I have stories for days, but performing with Prince, Maceo Parker and Beyonce all at once at the Grammy’s was certainly a hight point. Playing with Pink Floyd in Knebworth is another one. I think I am most proud of my long working relationship with Prince, but my favourite stories are of the moments when you find out big stars an/or geniuses are just like us and have their selfdoubt and bloopers too.
I have always felt that your music has an incredibly positive vibe. Tell us about that running theme.
Personally I love to be uplifted by music, and for it to give me energy and hope.
Dwelling on things or too many ballads always gets me down. I believe physical energy is very important, we can’t change the fact that everybody gets their share of misery or bad luck etc, but energy can help you overcome such things. If you’re tired and feel depleted a good funk groove can get you up and running again.
You really broke ground for female saxophonists back in the 80’s. I imagine many look up to you and are grateful for your early work. What advice do you have for up and coming performers and musicians?
I’d be so happy if I inspired other girls and women to take up music. That’s all I want; to show people that music is so wonderful and that you can enjoy it on any level.
But certainly I want women to be able to have the same opportunities as men, and to fight for that, and If I could be of any inspiration in that, I will be so happy.
Learn more on her website.