Conversations with Candace Matthews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Matthews.

Hi Candace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I launched my artist project “Candace In Wonderland“ in 2019 but really started dialing it in during the pandemic when I had a lot of time to write and reflect. After that, I started releasing singles and changing my hair color with each release. Over the years I started to settle into my sound and visual aesthetic, landing in a genre that I like to call “dreamo pop”which is essentially the combination of dreamy soundscapes and raw, emotional lyrics. I’m really drawn to quirky concepts that feel fresh and unique, but delivering them in a way that feels casual and approachable

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road! Haha
I think the two biggest hurdles for most indie artists are 1. Self doubt, and 2. Budget. I always have such big ideas for my songs and you have to get really creative with how to accomplish those goals without the support of a team and the financial boost of a label.

When everything is said and done, I’m always proud of what I’ve created, but this industry is not very kind to smaller artists and sometimes that can really test your motivation. I go through a wave of pretty intense self doubt every time I release! The good news is that I love creating – and that will always overpower the negative aspects of this career.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for quirky & colorful dreamo pop with honest lyrics, psychedelic concepts, and for changing my hair color with each project I release!

I’m incredibly proud of my vision and my dedication to the art itself. I’ve made so many sacrifices for the sake of my craft, and don’t regret any of it.

One thing that sets me apart is my versatility/adaptability. I don’t like to make the same type of music over and over. It’s boring! I am all about reinventing myself with every song, with every hair color, with every music video. I strive to embody my art in every way. Each song teaches me an important life lesson and I’m always better for it. That being said, the one common thread you can always count on hearing in my music is honest songwriting. If I don’t feel a visceral reaction to a song, I won’t be able to give it the performance it needs. It has to be real for me in some way. That’s the magic!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am releasing my debut EP, “EARTH TO CANDACE” May 2nd with a full visual storyline on YouTube! I am so proud of this project. I directed & edited all the videos myself and shot most of them on iPhone. I worked with some very talented friends who helped me make it happen, and I have so so much more music coming after that! So stay tuned!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.candaceinwonderland.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candace.in.wonderland?igsh=eGVxa3N1eGhyZXph&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16TXCBkKqB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@candaceinwonderland?si=BkDI5fqceJ71ix77
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/dgcTZxJUhXFWfgrs5