The year 2020 was difficult. Despite its many challenges, widely acclaimed singer, composer, producer, and curator Candice Hoyes made the most of it.
Elegant and possessing infinite range, Candice is noted for her portrayal and projection of beauty. She warrants undivided attention by simply standing before a captive audience, then further astonishes them with her incredible voice. He vocal prowess has been applauded by BET, Soul Train, NPR, and The Washington Post, and her classy stature led to a feature in VOGUE.
Her remarkable 2015 album On a Turquois Cloud is already considered a classic. Based on her current single “Zora’s Moon”, her next album could very well garner the same distinction.
Candice Hoyes shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
How would you summarize 2020?
I feel that 2020 is a moment of reckoning. The critical need for compassion and understanding as a way forward has meant so much to me. I feel like those qualities and values are what saved people’s lives this year.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
I say compassion, faith and understanding were my greatest blessings as well. It prepared me to take care of myself, my loved ones, my community. I would say music every day.
Another great blessing has been knowing my heritage, knowledge of history and perspective on civil rights movements before us and the way that artists animated them.
Did you read any good books that you would recommend to others?
This week I read the collected letters of Audre Lorde and Pat Parker. I recommend Kevin Young’s new poetry anthology 250 Years of Struggle and Song, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidhiya Hartman, Alicia Garza’s The Purpose of Power.
What was the best song of the year?
“Lockdown Remix” by Anderson .Paak. My new single “Zora’s Moon” goes really well with it. They make a good playlist pairing!
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
I love Michaela Corel’s work even more this year. Definitely I May Destroy You, and also that soundtrack is incredible.
Who were the artists you listened to the most?
Stevie Wonder, SunRa, Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, Shirley Horn always. Of contemporary artists, it’s a huge mix. Georgia Muldrow, Joel Ross, Brandee Younger, Koffee, Noname, Moonchild, Sullivan Fortner.
What did you Google the most?
Short cuts and natural products for doing my own hair. Black hair all by yourself is no joke!
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
How many people voted for Trump again; of course, was also not surprising with our history of racism.
Where were you when you learned about COVID-19 and how did you respond?
My very last show, which I was already nervous to do, was on March 11 at the Public Theater in NYC. It’s an honor to have played there several times, and my audience felt very tender, and I spoke about it. We knew life was about to dramatically change.
How were you helped and hurt by the pandemic?
I absolutely love spending time with my family and little ones. That said, out of respect for how many people have lost their lives to the pandemic, I only consider it a hurt. I am heartbroken and angry about the sacrifices and impossible choices facing frontline experts and workers.
Did you vote?
I have always voted and always worked to get out more new voters. I am always organizing more voters beyond my own vote, through several organizations. This year When We All Vote, Lift+Every+Vote, and Supermajority.
Did 2020 cause you to value your life and the lives of others more than you did already?
Yes. With every day I strive to learn from the moments behind me and move those lessons forward. Moments of crisis are just as important as far as learning new ways to value life.
What can we expect from you in 2021?
I am going to be thriving in a safe way in 2021. The music video for “Zora’s Moon” will start to broadcast on all MTV networks which is really beautiful. Of course, more new music from the upcoming album. Another single dropping soon. Follow me on Spotify and Bandcamp, and on IG @candicehoyes for all the details! Blessings to everyone reading this. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
