In a city known for producing musical greats in soul, blues, jazz and gospel, budding soloist Candice Marie is sure to get lots of experience. 

“I think Chicago has a lot of talent. Just going around and performing, I’ve seen a lot of great artists,” says Marie, who describes her sound as a mix of R&B and soul with a twist of jazz. “[Chicago] is a great place to start and we have a great audience — a great group of people here who love music.”

Like many performers, Marie honed her vocal skills in her church choir; however, she makes it clear that she was singing even before she entered the church. 

“I think I was singing before I was talking,” she says, adding that when she was 7, she and several neighborhood girls formed a singing group — We Are 2 Cute 4 U, charging 25 cents for their backyard shows. 

Thankfully, the sassy songstress didn’t stop there. After outgrowing the small stage, Marie sought to pursue her education, but she never forgot her roots.

“I’ve always dreamed of pursuing [music] professionally, so after graduating from [Northern Illinois University], I have the opportunity to focus on music,” says the former corporate communications major.

Marie’s highly anticipated debut is scheduled for release in the fall. It presents a healthy mix of sounds she developed while traveling throughout the country. If nothing else, Marie hopes her music connects with listeners.

“I like that [music] touches people,” she says. “Regardless of what you’re going through that day, going somewhere, hearing a performer, enjoying music at that moment, you can forget about any problems that you have. You are in another world.” –tony binns

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