Kandle – Better Man

By starrymag | July 9, 2020

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) What were some challenges you faced while creating “Better Man?”

 

A) The most challenging aspect of creating “Better Man” was finding the courage to put into words the trauma I had faced in the music industry as it was written as a cathartic release after finding the courage to cut ties with a person who I entrusted with my career.

 

Q) What is it about this song that makes it so significant/special to you?

 

A) After wallowing in solitary shame and indignation for years, I decided to flip the script. It is my hope that this song will inspire those in an inferior position to no longer normalize the silent epidemic of abuse of power. And if you’ve been a casualty of career manipulation, seek redemption by waving the red flag and being resilient.

 

Q) In the song “How Can You Hurt Me,” you really open up on being a victim of a bad love and have a strong message of self-perseverance. Why is self-perseverance so important and how does this song reflect that?

 

A) The phrase “how can you hurt” is actually rhetorical – because of a loss of faith in love. The relationship in this case is post hurt – a rebound, if you will, the self-preservation part IS a survival instinct.

 

Q) You also talk about molding yourself to try to be the woman that is idolized. What advice would you give to women that are trying to fit some kind of mold that a partner or maybe even the media portrays they should fit?

 

A) Relationships are often messy and confusing. Caught between giving and nurturing to help the “other” awake versus the constant struggle of self-authenticity – whatever that is. I do not advise any woman ever to try and become anything other than what she truly is, otherwise unhappiness and inauthenticity are inevitable. The lyric in this song actually refers to playing a game with a casual lover as a distraction to avoid the pain of true love with someone else. It is by no means advice, just an observation on how often we seek external validation once our self-confidence has been destroyed.

 

Q) How would you describe the freedoms you have now as an artist by not being shackled down to a recording contract as you now have these independent releases like “How Can You Hurt Me” and “Little Bad Things?”

 

A) Well, the good part is I’m not beholden to anybody for any creative decisions or business direction. There is a learning curve for sure and always costs. But it’s not rocket science. I just have to wear a lot more hats and unfortunately have way less time to be a creator, but I certainly love being a woman in charge!

 

Q) As an artist producing these deep songs like “You Can’t Hurt Me,” and “Little Bad Things,” you really open yourself up to a place of vulnerability. How did you get to a point in your career where you can open up on deep topics like these?

 

A) This is where I always go when creating. It just happens. It is also necessary to not stand in the way of topics that need to come out. I do not decide beforehand I’m gonna talk about vulnerability, etc.

 

Q) In “Little Bad Things,” you talk about during your time of weakness you’ve changed. Do you feel music has been an outlet for you in your times of change?

 

A) Music is always an outlet. The line is an apology for being reactive and becoming somewhat paralyzed in a negative state and hoping that realization is the first step to healing and growing more resilient from the trauma.

 

Q) With such intense subject matter in your music, how do you shake off a long day in the studio?

 

A) It’s never heavy or intense in the studio. It’s magical! To be able to tell a story and express a feeling on the creative canvas that is music is not just release, but pure joy. I can put in a twelve-hour day and not even notice the time go by. That’s when I know I’m in the right place. It takes me an hour or two of snacking and watching “Friends” to wind down and actually sleep though!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes, I’m very excited about that. This EP is a bridge to what I’ve become. Stick Around and Find Out will have seven new songs that were recorded everywhere from London to Nashville while I lived as a nomad and dealt with my legal troubles. Following that I will release a full-length record of even newer songs with an awesome dynamic and timeless sound and vibe, all done during COVID lockdown in Vancouver.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

 

A) Tough call! A duet with PJ Harvey would leave me with butterflies and feeling special. Also, Michael Kiwanuka! He has probably been my biggest musical influence of the last few years. Back in October I found myself in the front row, sobbing and singing along to all his songs. [laughs] My heart just couldn’t handle the magic!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Sometimes I ask myself that very question. The answer is in the term. It’s social (as is music) and its media (as is music). I’ve created some pieces that I hope many people can relate to and enjoy. Social media is an avenue of connection – that’s why songwriters do what we do! It doesn’t always feel natural to put yourself out there and I am not a huge fan of self-promotion but it’s become necessary!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you. Thank you so much. I got a whole lot more coming. [winks]

 

 

 

Listen to “Better Man”