Artist Advent Calendar - Day 13: Candice Lee
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Welcome to Day 13 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar!
Today’s spotlight is on the dazzling Candice Lee, a multi-talented, authentic, inspiring singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harpist. Her music displays a pop/rock edge, with electronic elements, and a powerful, versatile voice. Candice’s music evokes a sincerity that connects with her loyal and “sweet” following of “Candies.” This educated, charismatic, 24 year-old woman sparkles on stage, strumming her hot pink guitar and angelic harp. She invites you to join her journey!
From writing melodies during marketing class to recording vocals in her parents’ closet during the pandemic, Candice's creative journey is as relatable as it is inspiring. She’s not just talented but also genuine—her stories about fan hugs, singing the National Anthem, and even a random college receipt-turned-song idea ("The Charm") are proof of her authentic connection with people and life itself.
With collaborations like Tate McRae and Teddy Swims on her dream list and Ed Sheeran on her holiday dinner guest wishlist (no biggie, they’ve already sung together on TikTok!), Candice Lee is a force to watch. And let’s not forget her ability to transform random encounters and emotions into tracks you won’t stop replaying—just wait for her unreleased songs next year!
Dive into her world of sincerity, sparkle, and stunning melodies today—you’ll definitely want to be part of the “Candies” after this.
NW: Who’s an artist you've recently discovered?
Candice: Oooo I recently discovered Matt Hansen and love his music and his voice
NW: What's the strangest place you've ever written or recorded music?
Candice: I actually wrote the melody to the chorus of my song “Permission” while I was sitting in a marketing class in college! I remember getting home after class and immediately running to my guitar to flesh out the idea.
As far as recording goes, I recorded vocals for my song “How We Used To” in my parents’ closet since it was during the pandemic!
NW: If you could collab with any artist right now, who would it be?
Candice: Oh gosh there are so many artists I’d love to collab with, but I’d have to say Tate McRae or Teddy Swims.
NW: What was your most-played song this year?
Candice: Probably Too Sweet by Hozier or a Tate McRae song
NW: Do you have a favorite fan interaction from this year?
Candice: Omg yes I opened for Jonah Marais in Philly this past September and honestly just meeting all of the fans there was such a special moment for me, specifically all of the hugs, kind words, and people asking for my autograph & photos together! Truly so honored. More specifically, one of the fans that I met there actually saw me sing the National Anthem at Lincoln Financial Field earlier that year so that was a really cool moment.
NW: If you could invite any musician to your holiday dinner, who would it be?
Candice: Ed Sheeran! I met him once after he duetted my video and sang with me on TikTok and he was just so kind and genuine.
NW: What song of yours do you feel proudest of?
Candice: Probably one of my unreleased songs that’s coming out next year! I don’t want to give away the title just yet… As far as my released songs, “Permission” or “How Can I”!
NW: What's the weirdest thing that’s inspired a song?
Candice: Not so much weird, but a crazy thing that inspired a song is when I was eating dinner at the dining hall in college, and a random guy came up to my table and gave me his receipt with his phone number written on top! So of course I had to write a song about it and it’s called “The Charm”.
NW: Who’s the most unexpected artist on your playlist right now?
Candice: Morgan Wallen
NW: What's the coolest holiday decoration you've ever seen?
Candice: There used to be a house near me that would go ALL out with holiday lights where you literally couldn’t even see the house anymore because there were so many beautiful lights and decorations! It even went into their backyard. It was always so fun to go there and walk around and find something new each time.
