Growing up a jazz fan in the country music capital of the world, Nashville native Kandace Springs has never fit comfortably into any single musical category. Today, that's just the way she likes it, and we do, too.
The singer, songwriter and pianist has just released her second album. Indigo is a collection of original songs, and soulful interpretations of her favorite pop tunes. It's also a showcase for Springs' incredible voice and impressive piano skills.
Her father, Scat Springs, was a popular backup singer and band leader in his own right. He told her not to feel obliged to any particular genre, telling her "you're not a jazz artist, you're a hybrid." Mr Springs wasn't the last to share that advice.
After grabbing the attention of Prince, she got to work with the Artist in his final years. He also told her to stay true to herself. And with this new album, it's clear that Kandace Springs' passion is leading the way.
Starting her KNKX studio session with a beautiful reading of Billy Strayhorn's ballad "Lush Life", Springs then sang her classical-meets-pop-meets-soul original "Fix Me". Then, a song for Prince.
"We were going over a few songs that I thought I might sing (at a party celebrating the 30th anniversary of his album Purple Rain), and when I mentioned this song, he said - THAT ONE." And so, Kandace Springs sang Roberta Flack's early hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", and our studio session audience knew exactly what Prince was after.
