by Kierstyn Pryor
Singer and performer Candy Fox is the epitome of good, soulful music – there is no better person we’d want to take recommendations from! Candy proved her diligence in the musical scene from the minute she stepped in. She released her album “Soul Stir” back in 2009 and has been dominating the music scene ever since. We reached out to Candy for some recommendations of great performances happening in the city this week, and she didn’t hesitate: Jerome Chism (Sundays at the Hyatt Centric rooftop) and Kyndle Wylde (Feb. 3 at the Green Room at Crosstown Arts). “The two of them are amazing,” Candy says. “They’re amazing singers with phenomenal personalities, and they represent our city in more than one way.”
Jerome Chism
6 p.m. Sundays, Hyatt Centric rooftop bar
“Jerome gets people dancing when it’s a little chilly outside, and everyone’s guaranteed to have a good time, you know,” Candy says. “He’ll make sure that you’ll always want to join him and his Sunday night live performances.” Even better: there’s no cover for this weekly residency! Jerome also grew up singing in church, which we think you’ll agree can be heard in his vocals. “He’s a real representation of Memphis music,” Candy says. “He’s a hometown guy, and he has that hometown Memphis sound.” Expect to hear songs in Jerome’s set from artists like Al Green, Bobby Womack, and more from the soul genre. Strong vocals with the right amount of rasp and soul, Candy tells us that people will not want to miss this one.
Kyndle Wylde
7:30 p.m., Thursday February 3, Green Room at Crosstown Arts
$12
Likewise, Kyndle Wylde also represents that Memphis soul and holds the city dear to her heart. According to Kyndle, the children’s choir and gospel filled services at her church throughout her childhood years created an outlet for her while developing the soulful sounds that can be heard in her music. Inspired by the feminine energy and power of artists like Aretha Franklin and Kelly Clarkson, she continues to reflect those ladies in her performances and shine with her very own music. Recently, Kyndle found herself becoming closer and closer to her pen – Candy Fox tells us that every performance of Kyndle’s is filled with relatable lyrics, which you can find all over her recently released EP. “She has her own unique style which she displays so well, and an appearance of an artist. She’s great,” Candy says. The very first song on Kyndle’s EP titled “My Own Way” shows just how relatable she is: “Do what you love/Once you take your power/Doors can open for you.” From this performance, you can also expect Kyndle to do a couple of covers, a few songs from her EP, as well as unreleased music that has yet to reach platforms. Be prepared to receive a warm welcome to the show during the opening brought to you by the one and only, Nick Black. Nick Black is also a Memphis artist whose music fits into the pop-soul category. If you love a performer with hype energy and relatable lyrics, this show is just for you.
Both Jerome Chism and Kyndle Wylde are ready for you! “I would encourage anyone to get out and see them, ” Candy says. And we hope you take her advice and do just that!
You may also be interested in: Graham Winchester, 5 questions with.
