THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

I was playing what they call the chitlin circuit – backwoods, R&B, juke joint-type clubs with women dancers painted on the walls, no proper dressing rooms and hecklers.  Two shows a night and most nights you’d have to chase down the promoters to get paid.  When [I first heard] Young Hearts Run Free, I instantly loved it. I sang it in one take.  As an artist, the first take contains the raw emotion.  The hurt in my voice is real.  I was singing for my life.

Candi Station in Simpson/Guardian