Courtesy of Candice Lee
Haven’t met Candice Lee yet? It’s time for an unforgettable introduction to her music and a mysterious, withdrawn suitor with her cathartic new single, “Mr. E.” The song opens with sirenlike humming and ethereal harp details before the drums thump like a heartbeat and the instrumentation picks up, much like how the dreamy magic of the relationship abruptly fades as “Mr. E” stepped back. Guitars and urgent cowbell dings build up into the choruses where Candice calls this guy out with the fierce confidence you’ve always dreamed of employing to stand up for yourself against a noncommittal heartbreaker.
The harp (and hope) eventually returns in the second verse, when Mr. E makes some time for her and his therapy appointments make way for the promise of healthier habits… but things still wind up in the same place and “some things stay unsolved.” Filled with clever lyrics, harp details, and her signature charm, “Mr. E” already feels like the quintessential Candice Lee song, showing off every element that makes her such a compelling artist already. Her relatable storytelling and charismatic energy cement her as a pop-rock riser you need to keep an eye on!
“This song means a lot to me and I’m so happy it’s finally out in the world,” Candice tells TREMG. “I have been working on it for a while so it’s always so exciting when it comes together and is finally released for people to connect with. This song was very healing to me, as it helped me verbalize and understand what I was really going through. Sometimes when I have trouble processing and/or speaking about something, it flows out better through my lyrics!”
From performing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium and opening up for Drake Bell, to incorporating harp notes into her pop-rock jams and getting a cosign from Ed Sheeran on TikTok, Candice is paving a sparkling path for herself while refusing to compromise her journey or her individuality. She shows up as her authentic self without being scared to take up space – see the hot pink streaks in her hair and the lighter pink of her logo, both of which stand out in a male-dominated rock scene. But in turn, Candice inspires listeners to honor themselves and fearlessly pursue their own goals.
“Everyone has their own journey and path to success, which can look different to different people, and I’m trying to enjoy my journey along the way,” she shares. “It was honestly so validating having been chosen to open for Drake Bell, and that Ed Sheeran chose to duet and sing with me on TikTok. This industry can be so challenging, and defeating sometimes, so to have moments like these, it really reminds me that this is what I’m meant to be doing, and they are huge milestones that encourage me to keep going!”
You can find “Mr. E” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know Candice Lee on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and her official website! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with this moving singer-songwriter.
Hi Candice, congratulations on the release of “Mr. E!” What does the song mean to you and how does it feel to let it out into the world?
Thank you! This song means a lot to me and I’m so happy it’s finally out in the world. I have been working on it for a while so it’s always so exciting when it comes together and is finally released for people to connect with. This song was very healing to me, as it helped me verbalize and understand what I was really going through. Sometimes when I have trouble processing and/or speaking about something, it flows out better through my lyrics!
“Mr. E” has so many clever lyrics, with one standout being the signature “Mr. E-motionally Unavailable.” Is there a certain line you’re especially proud of?
Thank you so much! I would say that line, “Mr. E-motionally unavailable is probably my favorite, or “guess some things stay unsolved” to tie into the mystery theme!
“Mr. E” includes some of your signature harp notes, which are such a cool and unique addition! What is it like for you to bridge your modern pop-rock flair with your more traditional music training?
I am classically trained on the harp and guitar, but I’ve always loved incorporating harp into my pop-rock music. I love how unique it is, and it’s something that people may not expect in that genre. When I first added it into my songs, I realized that this wasn’t going to be a one-time thing, and it quickly became part of my signature sound. Practicing and mastering my instruments has been a huge part of my life, so I’m really proud to play my own instruments on all of my songs.
If you could get the answer to one mystery in the world, which would you choose?
I would probably choose to know what happens after you die and/or if there’s life beyond our planet.
We love how you’ve embraced your signature hot pink color! The rock scene can sometimes feel like a “boys’ club” of sorts with less room for female artists – what has it been like for you to step into the rock scene while proudly embracing who you are and what you love?
It’s always been important to me to stay authentic and embrace who I am, and I’ve always loved the color pink and pop-rock music! Pink is my favorite color, as it’s been passed down from my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who all loved the color too! It’s a small way to feel connected to my family. I initially struggled with my branding until I was really able to get in touch with who I am, rather than trying to force something. I know that by staying authentic, the right audience will gravitate toward me and my music because they will feel a genuine connection.
You’ve gotten some awesome opportunities over the years, from opening up for Drake Bell to getting to duet with Ed Sheeran on TikTok! What have you learned from your experience working with other artists, in-person and digitally, that you’ve taken with you through your career?
I’ve learned, and am continuing to learn so much, through all of my experiences both in-person and digitally! This industry is always changing, so there is always so much to learn and adapt to. Opening for Drake Bell, specifically, taught me so much about performing live, and since then, I’ve been working a lot on my stage presence and growing my confidence as a performer. The duet with Ed Sheeran taught me the power of social media!
These experiences have taught me so much about the industry. Everyone has their own journey and path to success, which can look different to different people, and I’m trying to enjoy my journey along the way. It was honestly so validating having been chosen to open for Drake Bell, and that Ed Sheeran chose to duet and sing with me on TikTok. This industry can be so challenging, and defeating sometimes, so to have moments like these, it really reminds me that this is what I’m meant to be doing, and they are huge milestones that encourage me to keep going!
Your music has spoken to fans all over the world, with some of your biggest cities on Spotify being São Paulo, Brazil and Santiago, Chile! What would be your dream city to perform in?
I honestly don’t have a dream city to perform in as I really enjoy experiencing new places and cultures and meeting people in each city, but a dream venue would be Madison Square Garden.
You featured a list of your favorite pop songs on your Spotify profile, including artists like Tate McRae, Miley Cyrus, and Halsey. If you could collab with anyone in the industry, who would you choose and what kind of song would you want to make with them?
Ahh there are so many, but I would love to collab on a pop song with Tate McRae or Sabrina Carpenter. I would love to make a badass female empowerment song with them while incorporating humor and sarcasm, as they usually do!
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since debuting with “Magnet” in 2018? How has your creative process or vision changed?
I’ve definitely grown a lot and learned so much since debuting “Magnet”. As I have matured and developed my emotional intelligence, I have been able to write lyrics and tell stories in ways that reflect that evolution. Having collaborated and worked with so many incredibly talented musicians, writers, and producers along the way, my musicianship has grown as well. I’ve been able to enhance my sound and I’m excited to continue exploring it. My creative process & vision continue to evolve, but I’ve definitely embraced collaboration more now than ever, as I continue growing my network.
What can your fans, Candies, look forward to in the rest of 2026?
I’m releasing an EP in September and will be dropping singles leading up to it, so my Candies can expect lots of new music, visuals, and fun content along the way! I’m so excited for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on 🙂
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
I just want my fans to know how much I appreciate them and I want to remind them to know their worth! My DMs are always open <3
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Courtesy of Candice Lee
