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Thursday, August 28, 2025

Disgusted

Candy Apple Blue Disgusted
Candy Apple Blue - Disgusted

Old photo, but current mood. #disgusted As the world turns, so do our stomachs. The music industry is collapsing in on itself. The price of everything has skyrocketed. And we are now positively certain that we live in the Divided States, not the United States. Come on, America, we can do better!

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Back Music Catalogue

Back Music Catalogue, Life's Work, Body of Work
Back Music Catalogue

Hoyt and I have composed hundreds of demos that are still lying around, waiting to be professionally recorded. This is an interesting position for us to be in as songwriters, as we're both in our early 50s now.

So, cover songs, although they are a lot of fun for us, make us feel like we're cheating on our original material.

Hopefully, we'll both live to be a hundred years old so that we can get these songs to the finish line!

- Carly of 🍬🍎🟦


#bodyofwork #lifeswork #backcatalogue

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Hot as Hell 🔥 Will Be Our Next Release

Hot as Hell Candy Apple Blue

Hot as Hell 🔥 will be our next release. It's a straight-up disco-rock song. If you like Hot Stuff by Donna Summer, Blondie's Call Me, or I Was Made For Loving You by Kiss, you're gonna love Hot as Hell!

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Candy Apple Blue Hits No. 1 on iTunes Electronic - Daily Charts in Poland

Candy Apple Blue hits No. 1 in Poland on the iTunes Electronic - Daily Charts August 2025
Candy Apple Blue hits No. 1 on
iTunes Electronic - Daily Charts in Poland

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 to Candy Apple Blue, Matt Pop, and Nick Bramlett for reaching 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 - 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 today in POLAND! 

🏆 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁 (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘅) 🏆

This goes to show you that good songs don't have an expiration date. Release date: September 2020 

"Thank you, Poland! You've got GREAT taste!!" ~  🙏 - 🍬🍎🟦

Friday, August 15, 2025

𝐈𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 (𝟖𝟎𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐱) Synthwave Stevie Nicks Cover

Candy Apple Blue If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix) Stevie Nicks Cover The Wild Heart Nick Bramlett 1983 2025
Candy Apple Blue - If Anyone Falls 💘
(80s Romance Mix) ft. Nick Bramlett

We proudly present to you our second reimagining of the classic Stevie Nicks song "If Anyone Falls," which peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard charts back in the fall of 1983.

Experience the creative evolution of Candy Apple Blue's latest track as they take the bold step to reimagine and re-record their cover version of "If Anyone Falls."

After thoughtful consideration of fan feedback, Candy Apple Blue returns to their synth-pop roots with a refined musical arrangement that puts Nick Bramlett's heartfelt vocals front and center. This new recording strips away the complexities of the original duet format to create a more focused and emotionally resonant experience.


Produced, recorded, and arranged by Candy Apple Blue 🍬🍎🟦

All synthesizers, drum machines, and VST instruments were programmed and performed by Carly Emerick

Lead and background vocals by Nick Bramlett 🎤

Additional background vocals by Carly Emerick and Hoyt Emerick

Electric guitar performed by Micah Blakeslee 🎸

Mixed and mastered by Walter Nuzzo 🎧

Recording Supervisor and Sound Engineer: Carly Emerick

► High-fidelity 24-bit/48kHz download available on Bandcamp:  https://candyappleblue.bandcamp.com/track/if-anyone-falls-80s-romance-mix

► Official Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0wFMeWXCbg 

Thursday, August 14, 2025

"It's not just a cover song, it's an experience."


If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix) Commercial

Candy Apple Blue - If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix) ft. Nick Bramlett is available on all digital music platforms on August 15th, 2025. ©2025 A Fading Brunette™ Film.

If Anyone Falls was originally recorded and released by Stevie Nicks in the Fall of 1983. This single was taken from The Wild Heart album.

Hear how Candy Apple Blue turned fan feedback into musical gold. It's not just a cover song, it's an experience.

#synthwave #dreamwave

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Experience an 𝟴𝟬𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Nick Bramlett, Candy Apple Blue, If Anyone Falls, Stevie Nicks, Print Ad, Remix
Nick Bramlett, Candy Apple Blue
If Anyone Falls (Print Ad)

Experience an 𝟴𝟬𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 with Nick Bramlett and Candy Apple Blue as they explore the emotional depth of the Stevie Nicks 1983 classic If Anyone Falls. Coming to you this Friday. #synthpop 

Sunday, August 10, 2025

The Ritual of Getting Ready

Hoyt of Candy Apple Blue (1993)
Hoyt of Candy Apple Blue (1993)

The ritual of getting ready to go out for a night on the town was just as important to me as the actual night itself. I would take my time, pop in my favorite Dead or Alive or Madonna CD, and pamper myself.

The room always smelled of my favorite Chanel fragrance, makeup, and bubble bath. On this particular night, I spent over 2 hours doing my hair. (And yes, that's my own hair, thanks to a Clairol product called "Born Blonde".) Looking back on it now, I might have overdone my lipstick application. But I always used to say that "too much is never enough." Making a bold statement was important to me.

The year was 1993, and I was 19 years old. And let me tell you, looking like this, I never got carded! ~ Hoyt

Friday, August 8, 2025

𝐈𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 (𝟖𝟎𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐱) [Official Lyric Video]


Come join us for the 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐄 of the official lyric video for "𝐈𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 (𝟖𝟎𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐱)" 💘 at 1 PM [GMT-0400] on Friday, August 15th. Hoyt, Nick, and Carly will all be live in the YouTube text chatroom to talk with you and answer your questions. Click on the video link and then the "Notify me" bell to display a specialized countdown for you, regardless of your location.

After thoughtful consideration of fan feedback, Candy Apple Blue returns to their synth-pop roots with a new refined musical arrangement that puts Nick Bramlett's heartfelt vocals front and center. This new recording strips away the complexities of the original duet format to create a more focused and emotionally resonant experience.

"If anyone falls in love, it will be done to us!"

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Revamping the Sound: Candy Apple Blue's Journey with "If Anyone Falls"


 Revamping the Sound: Candy Apple Blue's Journey with "If Anyone Falls"

Experience the creative evolution of Candy Apple Blue's latest track as they take a bold step to reimagine their version of "If Anyone Falls." After thoughtful consideration of fan feedback, the band returns to their synthpop roots with a refined arrangement that puts vocals front and center. Led by Nick's powerful delivery, this new recording strips away the complexities of the original duet format to create a more focused and emotionally resonant experience.

The revamped track showcases a cleaner instrumental backdrop that allows the poignant lyrics to shine through, demonstrating the band's commitment to musical growth and their willingness to embrace change. Working alongside producer Walter Nuzzo, Carly, Hoyt, and Nick have crafted a version that stays true to their signature sound while elevating the overall listening experience.

Don't miss the exclusive premiere of the reinvented "If Anyone Falls" on August 15th - it's a testament to how sometimes the best art comes from being open to reinvention. Tune in to hear how Candy Apple Blue transforms feedback into musical gold.

Key Takeaways:

• The decision to re-record "If Anyone Falls" stemmed from mixed reviews, highlighting the impact of listener feedback on artistic choices.

• The original version's production strayed from their signature synth-pop sound, showcasing the importance of staying true to one's musical identity.

• The revamped song emphasizes vocals and clearer instrumentation, demonstrating a shift in focus from production complexity to lyrical clarity.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix)

Candy Apple Blue If Anyone Falls 80s Romance Mix ft. Nick Bramlett Official Cover Art
Candy Apple Blue - If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix)
 ft. Nick Bramlett [Official Cover Art]

Experience the distinctive Candy Apple Blue signature synth-pop sound that first captured your heart! 💘

𝐈𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 (𝟖𝟎𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐱)
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟎𝟖/𝟏𝟓/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Produced, recorded, and arranged by Candy Apple Blue 🍬🍎🟦

All synthesizers, drum machines, and VST instruments were programmed and performed by Carly Emerick  

Lead and background vocals by Nick Bramlett 🎤

Additional background vocals by Carly Emerick and Hoyt Emerick

Electric guitar performed by Micah Blakeslee 🎸

Mixed and Mastered by Walter Nuzzo 🎧

Recording Supervisor and Sound Engineer: Carly Emerick

The cover art illustration was created by Carly Emerick for 
Fading Brunette™ Studios.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Matt Pop for the WIN! 💪🏻🎵

Candy Apple Blue Matt Pop Spotify
Candy Apple Blue's TOP 5 Songs on Spotify This Week

That moment when you realize that the UNIVERSE is trying to tell you something. Our five biggest songs on Spotify this week were all produced by Matt Pop! 🌟 I've always said, "Matt Pop for the win!" It's become our band's motto!  🎵 - 🍬🍎🟦

Saturday, July 19, 2025

We Hope You Are All Enjoying This Beautiful Summer Season! ☀️

Carly and Hoyt Emerick (Summer, 2025) Candy Apple Blue
Carly and Hoyt (Summer, 2025)

NEWS UPDATE:

We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful summer season! ☀️

We are proud to announce that we are nearing the finish line of our next release. Our newly remixed and re-recorded version of If Anyone Falls featuring Nick Bramlett has been a long time coming.

This time around, both Matt Pop and Juno Dreams were unable to remix for us. So we looked inward to create something magical, something fresh, and something worthy of your time, love, and attention. We rolled up our sleeves and laced up our bootstraps and created a new mix that Hoyt and I are officially calling the If Anyone Falls (80s Romance Mix). 💋

If all goes according to plan, this in-house dreamwave mix is tentatively scheduled for release at the end of August.

Thank you for your continued love and support! 🙏🏻 - 🍬🍎🟦

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Images of Heaven (Promo Poster)

Candy Apple Blue Images of Heaven Promo Poster Matt Pop Nick Bramlett
Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven (Promo Poster)

"With Nick Bramlett on lead vocals and Matt Pop behind the mixing console, we just knew we couldn't go wrong." ~ Carly and Hoyt

Thursday, July 10, 2025

We Have Been Busy Little Bees 🐝🐝🐝

Carly Emerick of Candy Apple Blue July 2025
Carly Emerick of Candy Apple Blue (July 2025)

Behind the scenes, we have been busy little bees! 🐝🐝🐝 

Here's a countdown of what we've been up to lately.

01) This Friday, on July 11th, we will release the Matt Pop extended mix of "Images of Heaven."

02) We've been working on a new mix of the band's newly re-recorded version of "If Anyone Falls."

03) We are close to getting our disco dance duet Hot as Hell 🔥 to the finish line.

04) We have recorded yet another surprise cover song! And this one was a milestone. It was the first time, during a recording session, that Nick's heartfelt vocal performance literally brought me to tears. It's a real emotional powerhouse! 

And we have a few other surprises up our sleeves. 💪🏻 So stay tuned! 🍬🍎🟦 loves you!

Sincerely, Carly

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Extended Mix) Official Cover Art

Candy Apple Blue Images of Heaven Matt Pop Extended Mix Nick Bramlett Peter Godwin Official Cover Art
Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven
(Matt Pop Extended Mix) ft. Nick Bramlett

Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Extended Mix) cover art reveal! This glorious electro sensation times in at 6:08 and is perfect for DJ sets, club play, or personal listening.

Artist: Candy Apple Blue
Release Title: Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Extended Mix)
Lead Vocalist: Nick Bramlett
Backing Vocals: Carly Emerick
Composers: Peter Douglas Godwin
Record Label: Mrix Muzik Records
Release Date: July 11th, 2025
Publisher Field: Chappell Music LTD / Copyright Control (MCPS)
P Line: Mrix Muzik Records
Catalog Number: MXMK-504

A Synth-Pop Reimagining: 

🍬🍎🟦's "Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Extended Mix)" is out now!
 
Experience a fresh take on Peter Godwin's 1982 new wave classic "Images of Heaven." Candy Apple Blue, Nick Bramlett, and Matt Pop have breathed new life into this UK favorite by coating it with their signature sound.

It's a real testament to how a heavenly collaboration can elevate music creativity. The extended version builds upon the original's ethereal foundation, offering listeners a deeper dive into this gorgeous atmospheric synth-pop mix.

Don't miss this enhanced extended version of "Images of Heaven" – available now on all digital streaming platforms. Take a moment to immerse yourself in this uplifting cover.

Buy on Bandcamp: 

Songlink: 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Everyone Is Welcome Here [Pride Month 2025]

Candy Apple Blue Pride Month 2025 "Everyone Is Welcome Here" LGBTQ+
"Everyone Is Welcome Here"

 "Everyone is welcome here!"  

As Pride Month comes to a close, let us not forget the basic human rights that our community has fought so hard for. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles we endure. Even in 2025, we at large still face health care disparities, political violence, hate crimes, and prejudice. This past month has been a time for reflection on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the continued fight ahead for full LGBTQ+ liberation. 

Apart, we are weak; together, we are strong! 💪🏻 - 🍬🍎🟦

Friday, June 27, 2025

NEW MUSIC ALERT! Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Mix) featuring Nick Bramlett

 

Images of Heaven Peter Godwin Cover Matt Pop Candy Apple Blue Nick Bramlett Official Artwork Cover Art

Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Mix)
featuring Nick Bramlett

🎶 NEW MUSIC ALERT! 🎶 We proudly present to you our highly anticipated rendition of Peter Godwin's New Wave masterpiece "Images of Heaven." 😇

Our synth-pop cover is the perfect blend of nostalgia mixed with a modern dance production, appealing to both longtime fans of the original song and newcomers alike. This 43-year-old composition was a joy for us to reimagine and record.

Once again, we united our dream team. Nick Bramlett sings the song with so much passion, joy, and conviction! Matt Pop, known for bringing a modern twist to classic tracks, puts an energetic spin on this slick synth-pop production. His remix has hints of Giorgio Moroder, a splash of Robyn, a pinch of Erasure, and a teaspoon of Anything Box. In the end, it's pure Candy Apple Blue.

Putting that "Candy Apple Blue" coating on this cult favorite was a biblical journey for us. We've danced to this song at The Bank and The Batcave in NYC as young adults in the 90s. So, recording this song has been like revisiting an old friend. 

Images of Heaven was recently featured in the Ryan Murphy hit TV series, Grotesquerie, which brought a newfound interest in this timeless UK favorite.

Experience our fresh take on this beloved classic. 🙏 - 🍬🍎🟦

Purchase or Stream here: https://candyappleblue.bandcamp.com/track/images-of-heaven-matt-pop-mix

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Phase III Nite Spot

Phase III Nite Spot Hoyt Emerick Candy Apple Blue
Hoyt Emerick Wearing a Vintage Phase III T-Shirt

Photo Flashback (2012) ⚡ Does anyone here remember Phase III Nite Spot that used to be on Route 51 in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, back in the late 1980s? ~ Hoyt

Giorgio Moroder, Robyn, Erasure, and Anything Box

Candy Apple Blue Images of Heaven Matt Pop Peter Godwin Nick Bramlett
Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven

Q: What do you get when you mix a 1/2 cup of Giorgio Moroder, a splash of Robyn, a pinch of Erasure, and a teaspoon of Anything Box?

A: You get Candy Apple Blue's new single "Images of Heaven" (Matt Pop Mix), which releases this Friday on all digital music platforms!

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Peter Godwin's "Images of Heaven" Gets A Fresh Dance Music Makeover

Candy Apple Blue Images of Heaven Peter Godwin Matt Pop Nick Bramlett Official Cover Art
Candy Apple Blue - Images of Heaven (Matt Pop Mix) 
ft. Nick Bramlett

Press Release and Cover Art Reveal: 

Candy Apple Blue Unleashes Their Highly Anticipated Rendition of Peter Godwin’s 1982 New Wave Masterpiece “Images of Heaven”

Our synth-pop cover is the perfect blend of nostalgia mixed with a modern dance production, appealing to both longtime fans of the original song and newcomers alike. This 43-year-old composition was a joy for us to reimagine and record.

Once again, we united our dream team. Nick Bramlett sings the song with so much passion, joy, and conviction! Matt Pop, known for bringing a modern twist to classic tracks, puts an energetic spin on this slick synth-pop production. His remix has hints of Giorgio Moroder, a splash of Robyn, a pinch of Erasure, and a teaspoon of Anything Box. In the end, it's pure Candy Apple Blue.

Putting that "Candy Apple Blue" coating on this cult favorite was a biblical journey for us. We've danced to this song at The Bank and The Batcave in NYC as young adults in the 90s. So, recording this song has been like revisiting an old friend.

Images of Heaven was recently featured in the Ryan Murphy hit TV series, Grotesquerie, which brought a newfound interest in this timeless UK favorite.

Experience our fresh take on this beloved classic. - 🙏 - 🍬🍎🟦

Release Date: June 27th, 2025 (New Music Friday)


Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Images of Heaven 😇 Candy Apple Blue Cover This Heavenly Synth-pop Classic!


Candy Apple Blue Cover Peter Godwin's Images of Heaven!

Candy Apple Blue is about to unleash their highly anticipated rendition of Peter Godwin's New Wave masterpiece "Images of Heaven." Band members Carly and Hoyt, alongside Nick Bramlett, have poured their musical hearts into reimagining this iconic synth-pop track for a new generation of listeners.

The trio's release is enhanced by Matt Pop's masterful remix! It promises to deliver a contemporary spin while honoring the original's iconic status. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and a modern dance production that will appeal to both longtime synth-pop fans and newcomers to the genre.

Mark your calendars for New Music Friday, June 27th, when this reimagined classic drops across all major platforms. This isn't just another cover – it's a labor of love from artists who understand the magic of the original while adding their own unique signature to the mix.

Don't miss this exciting revival of a New Wave masterpiece. Tune in on June 27th to experience "Images of Heaven" like you've never heard it before! 🎵

• The cover of "Images of Heaven" is set to be released on New Music Friday, which typically highlights new artists and songs.

• The remix is done by Matt Pop, known for bringing a modern twist to classic tracks, adding an unexpected layer to the original song.

• Carly, Hoyt, and Nick's collaboration reflects a growing trend of reimagining iconic New Wave songs for contemporary audiences.

• The trio is committed to breathing new life into this New Wave 1982 gem.

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Synth-pop Secrets: Guess which 1982 New Wave classic is getting a fresh makeover by 🍬🍎🟦


Synth-pop Secrets: Guess which 1982 New Wave classic is getting a fresh makeover by 🍬🍎🟦 #newwave 

The creative minds of Candy Apple Blue are buzzing with excitement as they team up with Matt Pop for a special cover project. In this energetic reel, Hoyt and Carly, joined by Nick Bramlett, share their enthusiasm for breathing new life into a synth-pop classic that helped to define the genre four decades ago.

Their collaboration with #MattPop promises to honor the original's timeless appeal while adding their own distinctive modern twist. As true ambassadors of the synth-pop and synthwave communities, the team turns this announcement into an engaging game, challenging listeners to identify the mystery track that has captured their hearts.

Ready to test your 80s music knowledge and discover which 1982 gem is getting the Candy Apple Blue treatment? #synthpop 

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Going Through a Roxette Phase

Roxette early 1990s Candy Apple Blue
Candy Apple Blue going through a Roxette phase.
(Early 1990s)

What can I say? It was the early 1990s, and Candy Apple Blue was definitely going through a Roxette phase. Obviously, we are "Dressed For Success". I can almost smell the bleach/hair lightener now. We were both blonde and bold! Look out, world, here we come! ~ Carly

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

1990 Androgyny

1990 Androgyny Trench Coat Claiborne
1990 Androgyny
Black Cashmere Trench Coat by Clairborne

The year was 1990, and the look was androgyny. Androgyny refers to individuals who display some of the physical characteristics of both sexes. In my mind, I was channelling Michelle Phiefer, Boy George, and David Bowie. I adored wearing this soft cashmere trench coat, and with its air of sophistication, all heads would turn when I walked into the room.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Candy Apple Blue featuring Nick Bramlett (Promo Pics)

Candy Apple Blue Nick Bramlett synth-pop band
Candy Apple Blue featuring Nick Bramlett
(Nick Bramlett, Carly Emerick, and Hoyt Emerick)

Candy Apple Blue Nick Bramlett Hoyt Emerick Carly Emerick Synth-Pop Band Steelers Colors Black and Gold Pittsburgh
Candy Apple Blue featuring Nick Bramlett
(Hoyt Emerick, Nick Bramlett, and Carly Emerick)

I recently stumbled upon some promotional photographs of the band on an old USB stick and wanted to share them with you. The first one was never seen or published before now. The second one is an outtake photo. ~ Carly

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Mad About You (4K Remaster) The 10-Year Anniversary Party!


This February 14th, will you be our Valentine? 💘 We are "Mad About You". Come spend 5 minutes with us this Friday at 2 PM for the world premiere of the 4K Remaster of the official Mad About You music video.

This year marks the very special 10th Anniversary of our fan-favorite Mad About You.

To celebrate this delicious italo-disco dance track we have produced a gorgeous 4K restoration of the official music video and have used the Mike Marsh professional audio remaster to bring this tour de force the commemoration it so richly deserves.

Mad About You is a song about a relationship gone very wrong. Its strong subject matter borders on creepy. Songwriter Carly Emerick has often talked about being inspired to compose Mad About You after watching a crime drama concerning stalking on ID Channel. She wrote about her real-life experiences and crafted what some people have called a "masterpiece".

Candy Apple Blue Mad About You Nick Bramlett Juno Dreams 4K Remaster
Candy Apple Blue - Mad About You (Juno Dreams Remix)
ft. Nick Bramlett (4K Remaster)


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Here’s a Fun Flashback ⚡ Photo

Hoyt Emerick Carly Emerick plus friends 1995
1997 NYC

Here's a fun FLASHBACK ⚡ photo that I recently found. I believe this is from around the 1997 era. Hoyt and I met some friends Mike and Jason out for dinner in NYC. The name of the restaurant completely fails my mind. But I remember us all enjoying a delicious Mexican meal. I was working at Virgin Records in Times Square at the time. Hoyt and I were both in our mid-20s when this was taken. 

📷 ~ Carly

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

It’s 1988 and I’m 16 Years Old!

 

Will, Carly, and Alexis (1988)
Left to right: Will, Carly, and Alexis (1988)

The year was 1988. I was 16 years old and just got my driver's license! 

I often borrowed my brother's dark blue Dodge Mirada and hit the town after getting home from high school. I was always so eager to get out and go beyond the boundaries of my small hometown. I used to travel 30 minutes down the road to Pennsylvania Western University, California. A place many people so lovingly called Cal U. This college town was full of a whole slew of interesting, educated, and open-minded young people. 

The first time I went to the campus was with a friend because Joan Jett was performing a small gig there in support of her sixth studio album Up Your Alley. I was a big fan and remember the concert being a lot of fun. We had to stand all the way in the back because we arrived late. It was standing room only. All I can remember now is that Joan looked great and sounded even better!

Around this time, I met some people I would become good friends with. The wonderful brunette to my left wearing the Wonder Woman bracelets is Alexis. She and I immediately formed a deep bond that would last a over decade. I'm happy to report that to this day we still talk occasionally online.

To my right is a guy named Will who's wearing a black sweater and pink turtleneck. I remember that he loved clove cigarettes and the band, The Cure. If you look closely at this picture, you can see that he's resting one of his clove cigarettes on the wooden balustrade handrail. After all, who didn't smoke back in the 1980s? I remember the residence where we took this photograph. It was at a place called "The Puzzle House" for reasons that are still unknown to me to this day.

As for my look here, well, I think I was going through my Madonna Desperately Seeking Susan / Samantha Fox phase. Although, one could just as easily argue that I look more like a member of Def Leppard. 🤣 Pour some sugar on me, baby! God, I wish I still had that grey jacket!

I just wanted to share this photograph with you that I found at the bottom of a drawer. It made me smile. 

Author Sydney Banks once wrote "The past is no longer real. It's just an illusion." But when I look at this photo in my mind it's 1988, I'm 16 years old, and I just got my driver's license.

xoxo 💋 - Carly

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Stevie Nicks “If Anyone Falls” Gets a FRESH Makeover as a DUET Cover by Pittsburgh Band 🎩 🎵

 


If Anyone Falls: A Video Essay/Round Table Discussion

Hi, I'm Hoyt. And I'm Carly. And we are Candy Apple Blue. Today, we're going to be taking a deep dive into the song, If Anyone Falls, as recorded by Stevie Nicks and co-written by Sandy Stewart. The song peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts in November of 1983. It was off her second solo album, The Wild Heart. In the fall of 1982, Stevie began composing and preparing new material for her follow-up to her Billboard No. 1 smash solo album, Bella Donna. Bella Donna yielded three huge hits, Stop Dragging My Heart Around with Tom Petty, the Don Henley duet Leather and Lace, and the haunting Edge of Seventeen. The 1980s was a very busy time for the white-winged dove songstress. Not only was her solo career taking off into the stratosphere, she was also keeping her commitment to her band Fleetwood Mac, which made her a star and put her on the map.

Hear the classic Stevie Nicks song If Anyone Falls reimagined as a duet by Pittsburgh indie synth-pop band Candy Apple Blue. If Anyone Falls was the second single off of Stevie Nicks second solo studio album The Wild Heart. Released in 1983 it also features the worldwide smash hit single Stand Back. This big 1980s synthesizer-heavy US rock song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has become a staple of her concerts.

This song has always enchanted us. Its haunting melody and mystical powers have stayed "deep inside" of our hearts for 41 years.

Stream or download "If Anyone Falls" here: https://song.link/i/1787631902

Listen here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_xzRl_fGBo

Buy on Bandcamp: https://candyappleblue.bandcamp.com/track/if-anyone-falls

Produced by Candy Apple Blue
https://candyappleblue.music

Lead vocals by Apollo Rogers
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloRogersSings

Lead vocals by Nick Bramlett
https://www.facebook.com/TheNickBramlett

Written by Stevie Nicks & Sandy Stewart

Synthesizers, bass, and drums programmed & performed by Carly Emerick

Electric and acoustic guitars performed by Micah Blakeslee
https://linktr.ee/MicahBlakeslee

Audio and recording engineer: Carly Emerick

Mixed and mastered by Math Bishop
https://www.mathbishop.com

If you like the music that we make and want to support our efforts you can do so here:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/CandyAppleBlue

#stevienicks #ifanyonefalls #80smusic #80spop

If Anyone Falls was written in a similar fashion as Stand Back. Stevie Nicks composed what is known as a top line in the recording industry. Many of today's artists, like Taylor Swift, for example, will be sent an instrumental by a beatmaker or a music producer and she will then go in and record a top line. As has been well documented, she wrote the song Stand Back in a similar fashion where she wrote the lyrics over top of Little Red Corvette after hearing it on the radio. Writing a top line means composing the lyrics and vocal melodies over top of a pre-recorded piece of music. This style of songwriting proved to work well for Stevie on Stand Back, so she wanted to try it again. Gordon Perry, a record producer from Dallas, Texas, was a close friend of Stevie's and heard that she was looking for new material for her second solo album.

It was at that time that he came across the demo by then-unknown artist Sandy Stewart. The first track on this demo was a song called The Last American. He instantly fell in love with this instrumental and knew that Stevie would too. So we forwarded the cassette tape to her. Stevie remembers going into the bathroom the night she received the tape with Sandy Stewart's instrumental on it. She liked the way the acoustics of a small tiled room made her voice sound, so she would go there for inspiration. With this magical instrumental filling the room, she grabbed her portable cassette tape recorder and began to sing in the top line for If Anyone Falls. What came out of this was a first-time collaboration with Sandy Stewart, not even being in the same room. Stevie has often referred to this time period of writing, The Wild Heart, as the love time of her life, when everyone around her was either falling in love or out of love, getting married or getting divorced, including her. It was a time when you could walk into a room and fall in love with a total stranger. Sandy Stewart has a very sophisticated writing style, which is evident when you look back at her songwriting catalog, most notably songs that feature Stevie Nicks as the vocalist. Songs like Seven Wonders, Too Far From Texas, and Maybe Love Will Change Your Mind are songs that she's contributed to Stevie's enduring catalog. The two worked together closely on the Wild Heart and Sandy Stewart's solo album.

Sandy's an incredibly gifted songwriter and vocalist who's often drawn comparisons to Stevie herself.

Candy Apple Blue If Anyone Falls Juno Dreams Remix Apollo Rogers Nick Bramlett
Candy Apple Blue - If Anyone Falls (Juno Dreams Remix)
ft. Apollo Roges and Nick Bramlett