Candiace Dillard Bassett, best known for her role on *The Real Housewives of Potomac*, is launching a new chapter in her music career with the release of the remix of her single “If Only…”. The track, which features renowned singer Tamar Braxton and gospel artist Darrel Walls, follows the original release from February and is part of a larger project titled *The Conversation*, scheduled to arrive in May.
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In an exclusive interview with *People*, the 39-year-old singer shared her enthusiasm for this new musical phase. “I’m really excited for you all to get a whiff of this new era of music that I’m in,” Dillard Bassett stated. Her original song, “If Only…,” delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, reflecting on struggles that, while personal, resonate with many listeners. “I wrote this song about a relationship that I was in well before I was married. A lot of the woes I was dealing with in that relationship still feel relevant today,” she explained.
Dillard Bassett’s artistic journey is not only about expressing personal experiences. She aims to create a platform for discussions about relationship challenges. “The Conversation is meant to pay homage to that and open up the space to liberate people to talk about the woes of relationships even more,” she added. The project intends to resonate with those still navigating the dating scene, particularly her sister and friends who frequently face similar struggles.
Initially, there were two beloved versions of the track. However, Dillard Bassett decided to release one as a debut single while keeping the alternate version for a remix. Titled “If Only… (Solo Remix),” this song is set to follow the “SHEmix” featuring Braxton, which is already available. Dillard Bassett recalled the process, stating, “The question became, okay, if we’re going to make this song the remix, why wouldn’t we have some amazing, talented artists jump on it too?”
Bringing Braxton into the project was a moment of sheer joy for Dillard Bassett. Unbeknownst to her, her manager had reached out to Braxton, and once she heard Braxton’s verse, her reaction was one of excitement. “I lost it and started screaming,” she expressed. For Dillard Bassett, Braxton has been a supportive figure, “a great big sister”, who has always inspired her to pursue her dreams. “Her being aligned with this song is related to that. I wanted to celebrate women, and celebrate us living in our fullness and living in our power,” she remarked.
Dillard Bassett also expressed her admiration for Walls, whose gospel roots resonated deeply with her. After meeting him during the production of Dennis Williams’ play, *I’ve Cried the Blues*, Dillard Bassett quickly recognised his talent and felt he was a perfect fit for her remix collection. Walls himself was pleasantly surprised to be asked for his contribution, stating, “I was like, ‘Me? You want me to do it?’ I was honoured.”
The anticipation for Walls’ version, dubbed “If Only… (HEmix),” continues to build, with its release scheduled for April 24. Upon listening to the original track, Walls praised Dillard Bassett’s vocal abilities, affirming, “I was like, ‘My girl is singing!’ She’s so dope. She’s so talented.” His enthusiasm highlights the collaborative spirit of the project.
Dillard Bassett’s latest musical venture comes on the heels of her participation in the reality series *The Traitors*, where she was eliminated in the eighth episode of the fourth season. Reflecting on the experience, she noted that it was “a blast” but clarified her current focus is no longer on reality television. “My interest is moving away from competition or docu-follow reality shows. I’m more inclined towards scripted projects, Broadway, and my music,” she confirmed.
Looking to the future, Dillard Bassett expressed excitement about her ongoing work on a full-length project, stating it would offer an even deeper insight into her artistry. Much of the new music was crafted during her pregnancy, infusing it with emotional depth and authenticity. “It’s very raw and very honest. Some of it comes from the perspective of loved ones in my life, and it’s music I’m incredibly proud of,” she articulated.
As she embarks on this new musical journey, Dillard Bassett is committed to exploring her artistic voice and connecting with audiences through her heartfelt lyrics. With an array of new projects on the horizon, she is poised to solidify her place in the music industry and share her evolving narrative with fans far and wide.