For Nashville musicians the likes of Turbo Fruits, Tristen, PUJOL and many others, Battle Tapes Recording — the East Nashville studio co-owned by producer Jeremy Ferguson and his wife, "studio mama" Candice Burnside Ferguson — is more than a recording studio, it is a second home. For more than a decade, Candice, who died April 17 and had been undergoing treatment for breast cancer, was one of the local rock scene's biggest and most-beloved advocates. When she got sick, many in the music community stepped in, doing their part to ease the burden of medical expenses — along with donations to a college fund for the Fergusons' 16-month-old daughter, Exie Elizabeth Ferguson — through a series of benefit shows and a GoFundMe campaign that, at press time, has raised more than $48,000.
The benefit shows continue. This Saturday, April 30, at The East Room, Birdcloud, RI¢HIE, Little Bandit and The Electric Hearts will perform at Party for Candice! And on May 12 at The Basement East, one of Candice's all-time favorite local bands — post-rockers Character — will perform in her honor for the first time in 11 years, on a bill that also boasts The Features and ^°C.
In the wake of Candice's death, we reached out to members of the Battle Tapes extended family of local musicians for their remembrances.
Jeremy Ferguson, husband (Mr. Battle Tapes)
Candice was a simply beautiful woman. Her smile lit me up all the time, so all I ever wanted to do was make her laugh, sometimes much to her dismay. Then we had times of just laying in bed and acting goofy, laughing so hard. We'd argue over who was funnier (I am) — those are going to be my favorite Us moments, overall.
Beyond her love of music (which was immense; almost all-encompassing), Candice found her favorite thing ever in our daughter Exie. Proud, delighted, fortunate, in utter love with this being we were so lucky to have, after being so afraid she'd never get to have at least the one child she wanted more than anything. ANYTHING. The fact that Exie shows so much of Candice in her mentality and actions already makes me feel so fortunate to have been given her, along with almost eight years of love.
Perhaps Exie will follow in the dream Candice had of being an oncologist like ours, Vandana Abramson. Perhaps she'll become an astronaut, as I'd like (hopefully no long-term flights 'til after I'm gone), or maybe she'll just end up playing loud music like her parents loved. That part of the mystery Candice gave me in life, she's still giving to me after she's gone. I love you, Candice Ferguson, I will miss you forever, until I see you again, which isn't forever from now. So I messed that part up. But you probably would think that's hilarious.
Anna Lundy, co-worker, Grimey's New & Preloved Music
I first learned of Candice in another town, in another century, but I wouldn't meet her until some time later when visiting Nashville. I encountered her working at Tower Records, a place I too would work in the future. Even before knowing Candice, I knew she'd impacted the lives of friends who sang her praises as they detailed their adventures together. Years later, I came to consider her a very close friend, spending much time with her at work at Grimey's and palling around with her after hours at countless rock shows. One year we traveled together to Chicago for the Pitchfork Festival, where we ran into many Nashvillians, some of whom I only knew by name, but Candice knew them all. We ventured blissfully about the city and festival, making friends along the way, solidifying Yo La Tengo as one of our favorite bands, and watching the legendary Os Mutantes perform. Much to our delight, we witnessed Devendra Banhart straddle a fence, while his followers literally flocked to him. It was a time of great fun and much love for us both. I'll forever cherish our experiences there and hope to always remember how warm and sunny it felt sitting next to her under a tree in a baseball park, while Yo La Tengo melted our minds.
Ryan Norris, musician (Lambchop, HeCTA, Coupler); co-worker, Grimey's New & Preloved Music
As is my habit, I'm sure I've rewritten this memory each time I've recounted it. Though not by design, I played a serendipitous role in the union of Mr. and Mrs. Battle Tapes some years ago. Candice had passes to see a reunited Yes at the Ryman (with a singer scabbed from a Yes cover band, funny enough) and asked if I'd like to join. I said I would. I don't remember many details. We arrived late. I recall being impressed by the audience's brave though feeble attempts at dancing. The following day at a session at Battle Tapes I recounted to Jeremy the prior night's events. "You know a girl who likes Yes?" — he asked for her contact information. The rest belongs to the light. It's strange the ripple effects seemingly inconsequential moments can have. Love. Union. Marriage. Baby Exie. I'm glad to have played even a minor role in a love so deep and abiding, something the heart knows will continue well beyond the horizon of the grave.
Jonas Stein, musician (Turbo Fruits, Be Your Own Pet)
Candice Burnside Ferguson is one of the strongest women I know. She is a loving mother, a loving wife and everything more. I was fortunate enough to see Candice and Jeremy first start dating. If I remember correctly, a few of these "dates" took place at Welcome to 1979 Studio while Jeremy and I were making an album together. My immediate thoughts of Candice were, "Wow, she is very pretty and super chill. ... I like her."
I am, naturally, a bit protective of Jeremy, as I look up to him like a big brother. But when I first hung out with Candice and Jeremy together, it didn't take much time for me to drop my guard. She brought a very calming presence into the studio, and I was always happy to have her there with us. After Jeremy brought her around the studio two or three times, I quickly jumped on the opportunity of having a behind-the-scenes-bro-talk with Jeremy, saying something along the lines of, "Dude, you better lock this one down. ... She's a keeper." I may not know as much as I would like in this crazy world, but one thing I'm certain of is when I meet good-hearted people.
Candice won my heart over in no time. More importantly, she won Jeremy's heart. It was a pleasure to see them fall in love together, start a life together and start a family together. Even though Candice is no longer here with us in physical form, she is, without a doubt, here in spirit and energy. Two things she had a lot of — spirit and energy. No matter how ill, no matter how medicated, no matter how bad her symptoms, she always gave me a big hug and a big smile. She was constantly spreading good vibes, and I know she will continue to do so.
While recording with Jeremy at their home, Battle Tapes, I would often get a kick and a smile out of overhearing Candice and Exie laughing and playing together in the other room. I will certainly miss that.
Candice, nobody will ever to be able to fill your shoes, but I want you to know that we will do our best to help your beloved daughter, Exie, and your amazing husband, Jeremy, continue living a rich life full of big smiles, big hugs, wet kisses and more. Thank you for always treating me a like a part of your family and playing the role of "big sis." You mean so much to me and I love you so much. We love you so much.
Matt Moody, musician (Hands Down Eugene)
Losing a peer is very difficult in itself, but when those peers become family, as Candice was for so many in the Nashville music scene and community, it becomes overwhelming and just unfathomable. Especially over the past couple of years, especially since the birth of her daughter Exie. I got the opportunity to spend many hours philosophizing about life, music and the hope of beating cancer with Candice. She helped on our recordings, and managing studio things with Jeremy, making Battle Tapes a second home for so many. It's a huge loss for our entire musical family and community. She is loved, and severely missed.
Tristen, musician (Tristen, Jenny Lewis)
I remember distinctly when Jeremy met Candice because of the way her love lifted him; she made him truly happy. Candice loved Jeremy and supported his work in a truly beautiful way. As human beings, we try to establish permanence within the impermanence of our lives, and we have a hard time reconciling with luck. How unlucky to have cancer, and how heartbreaking to watch someone so young and beautiful struggle to hold on. Our hearts are broken.
Daniel Pujol, musician (PUJOL)
Everyone's relationship with Candice is unique and valuable in its own respect. Candice was a brave person. A brave mother. And the only reason I got to meet Jeremy. And Jeremy was the only reason I got to meet [PUJOL guitarist] Brett Rosenberg. And it goes on and on. She had a valuable impact on my life, one that is present daily. Thank you, Candice Burnside Ferguson.
Beth Cameron, musician (Forget Cassettes)
I can remember meeting Candice for the very first time: tall, beautiful, charismatic Candice. I can honestly say Candice and Jeremy's relationship was a natural one. Candice took care of Jeremy and took care of Battle Tapes and gave him that sense of stability that so many studio owners lack. When Candice was first diagnosed with cancer, before they were married, Jeremy just stepped up and took care of her. There was never a question, there was never a conversation — he just did it.
When I went to the hospital to meet Exie for the first time, the three of us just stood around her and stared in silence, smiles plastered on our faces. Creating Exie was Candice's greatest accomplishment. It was uncertain whether they would ever be able to have children, so when Exie came along, Candice reveled in her existence. There was never a text conversation that didn't begin or end with a photo or video of Exie.
Candice was a great friend. Always the empath, Candice consistently chose to nurture her loved ones over her own discomfort. Even toward the end, it wasn't her pain that concerned her, it was not being able to take care of her family the way she wanted. When you lose a loved one quickly and without warning, it's easy to regret the time you didn't spend with them. I am beyond grateful for those final hours I got to spend with Candice just staring at her in silence, a smile plastered on my face.
William Tyler, musician
Candice and Jeremy have always represented to me the best parts of our community. Constant inclusion, constant encouragement, constant vision and enthusiasm for the young people flying the flag in the Nashville music scene. She represents so much love, so much idealism, and always made everyone feel welcome and special. From seeing her at the first Character shows 15 years ago to watching her nurture and offer support to the young up-and-comers, I was always amazed at the depth and breadth of her kindness and passion.
Email Music@nashvillescene.com
