Will Martin

[Stephany]

Hi all,

Will Martin, who plays the part of Ruff Riff in this new West Side Story recording, was recently interviewed by Radio New Zealand and he talks about his career, recording WSS and of course meeting with Hayley Westenra. He says very sweet things about Hayley. For example, he says that she's an absolute phenomenon Listen to the interview HERE.

He is very down-to-earth and he's got a great voice so I'm sure he will go very far.

Best wishes,
Stephany

[drew]

That is Riff Stephany not Ruff. You have been looking at his hair!

[mariannek]

What a most charming and mature young Artist !! I am so impressed with him...have yet to listen to him though !

He is absolutely correct about Hayley being a worldwide acclaimed Artist and a Phenomenon.
I look forward to his debut album, that's for sure...Go Will Martin !!
Go New Zealand !!

Love, Marianne

[Stephany]

Thanks Drew and Marianne!

[grant]

The link isn't working for me!

Best wishes
Grant

[Richard]

Hello Grant!

The link doesn't work for me either, so it looks as though the interview has been removed from the site already!

Richard

[Stephany]

Awwh the page is not working anymore.

Basically, Will said that he didn't meet Hayley for the recording of 'West Side Story' because they all had hectic schedules and it was impossible to gather all the cast at the same time. However, Will Martin had met Hayley some time ago for a performance (he didn't mention which one!) and said she was a beautiful and amazing young lady.

He added that she was truly an international superstar and that it was necessary to go abroad (in this context, meaning outside New Zealand) to understand how big she really is. He said he was very impressed by her fame in other countries. Finally, he mentionned the fact that Hayley really has done them (the Kiwis) proud. Will Martin admires hugely Hayley and it is very clear that he considers her as an example to follow!

Stephany

[graemek]

Don't worry guys,
I made my own copy last night.
I'll put up a link to it when I come home...we're just going out .

Graeme...We're back. Here it is:
For Will Martins Interview:
click on link, copy coloured letters into box...press download....wait 45 secs...press download. File size about 16Mb.
www.megaupload.com/?d=CA5IDGTH

[Richard]

Thanks for coming to the rescue, Graeme!

The whole interview is fascinating, but I was particularly interested to hear Will Martin's comments about Costa Pilavachi. He signed Hayley when he was in charge of Decca, but last year he moved to EMI. There's a thread about him HERE.

Best Wishes,

Richard

[Stephany]

Hi everybody!

I discovered Will Martin with the new recording of 'West Side Story' and his gorgeous version of 'Hine e Hine' that is on the 'World in Union' CD only confirmed his potential. His upcoming debut album is to be released before the end of the year.

I'm already a fan of his voice and I will definitely buy his album. I also look forward to seeing him in concert.

Stephany

[Stephany]

Hi everybody!

Will Martin will be a guest star on Natasha Marsh's series of concerts at some of England's most prestigious cathedrals next December. To buy tickets for these events, visit www.natashamarsh.com i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

8th December - Portsmouth Cathedral
9th December - Chester Cathedral
10th December - Bristol Cathedral
12th December - Sheffield Cathedral
15th December - Ely Cathedral

Stephany

[Stephany]

Hello everybody!

Will Martin's debut album 'A New World' is released on November 5, 2007 in New Zealand. It will be released in the UK in February 2008. There is no duet with Hayley Westenra but one with All Angels. Does anyone know a good NZ online music store where I can pre-order this album? Thanks!

Will Martin's New World
Lovemusic.co.nz
From New Zealand to the world, introducing our brightest new star… Will Martin

New Zealand ’s brightest new young star, the much talked about Will Martin gets set to release his debut album ‘A New World’

At only twenty-two, Will Martin has already packed in a lifetime of paying dues. School musicals, playing piano in bars, waiting tables, corporate entertaining, singing in rock bands and on cruise liners to singing the New Zealand National Anthem in front of a sold out All Blacks crowd – Will has done it all.

It has all been a lead up to this - “A New World,” his stunning debut album which is an epic collection of classical crossover songs. Recorded with a full orchestra, this selection of songs simultaneously reflects Will’s origins and the scope of his unfaltering ambition.
“I am an entertainer, I sing, I can play the piano. I want to bring an entertainment factor to this kind of music because it has never really been done before.”

“I intend to rock out with a big orchestra behind me. I want to be real. I want to misbehave. I want to reach people. Dress me like a pop star and let me sing, and maybe some eighteen-year-old girl will go out and buy a classical album for the first time.”

Will is a young man, who after a record company bidding war to sign him, secured a major 5 album deal in the UK with the world’s largest and most successful classical label Universal Classics and Jazz. He achieved this with no manager, no lawyer and no fixed plan, “Will Martin is a once in a generation talent,” says Dickon Stainer, Managing Director of Universal Classics and Jazz. “When I first heard the demo, I knew he was head and shoulders above any other international artist around at present.”

“A New World” was recorded at London ’s Air Studios during the spring and summer of 2007. The album was produced by Simon Franglen and features the Prague Philharmonia.

“I think that people today seem to be craving a more sophisticated sound,” says Will. “While not all the songs are from traditional repertoire, they are all orchestral and classical in spirit. Take “Going Home” from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” It’s a beautiful piece of classical music, but it has been produced as though it was written this year. It has contemporary textures and rhythms, and includes Maori chants with my voice floating on top.”

Well-known songs are also featured, including “Into the West” the theme song from “Lord of the Rings” (originally sung by Annie Lennox) and Ennio Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso.” Both have been given an orchestral kick, and contrast with the subtle takes on Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy” and the classic “Hine e Hine.” Albinoni’s “Adagio,” sung with the All Angels, has never sounded so ‘of the moment.’

Will’s debut album is a testament to Will is driven by his belief in the the emotion that classical music evokes in people, and the passion it inspires. This dedicated performer with a contagious enthusiasm for his craft intends to continue telling the beautifully emotive stories of the world’s greatest songwriters, whilst pushing the boundaries of the Classical Crossover genre. His first album is here.

Will returns to NZ mid October to promote his album and for his exclusive album launch. A New World will be released in the UK February 2008.

His stunning debut album A New World, released in New Zealand November 5.

Stephany

[Andrew]

stephany said:

Will Martin's New World
Lovemusic.co.nz
From New Zealand to the world, introducing our brightest new star… Will Martin

New Zealand ’s brightest new young star, the much talked about Will Martin gets set to release his debut album ‘A New World’

“I am an entertainer, I sing, I can play the piano. I want to bring an entertainment factor to this kind of music because it has never really been done before.”

“I intend to rock out with a big orchestra behind me. I want to be real. I want to misbehave...." .

Stephany

So there has never been "an entertainment factor" to this kind of music before? Hmm... I wonder what he means by "I want to be real. I want to misbehave"? Oh dear!

Andrew

[grant]

Hi Stephany

You can get Will martin's CD at GamePlanet HERE This is where some of us ordered Treasure NZ Special Edition from.

Love
Grant
xxx

[Stephany]

grant said:

You can get Will martin's CD at GamePlanet HERE This is where some of us ordered Treasure NZ Special Edition from.

Many thanks for the tip-off, Grant. The CD is released on October 30, 2007 in New Zealand and I can't wait to get it

Lots of love,
Stephany