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Post by stevemacdonald on Aug 7, 2007 15:38:28 GMT
I was listening to Hayley this morning and it finally occurred to me that the essence of her appeal is her voice, not her musical styles.
For a long time I was bewildered about which songs I liked the most and why. All had something going for them (even my all-time least-fave QQ) but at the end of the day I realised I had no preference for one form over another, whether it was folk, classical, showtune, Celtic or easy-listening.
The truth is, Hayley has the one voice in history that rises above all genres. You really can't name another singer as eclectic, versatile and ultimately transcendent as she.
Now the bad news is that no one popular style will support her careerwise. She obviously has to deliver across a wide range to sell CDs. Then, music fans must decide how much variety they can handle from one singer, since no one has ever taken this approach before.
In these highly-specialised, micro-niched times, is there much of a demand for a singer who can do it all? Mind you, we don't get a lot of Hayley concerts here in the States, so the dilemma I'm describing might not apply to her UK market.
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Post by comet on Aug 7, 2007 16:36:49 GMT
Hi Steve,
I have to agree, I have no least favourite and no song I skip to the end of. Plenty of songs I skip back to the start of and listen again.
Hayley could sing anything and I would listen to it. The voice thrills, absolutely and I love it..
comet
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Post by timj on Aug 7, 2007 20:00:11 GMT
I agree Hayley's voice is perfect, and her 'phrasing' makes all the covers she has done unique to herself.......TimJ
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Post by roger on Aug 7, 2007 22:59:26 GMT
Hi Steve, Now the bad news is that no one popular style will support her careerwise. She obviously has to deliver across a wide range to sell CDs. Then, music fans must decide how much variety they can handle from one singer, since no one has ever taken this approach before. No, perhaps it won't but it doesn't need to. Hayley has said right from the start that she doesn't want to be restricted to one particular style or genre. That, I believe is still the case, and it should increase her fanbase far more than if she sang only, say, classical. Whether or not her existing fans can handle the variety remains to be seen. My guess is, some will and some will not. The same would be true if she sang only classical. Many would approve while others would complain of "the same old thing". It seems to me that the variety is her style, even her genre and I believe her long-term career will benefit from it. Roger |
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on Aug 8, 2007 2:03:32 GMT
Hello Steve! The truth is, Hayley has the one voice in history that rises above all genres. You really can't name another singer as eclectic, versatile and ultimately transcendent as she. Yes, quite. Hayley's voice is suited for basically any singing style, as we are all aware of. I somewhat disagree. The listener, to be a true music fan, must accomodate his/herself to whatever is presented in Hayley's music. It is the many styles and versatility that first attracted me to her singing. Take "Pure", with its mainstream classical, new age material, and pop. In a word, yes! Along with Hayley, we've seen Josh Groban here in the States, also quite comforable in his multi-styled music. I've been told many times that Hayley's voice is perfect, yet she is singing the wrong songs. Hayley isn't a household name over here (not yet). I hope that Hayley's upcoming appearance on PBS (on the Natalie MacMaster special) and related DVD out next week, that more Celtic and Folk music fans will take notice. It's up to us fans in the USA to get Hayley noticed...you're doing a great job, Steven; keep up the good work! Joe |
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Post by grant on Aug 8, 2007 8:40:55 GMT
Whether or not her existing fans can handle the variety remains to be seen. My guess is, some will and some will not. Roger I looked at this thread last night - knew I wanted to add something - but couldn't put it into words right then.  What Steve says about Hayley's voice is absolutely correct. It was what stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it and, if we are to believe what we read, it's had a similar effect on some very influential people. If the above is a key factor, then Hayley's different styles will surely give her a wider appeal and actually act to extend her fan base. She will loose fans, every artist will, as people's likes and dislikes change, but I feel that, in the long run, Hayley will benefit, especially as she continually tries new things which will hopefully attract new fans. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Richard on Aug 8, 2007 13:12:42 GMT
Hello Steve and everybody!  I've said before that Hayley's wide mix of musical styles can only increase her appeal to the general music lover. I still don't think she needs to concentrate on any particular genre just yet, if ever, and recent interviews indicate that Hayley agrees with me. I'm sure she will continue to broaden her musical horizons, which should guarantee her a long and successful career.  As Grant says, she may not have quite the same appeal to those people who only listen to one particular genre, which would explain the occasional negative reviews in the press.  Carry on Hayley! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifRichard  |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
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Post by Martin on Aug 8, 2007 20:16:02 GMT
It seems to me that the variety is her style, even her genre and I believe her long-term career will benefit from it. Hi Roger I agree with you and generally everyone contributing to this thread also agree that this is her unique quality. The challenge will be to keep it as commercial as possible in order to keep all the stakeholders contented. Martin |
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Post by mariannek on Aug 9, 2007 2:01:41 GMT
Hello Steve and everybody! I've said before that Hayley's wide mix of musical styles can only increase her appeal to the general music lover. I still don't think she needs to concentrate on any particular genre just yet, if ever, and recent interviews indicate that Hayley agrees with me. I'm sure she will continue to broaden her musical horizons, which should guarantee her a long and successful career. As Grant says, she may not have quite the same appeal to those people who only listen to one particular genre, which would explain the occasional negative reviews in the press. Carry on Hayley! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifRichard Hi Richard, You have taken the very words out of my mouth as I was thinking them...great minds think alike..huh ?? I believe Hayley absolutely revels in singing whatever she likes herself. She said that much about Treasure, which may not be doing so well, but she is proud of it. I believe she is also finding more and more confidence in singing in every genre...giving Hayley herself as much joy and pleasure as her fans. Negative reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt and are the exception to the rule, anyway !! Hayley, you have got the mix absolutely spot on !! Love, Marianne  |
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Post by Dori on Aug 9, 2007 5:31:58 GMT
I was listening to Hayley this morning and it finally occurred to me that the essence of her appeal is her voice, not her musical styles. For a long time I was bewildered about which songs I liked the most and why. All had something going for them (even my all-time least-fave QQ) but at the end of the day I realised I had no preference for one form over another, whether it was folk, classical, showtune, Celtic or easy-listening. The truth is, Hayley has the one voice in history that rises above all genres. You really can't name another singer as eclectic, versatile and ultimately transcendent as she. Now the bad news is that no one popular style will support her careerwise. She obviously has to deliver across a wide range to sell CDs. Then, music fans must decide how much variety they can handle from one singer, since no one has ever taken this approach before. In these highly-specialised, micro-niched times, is there much of a demand for a singer who can do it all? Mind you, we don't get a lot of Hayley concerts here in the States, so the dilemma I'm describing might not apply to her UK market. I kind of disagree with you Steve in a sense that there are some songs Hayley sings better than others. For example, i think that Hayley's rendition of Prayer is absolutely priceless - it is so beautiful, as oppose to say Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, where he low vocal range was not at it's best. The songs where Hayley sings high notes are definitely her highlights, but that doesn't say she can't sing songs at a lower key. Her Water is Wide, to me, is the best version i've heard of so far. Song of hers that I am not the hugest fan of are few - I love Wuthering Heights, but i thought at times she was a little off key, as it is an incredibly difficult song because it is all high notes, rather than a range of high and low. Then again, Both Sides Now has that high-and-low range... What can I say?? Maybe i'm being a little too critical of Hayley!! I love her voice and her songs nevertheless. Don't forget, i'm not expert... Dori |
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Post by stevemacdonald on Aug 9, 2007 18:45:03 GMT
... - I love Wuthering Heights, but i thought at times she was a little off key, as it is an incredibly difficult song because it is all high notes, rather than a range of high and low. ... Hmm, I sing WH in the shower and it's a cinch for me. But realistically, how can Hayley be off key in song that's so totally all over the place? Kate Bush, herself, never sang it the same way twice. I think the genre (progressive alt-rock) is naturally more forgiving of tonal misplacement and encourages creative license more than classical or folk. |
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Post by davemcc on Aug 9, 2007 19:50:37 GMT
I think that Hayley is great becuase of the emotion she puts into her songs. You can "feel" her voice and what she is singing. Like in Pokarekare Ana, Danny Boy or Let Me Lie or whatever.
Hayleys Wuthering Heights is almost the same as original I think, but just a little different. I used to cringe when I heard Kate Bush singing it, but now, I can't get enough of it, Hayleys version I mean. I can stand Kate Bush just about now too.
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Post by Mr Yang on Aug 13, 2007 14:31:58 GMT
Hayley just wants to be a great singer and trying everything new she'd like to as a musician.
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Post by milewalker on Aug 20, 2007 21:43:37 GMT
Just a couple of quick observations in no particular order.....
Steve's basic point about Hayley and different genres is quite valid in my opinion - being good at a variety of musical styles and not being percieved as outstanding in any of them is a pretty good way to stay under the radar in the American markets. In fact, this sort of blending in is the basic principle behind camouflage - and I seriously doubt that Hayley is ever going to breakthrough into America under the present conditions.
There is a difference between Josh Groban and Hayley - Groban is a bonifide musician who can play several musical instruments very well, and can therefore draw many more people to concerts. Perhaps more importantly he has David Foster fostering him, and the sad truth is that Hayley does not have a name of similar weight involved in her production or promotion.
Hayley may be happier doing it her way, but I wonder what a simple year by year breakdown of her sales would look like since 2003 - and what the next five numbers on the graph would look like. I wouldnt be here if I didnt love her voice, and I consider her to be perhaps the most talented singer of her generation - but I am becoming more and more skeptical that her career is going to come close to living up to its early potential.
Jon
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Post by grant on Aug 21, 2007 0:20:00 GMT
Hayley may be happier doing it her way, but I wonder what a simple year by year breakdown of her sales would look like since 2003 - and what the next five numbers on the graph would look like. Jon If she's happier doing it her way, and she obviously is, what does it matter? Grant |
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