Post by roger on Mar 2, 2007 0:44:51 GMT
From ClassicFM.com
Roger
Hayley Westenra's 'Treasure'
Hayley Westenra may be petite but her voice is anything but. And her latest release 'Treasure' is a great example of the depth of her natural timbre and versatility as one of the youngest and most successful singers in classical music's history.
Hayley Westenra's story began as a busker on the streets of Christchurch, New Zealand. After many fan requests Hayley recorded some songs and with boxes of the CDs to hand, Hayley and her Mum decided they might as well send some to record companies.
She was soon asked by Universal Records in New Zealand to come in for meetings. The rest is history. Hayley is now the fastest-selling debut classical artist of all time and next week she is Late Night Lisa's Hot Property.
This month Behind The Music met Hayley at Universal Classics to discuss her latest album 'Treasure', her heritage and just what gift she plans on sending to her Mum this Mother's Day.
Behind The Music: Your new album 'Treasure' celebrates your music roots - that is Irish folksongs and those from NZ. What makes these pieces of music so special to you and why did you decide to do an album based on them?
Hayley Westenra: The album almost documents my musical history and also includes songs I've picked up on my travels, as well as a few self-penned ones as I think that whilst it's important to keep old music alive, it's also necessary to keep on creating new tunes that can be added into the big music pot. All the songs on the album I hold close to my heart. There are some real gems that I have either discovered myself on my travels or that have been passed onto me and I feel that it is my duty as a singer to bring these beautiful songs to light and keep them burning strong so that future generations can enjoy them too.
BTM: You have dedicated your album to your nanna - Shirley Ireland and from your words online regarding your family you obviously have a strong connection with family history. Tell Classic FM listeners a bit about your history and why you have chosen to explore this through music?
HW: I was born and raised in New Zealand, but my Great Grandmother was Irish and it's fair to say that she is probably responsible for my musical inclinations. My Nanna was a great singer (and still is!) and Grandad used to play the piano and piano accordian which he'd play by ear. They used to entertain at pubs and hotels as well as at family gatherings of course. I remember, as a child, dancing round the room to the lively music. Nanna was and still is such an inspiration -this album was a great opportunity to thank her.
BTM: What is your most vivid musical memory from your childhood?
HW: Christmas time at Nanna and Grandad's house (we would go down there every year) and the mini-concerts my sister, brother and I would put on for everyone as well as the music from my Grandparents. One of my fondest memories of my time down there, which I can remember quite clearly, was singing 'Silent Night' in the arms of my Nanna, outside (it's summer in New Zealand) under the starlit sky.
BTM: Mother's Day is coming up and I imagine your Mum will be in Christchurch, NZ. Any surprises for her, plans?
HW: Well, in New Zealand, Mother's Day falls in May - the same month as my Mum's birthday which means double present-buying! - so I have a little more time on my hands, but I think I'll probably get her some girly bits and pieces - maybe a top, earrings... chocolate usually goes down well too! My sister really is the pro on special occassions like these though - she always puts me to shame with her original, sometimes hand-made gifts and cards, although she's set herself very high standards now so is always under a bit of pressure!
BTM: Your family has since moved back to NZ so on days such as Mother's Day you must feel very far away from them? You mentioned on your website that some of these songs from your album, particularly 'Bist Du Bei Mir' gets you through somewhat lonely moments:
"This beautiful piece by Gottfried Heinrich Stoelzel (often mistakenly attributed to Bach) has such a comforting quality. Even when I first heard it in New Zealand without really understanding the German text, it gave me a warm glow inside. I choose to be a singer and I wouldn't have it any other way, but there are many moments where I find myself alone in places like hotel rooms and this is a song that I turn to for comfort." What other things besides music help to get you through these moments?
HW: Long, expensive phone calls with my family! I speak to them at least every couple of days. I also have lots of pictures on my laptop of home and pics capturing the good times I've had with family and friends from my recent brief trips.
BTM: You have co-written four of the 15 tracks on your new album. Is this a new direction for you? - towards doing more songwriting perhaps?
HW: I have enjoyed songwriting for a long time, but it took a while for me to build the confidence to show others my work. It's tough when your working with top producers and musicians who have been around for years with lots of experience, but I'm so glad I did bite the bullet and bring my own melodies and lyrics to the table. Hearing my songs on the radio or just knowing that people are getting pleasure from them is the most amazing feeling. Songwriting is like writing in a journal - it's very therapeutic and I will definitely be continuing with it.
BTM: Why a slightly different name for the US market - Celtic Treasure?
HW: As I'm about to join the hugely successful 'Celtic Woman' group on tour over in the US, having also performed with them for their second TV special on PBS in the States, my US record comany decided to tie the album in with the tour of course! The tracklisting is slightly different to the UK version and includes more celtic fare.
BTM: Future plans for next album/musical themes you wish to explore in the future?
HW: Gosh, I haven't even thought about the next album yet - I only completed 'Treasure' in December last year. Give me a couple of months and I might have some ideas, but usually I won't decide on a theme until the last hour. I intend to continue songwriting though and will always be on the look-out for beautiful music.
Hayley Westenra may be petite but her voice is anything but. And her latest release 'Treasure' is a great example of the depth of her natural timbre and versatility as one of the youngest and most successful singers in classical music's history.
Hayley Westenra's story began as a busker on the streets of Christchurch, New Zealand. After many fan requests Hayley recorded some songs and with boxes of the CDs to hand, Hayley and her Mum decided they might as well send some to record companies.
She was soon asked by Universal Records in New Zealand to come in for meetings. The rest is history. Hayley is now the fastest-selling debut classical artist of all time and next week she is Late Night Lisa's Hot Property.
This month Behind The Music met Hayley at Universal Classics to discuss her latest album 'Treasure', her heritage and just what gift she plans on sending to her Mum this Mother's Day.
Behind The Music: Your new album 'Treasure' celebrates your music roots - that is Irish folksongs and those from NZ. What makes these pieces of music so special to you and why did you decide to do an album based on them?
Hayley Westenra: The album almost documents my musical history and also includes songs I've picked up on my travels, as well as a few self-penned ones as I think that whilst it's important to keep old music alive, it's also necessary to keep on creating new tunes that can be added into the big music pot. All the songs on the album I hold close to my heart. There are some real gems that I have either discovered myself on my travels or that have been passed onto me and I feel that it is my duty as a singer to bring these beautiful songs to light and keep them burning strong so that future generations can enjoy them too.
BTM: You have dedicated your album to your nanna - Shirley Ireland and from your words online regarding your family you obviously have a strong connection with family history. Tell Classic FM listeners a bit about your history and why you have chosen to explore this through music?
HW: I was born and raised in New Zealand, but my Great Grandmother was Irish and it's fair to say that she is probably responsible for my musical inclinations. My Nanna was a great singer (and still is!) and Grandad used to play the piano and piano accordian which he'd play by ear. They used to entertain at pubs and hotels as well as at family gatherings of course. I remember, as a child, dancing round the room to the lively music. Nanna was and still is such an inspiration -this album was a great opportunity to thank her.
BTM: What is your most vivid musical memory from your childhood?
HW: Christmas time at Nanna and Grandad's house (we would go down there every year) and the mini-concerts my sister, brother and I would put on for everyone as well as the music from my Grandparents. One of my fondest memories of my time down there, which I can remember quite clearly, was singing 'Silent Night' in the arms of my Nanna, outside (it's summer in New Zealand) under the starlit sky.
BTM: Mother's Day is coming up and I imagine your Mum will be in Christchurch, NZ. Any surprises for her, plans?
HW: Well, in New Zealand, Mother's Day falls in May - the same month as my Mum's birthday which means double present-buying! - so I have a little more time on my hands, but I think I'll probably get her some girly bits and pieces - maybe a top, earrings... chocolate usually goes down well too! My sister really is the pro on special occassions like these though - she always puts me to shame with her original, sometimes hand-made gifts and cards, although she's set herself very high standards now so is always under a bit of pressure!
BTM: Your family has since moved back to NZ so on days such as Mother's Day you must feel very far away from them? You mentioned on your website that some of these songs from your album, particularly 'Bist Du Bei Mir' gets you through somewhat lonely moments:
"This beautiful piece by Gottfried Heinrich Stoelzel (often mistakenly attributed to Bach) has such a comforting quality. Even when I first heard it in New Zealand without really understanding the German text, it gave me a warm glow inside. I choose to be a singer and I wouldn't have it any other way, but there are many moments where I find myself alone in places like hotel rooms and this is a song that I turn to for comfort." What other things besides music help to get you through these moments?
HW: Long, expensive phone calls with my family! I speak to them at least every couple of days. I also have lots of pictures on my laptop of home and pics capturing the good times I've had with family and friends from my recent brief trips.
BTM: You have co-written four of the 15 tracks on your new album. Is this a new direction for you? - towards doing more songwriting perhaps?
HW: I have enjoyed songwriting for a long time, but it took a while for me to build the confidence to show others my work. It's tough when your working with top producers and musicians who have been around for years with lots of experience, but I'm so glad I did bite the bullet and bring my own melodies and lyrics to the table. Hearing my songs on the radio or just knowing that people are getting pleasure from them is the most amazing feeling. Songwriting is like writing in a journal - it's very therapeutic and I will definitely be continuing with it.
BTM: Why a slightly different name for the US market - Celtic Treasure?
HW: As I'm about to join the hugely successful 'Celtic Woman' group on tour over in the US, having also performed with them for their second TV special on PBS in the States, my US record comany decided to tie the album in with the tour of course! The tracklisting is slightly different to the UK version and includes more celtic fare.
BTM: Future plans for next album/musical themes you wish to explore in the future?
HW: Gosh, I haven't even thought about the next album yet - I only completed 'Treasure' in December last year. Give me a couple of months and I might have some ideas, but usually I won't decide on a theme until the last hour. I intend to continue songwriting though and will always be on the look-out for beautiful music.
Roger
