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Post by martindn on Jan 30, 2009 22:34:29 GMT
Hi Nicola,
I could not have put that better, and I absolutely agree with every word you wrote. The thing that holds Hayley back is her inner doubts. (I think that song "I Believe", came from the heart). Classical music is her comfort zone, and she is basically a quiet person who sees the world of "sex and drugs and rock and roll" and wants no part of that scene. So she is tempted to stick with what she knows. even though we all know that she has the talent and application to succeed at anything she chooses to do.
She has a basic core of fans that as you say Nicola, will support her whatever she does. She simply has to decide where she wants to go. Among other things, she is a wonderful role model for young people. She is the living proof that you don't have to take drugs and drink yourself senseless to be successful and popular.The fact is the sheer quality of everything she does, her wonderful voice, her work ethic, her beauty and lovely caring nature will see her through, whatever she chooses to do. I think that she can do very well without lowering her standards.
Martin
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Post by 1littlegirl on Jan 31, 2009 16:10:16 GMT
Hi Everyone, I have to say I pretty much agree with what has been said here. I think Hayley's style has been and always will be indefinable. It can only be described with words such as 'surreal.' Whatever she sings, she still has that beautiful classical quality to her voice and this quality makes all her music sound good. I think Hayley is going to continue doing what she has been doing, and as long as the sound of her voice doesn't change, I'll be happy!  Cathleen |
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Mar 23, 2009 11:33:53 GMT
Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Nicola on a great post! You've made some very true observations there! I agree that this next album will be the one that really shows who Hayley is. I've been thinking about her past albums and I think that it's really beginning to feel like this will be the 'statement' album. I'll apologise in advance if this post goes off on a wild tangent! Personally, I think the songs on which Hayley shines are her 'folk' style songs like Mummer's Dance and Summerfly. Seeing the videos of those performed at Shepherd's Bush was just amazing. I gave the video to one of my housemates to play and she loved it -- and even my other housemate who's main taste is r 'n' b and rap (eugh) was so intrigued he stopped his study to come in and watch the videos! The other great aspect was to see Hayley out of her usual performing environment. All that said, I'd never want to see Hayley attempt to become a 'pop singer'. I don't think that Hayley belongs (or will ever belong) in that scene and I'd hate to see the inevitable effects an attempt would have on her. I don't think that I'd like to see Hayley all primped and packaged -- one of the things I admire about Hayley is that she seems to exist in the same world as us mere mortals and I'd hate to see her disappear into that heavily regulated, plastic world. (Though realistically, there's not much chance of that happening). The advantage of Hayley's current classification as 'classical' or 'easy listening' is that she doesn't seem to be subject to the absolutely ruthless 'this song must sell now, or it's all over' approach that is taken in pop. Hayley has a lot more room and a greater shot at longevity. So I suppose Hayley needs to broaden her style and be creative --- but at the same time not throw off the security blanket that classical provides her --- unless she's absolutely sure that she can do without it and won't be compromised as a result. It's sort of a conflict between balancing branching out (for which I think the time has come) and also knowing which side her bread is buttered on. Tricky, huh? All those concerns aside, what I would personally love to hear from Hayley is a folk style album with a bit of oomph that showcases Hayley's more fun and youthful side. Such an album would still of course appeal to her current fanbase and might edge her into different markets at the same time. As Hayley is a live performer above all else, it would also complement her current material would be a great addition to her set lists. But all that aside, it will be truly interesting to see what Hayley herself chooses to do. Fingers crossed that it'll be something unique and exciting! For those interested, here's the link to the videos of Shepherd's Bush: hwi.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1034&page=51#23055 |
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Martin
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HWI Management Team
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Post by Martin on Mar 23, 2009 12:17:55 GMT
I agree that this next album will be the one that really shows who Hayley is. I've been thinking about her past albums and I think that it's really beginning to feel like this will be the 'statement' album. Hi Jillian I would go as far as saying that every Hayley album is a "statement" album since each one signifies a change in direction. Admittedly, some changes are more pronounced than others but I am sure you would agree there is a huge transistion between Pure and HJS1. I dare not use the word "progression" since it always creates a lot of discussion here on HWI but it was interesting to see that a recent survey by Bedlam appeared to show that HJS1 was the most popular album amongst HWI regulars. I, too enjoy Hayley's folk recordings and "Scarborough Fair" is one of my all time favourites but as you rightly say Hayley must continue to broaden her style and be creative, as well as having to adapt to the changes in her singing voice. Best wishes Martin |
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Post by Richard on Mar 23, 2009 13:55:40 GMT
Hello Jillian!  Thanks for reviving this thread with another great post. I'd almost forgotten about this poll, but now I see the vote is nearly unanimous that Hayley doesn't need to aim for the classical charts any more. I totally agree with that, and I'm sure her next album will be an interesting development, whatever genre or genres she chooses.  Best Wishes, Richard  |
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Post by martindn on Mar 24, 2009 22:03:49 GMT
I too have always enjoyed Hayley's folk songs immensely. And if she wants it, she has it in her to be one of the finest folk singers of all time, of that I am sure. But she can do much more than that, and I wold hate to see her abandon her classical music and pop, since she excels there too.
I don't think Hayley actually need to bother herself with these artificial divisions of music into different genres. Hayley is an incredibly versatile singer, and I think she should just carry on singing the music she likes irrespective of such boundaries. The one thing I would like to hear is more of her own compositions. Her lyric writing is developing well, as can be seen on HSJS2, but she is perhaps less accomplished at writing melodies. So she might prefer to have a bit of help in that department. But that is up to her.
Martin
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Post by postscript on Mar 28, 2009 11:57:58 GMT
I too have always enjoyed Hayley's folk songs immensely. And if she wants it, she has it in her to be one of the finest folk singers of all time, of that I am sure. But she can do much more than that, and I wold hate to see her abandon her classical music and pop, since she excels there too. I don't think Hayley actually need to bother herself with these artificial divisions of music into different genres. Hayley is an incredibly versatile singer, and I think she should just carry on singing the music she likes irrespective of such boundaries. The one thing I would like to hear is more of her own compositions. Her lyric writing is developing well, as can be seen on HSJS2, but she is perhaps less accomplished at writing melodies. So she might prefer to have a bit of help in that department. But that is up to her. Martin I think we share an opinion here, Martin. Peter S. |
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Post by martindn on Mar 30, 2009 19:39:49 GMT
Hi Peter,
How about music from Andrew Lloyd Webber (as he once promised Hayley) with lyrics by Hayley?
Martin
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Post by postscript on Mar 31, 2009 9:16:07 GMT
Hi Peter, How about music from Andrew Lloyd Webber (as he once promised Hayley) with lyrics by Hayley? Martin Yes, I've kept that fresh in my mind. Who is to play Christine hasn't yet been announced for autumn this year in the new Epilogue. Keeping my fingers crossed! Peter S. |
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Post by larryhauck on Apr 17, 2009 2:26:16 GMT
If I were to go out on a limb, I think Hayley's next album will be an eclectic mix of pop and folk music. But I've been wrong before.
Larry
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