It's all about the music - Kent & Sussex Courier

[Stephany]

The "Kent & Sussex Courier" published an article about Hayley in their latest issue. Nothing really new, though. Here it is anyway :

It's all about the the music
29 March 2007
(c) 2007 Kent & Sussex Courier

Hayley Westenra has achieved more than what most people hope to in their lives. She has sung for royalty, is an ambassador for UNICEF and the biggest-selling female classical artist in the world.

The New Zealander has now settled in England, and her third album, Treasure, was released last month.

So what's new in your life?

"I was going to buy a house in London but it fell through. It's so frustrating! I'm more grown-up now - I've been renting and having to deal with companies like BT and paying bills are toughening me up. It's all part of the learning curve."

You sound so grown-up to think of buying a house at your age.

"Well, in some respects, I feel pretty normal but at times, when talking to other 19 year olds, I feel a bit distant because I've done so much and experienced so much more of life that they haven't.

"I've had to grow up quickly through my work with UNICEF, performing and talking to crew members who tend to be older. But I still like to do normal teenage things like going out and letting my hair down. I'm still a teenager at heart."

Do you feel like you're missing out on life sometimes?

"I don't feel like I'm missing out as I really enjoy what I do, and I feel very fortunate. I love my job and it still feels like a hobby.

"I can't continue this lifestyle for too many more years. It's pretty crazy, but I figured I'm still young and I can cope with it. I really want to make the most of the opportunities that come my way. I'll take more time off in the future."

Do you ever get any time for yourself?

"I get time off in the evenings, but I have to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work like learning new songs. It's always a struggle as I always have commitments. But I love this lifestyle and even though I get exhausted at times, I thrive on it. When I'm away from work for too long, I want to get back to it."

And what about boyfriends?

"I have time for dates, but only the first date and no follow-up date, because I'm travelling so much. It's not ideal. I'll meet someone I like and I have to tell them that I'm off travelling for six months. You have to make a few sacrifices and I figure I'll have more time in the future. It's hard having a demanding career and a fantastic social life - you can't have it all."

Your latest album is called Treasure, what are your treasures?

"My family, as I wouldn't be here without them. They're back in New Zealand. Nana was the initial inspiration for this album, as some of the tracks were passed on to me by her."

You got a record deal when you were only 13. Any tips on dealing with fame at a young age?

"It's important to stay close to family and friends and to surround yourself with people you really trust. You also need to focus on what made you choose the career, which in my place is the music. It's easy to get sidetracked but at the end of the day, it's all about the the music."

[roger]

Thanks for that, Stephany. I have never heard of the Kent & Sussex courier, even though I live in Sussex!

That final question is one that I don't think has been asked before. Hopefully the day will come when Hayley can elaborate on that a little more.

Roger

[Dave]

Hello Roger, and thanks Stephany, for posting that article.

If I may be so bold, I am going to guess what Hayley means in her final answer. I think she means that she's in it for the music not the celebrity. She likes singing (now composing and producing too) and by doing that, giving enjoyment to others.

I think the fact that she is making a career out of too it is a nice bonus for Hayley but she isn't seeking fame/celebrity for its own sake, as many other people in the public eye seem to do.

Cheers, Dave

[Richard]

Hello everybody!

That last question and answer is one of the most interesting that's ever come up in a Hayley interview. I'm sure Dave's interpretation of Hayley's answer is correct, and it's good that she had that attitude at such a young age. She's the perfect role model for all aspiring young performers.

Best Wishes,

Richard

[Stephany]

As long as she remains true to her main passion - music - and to herself, there's no reason not to deal well with fame. Of course, being surrounded by your family and friends is also a nice way to remain down-to-earth. But I think Hayley's personality helps a lot as well.

[grant]

stephany said:

As long as she remains true to her main passion - music - and to herself, there's no reason not to deal well with fame. Of course, being surrounded by your family and friends is also a nice way to remain down-to-earth. But I think Hayley's personality helps a lot as well.

Hi Stephany

I'm sure you, Dave and Richard are quite right. Hayley is always down to earth when you meet her; she's chatty, interested in what we have to say and, as we've heard so many times, always makes time for her fans.

I took a friend to one of Hayley's Christmas concerts and told her that we would meet Hayley afterwards (fingers crossed ) I was surprised that she was nervous and she said afterwards that she hadn't expected her to be so easy to talk to!

I believe her personality; her attitude to life and her belief in what she does comes from her family who have given her so much support from such an early age. I have met both Gerald and Jill and they're just lovely people.

Hayley has had the perfect start in life and I'm sure she's much happier being our "Littlest Star" than she would be if she sought celebritydom and all the "A List" parties that go with it.

Best wishes

Grant