Post by Stephany on Feb 28, 2007 15:15:17 GMT
Hey there,
Just found a very interesting article about Hayley in "The Times". I hope it hasn't been posted yet. If so, I'm really sorry about it! And I'm new by the way *waves to everyone* ! I really love this site.
Just found a very interesting article about Hayley in "The Times". I hope it hasn't been posted yet. If so, I'm really sorry about it! And I'm new by the way *waves to everyone* ! I really love this site.
In tune with her life - Not just anybody, Hayley Westenra (THE TIMES, 24 February 2007)
Singer Hayley Westenra, 19, likes natural remedies but puts her greatest faith in the healing power of music
Your third album, a mixture of classical, Celtic and folk music, is about to be released; you're buying a big house in London and you're not even 20. Do you feel you've achieved everything?
No way. I've got miles to go before I'll be completely satisfied and fulfilled.
What more do you need?
Before this album, I chose the songs I'd sing, but I didn't get to write or arrange the music. On this album, I do all three. I feel like I'm getting the chance to be creative at last. I'll keep growing as an artist and performer as I grow older.
Speaking of growing, you've just returned from a string of performances across the US. Have you managed to crack America?
I'm working on it, but it's a big country and it takes such a long time to crack.
You almost have to base yourself there and forget about everyone else. I'm not ready for that, plus I don't like the food.
What's wrong with it?
Everything's fried, even the veggies! I'm not known for my diva-ish behaviour but that is something I'm quite militant about. It's not like in my home country, New Zealand, where you can eat so healthily.
Under pressure to look good?
I'm lucky; a lot of pop artists feel they have to wear revealing clothing and to diet all the time but, as a classical singer, I have more say in how I look and what I wear. I don't think I worry any more than the average woman. I don't want big rolls of flab hanging over my jeans, but I'd feel like that even if I wasn't on stage.
Ever count the calories?
I can't afford to diet; I'd have no energy for performing and that means everything to me.
So how do you stay slim? Do you share your countrymen's love of extreme sports?
I'm a total wuss when it comes to skydiving and bungee jumping. I do a bit of skiing and canoeing, but I prefer running. Back home I was surrounded by trees and greenery and I crave that when I'm in London, so I go running in the parks.
Ever get homesick?
When I first came to London, when I was really young, I missed my family, friends and the New Zealand lifestyle, but you can't dwell on the fact that you're far away, you just have to get on with life and my life here is great.
Goodness me, you sound wise beyond your years.
In some ways I had quite a sheltered life growing up, but now I've seen both worlds and I get the best of each. I guess I grew up fast but my flaws don't change.
And they are?
I'm the most disorganised person I know and I procrastinate. I always make the same new year's resolutions. I always say:
"I'm going to get organised, make decisions and keep myself healthy."
Oh dear, are you a sickly child?
I did get sick a lot when I first started singing. I was very young and every time it felt like the end of the world. I always seemed to be coming down with something. That's when I started becoming interested in natural remedies. I'd go on the net and try out all these natural cures for infections and colds.
Any recommendations?
Well these days I focus on prevention rather than cure. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement every day and during winter I take echinacea and olive leaf.
I believe that sugar suppresses your immune system so I avoid it, especially when I'm flying. I also avoid dairy products. They make me produce phlegm which, not to be too graphic, is a great breeding ground for bacteria. Essentially everything comes back to my voice. Its condition reflects my body's wellbeing and vice versa.
So does singing replace the need for a shrink?
I suppose so. There is something emotionally balancing about music, particularly singing. Many ancient cultures feature meditation. There is definitely something to all the humming and chanting. It makes you relaxed and calm. Music reaches people in a way that nothing else can. I'm a patron to a music therapy centre in New Zealand and the kids there are very unresponsive, but music manages to break through that shell. They make so much progress in their music classes; it's amazing to watch.
Gosh, you seem so good -near perfect: a patron of worthy causes, Unicef ambassador. Please, tell me you cut loose sometimes.
Of course I do. When I'm not recording I'm much more slack and just like everyone else my age. I'm really not perfect at all.
So there's no raunchy Charlotte Church-style rebellion looming?
No. My record company would probably prefer it if I stayed young and innocent, but I don't give my image much thought. I just try to be true to who I am. Whenever I do a photoshoot I choose clothes I feel comfortable in rather than sexy in. My clothes have become more sophisticated as I've got older but not necessarily raunchy.
Any ambitions to become a pop star?
I hate to disappoint, but no. I'll stick to what I'm good at. Pop music doesn't touch my soul.
Hayley's album Treasure will be released on Monday
Singer Hayley Westenra, 19, likes natural remedies but puts her greatest faith in the healing power of music
Your third album, a mixture of classical, Celtic and folk music, is about to be released; you're buying a big house in London and you're not even 20. Do you feel you've achieved everything?
No way. I've got miles to go before I'll be completely satisfied and fulfilled.
What more do you need?
Before this album, I chose the songs I'd sing, but I didn't get to write or arrange the music. On this album, I do all three. I feel like I'm getting the chance to be creative at last. I'll keep growing as an artist and performer as I grow older.
Speaking of growing, you've just returned from a string of performances across the US. Have you managed to crack America?
I'm working on it, but it's a big country and it takes such a long time to crack.
You almost have to base yourself there and forget about everyone else. I'm not ready for that, plus I don't like the food.
What's wrong with it?
Everything's fried, even the veggies! I'm not known for my diva-ish behaviour but that is something I'm quite militant about. It's not like in my home country, New Zealand, where you can eat so healthily.
Under pressure to look good?
I'm lucky; a lot of pop artists feel they have to wear revealing clothing and to diet all the time but, as a classical singer, I have more say in how I look and what I wear. I don't think I worry any more than the average woman. I don't want big rolls of flab hanging over my jeans, but I'd feel like that even if I wasn't on stage.
Ever count the calories?
I can't afford to diet; I'd have no energy for performing and that means everything to me.
So how do you stay slim? Do you share your countrymen's love of extreme sports?
I'm a total wuss when it comes to skydiving and bungee jumping. I do a bit of skiing and canoeing, but I prefer running. Back home I was surrounded by trees and greenery and I crave that when I'm in London, so I go running in the parks.
Ever get homesick?
When I first came to London, when I was really young, I missed my family, friends and the New Zealand lifestyle, but you can't dwell on the fact that you're far away, you just have to get on with life and my life here is great.
Goodness me, you sound wise beyond your years.
In some ways I had quite a sheltered life growing up, but now I've seen both worlds and I get the best of each. I guess I grew up fast but my flaws don't change.
And they are?
I'm the most disorganised person I know and I procrastinate. I always make the same new year's resolutions. I always say:
"I'm going to get organised, make decisions and keep myself healthy."
Oh dear, are you a sickly child?
I did get sick a lot when I first started singing. I was very young and every time it felt like the end of the world. I always seemed to be coming down with something. That's when I started becoming interested in natural remedies. I'd go on the net and try out all these natural cures for infections and colds.
Any recommendations?
Well these days I focus on prevention rather than cure. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement every day and during winter I take echinacea and olive leaf.
I believe that sugar suppresses your immune system so I avoid it, especially when I'm flying. I also avoid dairy products. They make me produce phlegm which, not to be too graphic, is a great breeding ground for bacteria. Essentially everything comes back to my voice. Its condition reflects my body's wellbeing and vice versa.
So does singing replace the need for a shrink?
I suppose so. There is something emotionally balancing about music, particularly singing. Many ancient cultures feature meditation. There is definitely something to all the humming and chanting. It makes you relaxed and calm. Music reaches people in a way that nothing else can. I'm a patron to a music therapy centre in New Zealand and the kids there are very unresponsive, but music manages to break through that shell. They make so much progress in their music classes; it's amazing to watch.
Gosh, you seem so good -near perfect: a patron of worthy causes, Unicef ambassador. Please, tell me you cut loose sometimes.
Of course I do. When I'm not recording I'm much more slack and just like everyone else my age. I'm really not perfect at all.
So there's no raunchy Charlotte Church-style rebellion looming?
No. My record company would probably prefer it if I stayed young and innocent, but I don't give my image much thought. I just try to be true to who I am. Whenever I do a photoshoot I choose clothes I feel comfortable in rather than sexy in. My clothes have become more sophisticated as I've got older but not necessarily raunchy.
Any ambitions to become a pop star?
I hate to disappoint, but no. I'll stick to what I'm good at. Pop music doesn't touch my soul.
Hayley's album Treasure will be released on Monday
How did you come to know about Hayley ? I am sure you will find lots more about her from from this site. 
