The Times : Hayley, not just anybody

[jons]

socalboy said:

For example, her final categorical statement about pop not touching her soul. I like the comment but it seemed a bit more final than what she has previously stated about wanting to keep all her options open.

Thats what I mean about taking things with a pinch of salt. In an earlier interview, Hayley basically said she liked pop music, so her musical tastes must change. I don't think she's dismissing pop music altogether.

[grant]

Thats what I mean about taking things with a pinch of salt. In an earlier interview, Hayley basically said she liked pop music, so her musical tastes must change. I don't think she's dismissing pop music altogether.[/quote]

This is interesting because I think we may be talking about two different things

I've read or heard recently that she listens to pop music - I think she quoted Amy Winehouse but I'm not sure.

But when Hayley said that pop music doesn't touch her soul, I took it that she meant if she was singing it.

Grant

[socalboy]

Grant:

The distinction you make may very well be the key. When Hayley selects the music for her albums or appearances it is clear she chooses what moves her as a performer. When she listens in her downtime she perhaps opts for something quite different. In fact, I remember reading one interview in which she said she had recently been listening to 50 Cent – the American rapper. I don’t think she’ll be covering one of his tracks any time soon.

Yet, I guess it also depends on our definition of “pop” music. Songs like “Wuthering Heights” and “Both Sides Now” would seem to qualify on some level. She certainly wrapped her soul around Wuthering Heights, to the point where she fought valiantly for its inclusion on Pure (God I love her for that). So I think that’s why her statement caught me a little off guard. But again, it’s no big deal because we just can’t know the subtleties and context of her comments from a print interview.

[Stephany]

grant said:

But when Hayley said that pop music doesn't touch her soul, I took it that she meant if she was singing it.

Grant

I understood it that way as well. In earlier interviews, she said that she loved various type of music...but it doesn't mean she likes singing them. How fun that would be to hear her sing 50 Cent (I'm surrounded by rap these days)!

[jons]

grant said:

I've read or heard recently that she listens to pop music - I think she quoted Amy Winehouse but I'm not sure.


Grant

I can't quite imagine Hayley singing: "They tried to make me go to rehab - I said No. No. No."

[jons]

socalboy said:

In fact, I remember reading one interview in which she said she had recently been listening to 50 Cent – the American rapper. I don’t think she’ll be covering one of his tracks any time soon.

"You'll see me in da club, bottle full of bud."

I really hope that its not true that Hayley likes 50 cent. The type of music that kids listen to and then turn into male chauvinistic yobs who value nothing but bling.

I'm really not having a good time at the moment. I might be jesting about a bit but Hayley is the only thing thats helping me at the moment. If Hayley likes stuff like that it completing contradicts everything shes about. Please somebody say it not true.

[jons]

I found the article.

www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/2592

"Usually I’ll listen to pop music. I like a mixture really, and the record company sends me compilations of 50 Cent, Daniel Bedingfield, Delta Goodrem and a few others. I really like Vanessa Carlton, Counting Crowes, Enrique…"

She got sent it, it doesn't mean she liked it!

That makes more sense now.

[Stephany]

Thanks for the article, Jon!
In related news, it's unfortunate that many people still consider her as a "pop singer" although she claims not to be. (here is an article dated March 7th, 2007 from The Press Christchurch).

PUTTING IT RIGHT
Peter, of Addington, says that on Tuesday we incorrectly described Hayley Westenra as an opera diva. He says that an opera diva is a woman who has a powerful voice and who can fill up an opera house with orchestra and chorus, while Westenra's voice needs amplification. She's a pop singer, he says.

We have learnt that any hint of criticism of Westenra is regarded as heresy by many of our readers. But we must agree with Peter that she is not an opera diva, if that description is to keep its traditional meaning.

[Dave]

Hello Stephany!

Hayley has said many times that she is NOT an opera singer but some poorly researched (therefore inferior) sections of the media persist in calling her that.

I think Hayley considers herself to be a singer of light classical and traditional music with occasional forays into middle of the road pop (including show songs). So do I.

Cheers, Dave

[Stephany]

I agree with you, Dave.
In other words, she has her own style...and she's perfectly UNIQUE.

[Richard]

Hello Stephany!

Congratulations on 100 posts in just under eight days, which makes you a Full Member of the Forum! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I reckon you're full of champagne, and I'll have to restock the cellar before you reach 250 posts and become a Senior Member!

Best Wishes,

Richard

[Dave]

stephany said:

I agree with you, Dave.
In other words, she has her own style...and she's perfectly UNIQUE.

Hello again Stephany,

Unique indeed... we should invent a new genre just for Hayley. Hmmm... ClassiTrad Popover?

Congrats from me too for reaching your first century of posts!

Cheers, Dave

[roger]

dave said:

Popover?

Cheers, Dave

Okay Dave, I'll be there in half an hour!

I would also like to congratulate Stephany on her magnificent achievement. To have made 100 posts so quickly is exceptional and I look forward to extending further congratulations when you reach the big 250. Actually, I may as well stay online because it could happen this evening!

Roger

[socalboy]

Congratulations Stephany. Although we started membership at about the same time, I bow before your superior posting powers. You really have brought a lot to this forum, particularly your superb sleuthing of previously unseen articles.

As for that little blurb in the Christchurch paper, how about a simple retraction without the judgment from on high? And a bogus judgment at that. Let’s call Hayley something she has never called herself (an opera diva), then let’s cut her down to size for not living up to our definition of that term. Sounds like strawmen have been populating Christchurch since Hayley left.

[Steve H]

Well done Stephany,



100 Posts! and the fastest Full Member ever.

Keep up the good work and enthusiasm.

Very Best Wishes

Steve H