Post by Jillian on Nov 1, 2011 20:44:35 GMT
Interview: Classical Singer Hayley Westenra Opens Up About New Album
www.ology.com/music/interview-classical-singer-hayley-westenra-opens-about-new-album
Hayley Westenra's voice is like no other. The lovely and gorgeous 24-year-old classical singer found fame back in 2003 with her first international No. 1 album, Pure, after leaving home at only 14 years old for a record deal with Universal Records. Since then, she's released several successful albums and has sung for the likes of President Bush, Tony Blair, Princes William and Harry, and Queen Elizabeth. In between these high-profile perfomances, Hayley serves as an an ambassador for UNICEF and works with other non-profit organizations.
Below, Hayley talks with Ology about her musical inspirations, her brand new album -- Paradiso -- and why more people should listen to classical music. Read on!
When did you start singing and when did you start taking music seriously?
Well, my first solo was when I was six years old. My class teacher gave me the lead in my school play, which was called "The Littlest Star." I was pretty small, so it was fitting! I was really shy as a child and didn't tell my parents about my lead role so they got a bit of a shock seeing me up on stage. I started learning the violin and piano, which I enjoyed, but singing just came so naturally to me. I must have been about eight when I set my sights on a singing career!
Why classical music? What did your peers think of your career when you were younger? Any resistance?
I loved pop music, but classical music just clicked with my voice. I remember standing at a listening post in my local record store listening to Andrea Bocelli's "Romanza." His music fell between the genres of classical and pop. That was the first album I ever bought and it influenced me greatly. I was really lucky to have great friends at school who respected my musical choices. A bit later, when I found myself in the spotlight having just released my first album with Universal Music, aged 14, and having just started high school, I got hassled a little for not being particularly "cool," but I didn't really mind all that much. I was living the dream! Incredibly, a couple of years later, I was up on stage with my music idol, Andrea Bocelli. That was a "pinch yourself moment"!
Speaking of that... you've sung for the president as well as the queen. Is it fair to say you don't get nervous anymore? Who would make you nervous?
Oh no, I always get a little nervous! Whether it's performing for The Queen or my family and friends. I think a few nerves are ok as it shows you care about what you're doing. I guess the people that would make me the most nervous would be my musical idols -- and my family! The people whose opinions I care abou the most.
Definitely. Now, you've worked with a ton of people, but who is one person you're still dying to collaborate with?
I'd love to collaborate with Snow Patrol.
Biggest musical inspiration?
Tricky. I get inspired by many different artists from many different genres -- Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Maria Callas, Andrea Bocelli to name just a few!
Tell us about Paradiso. How is it different than your other albums?
It's different in many ways. First of all, it's a collaboration. I'm singing solely Ennio Morricone's music. His melodies, arrangements and the lyrics to go with them really forced me to dig deep in order to get to the core of every song. It's been four years since my last album and so I now have a lot more life experience to draw upon. It's great timing, this collaboration. I couldn't have made this album any earlier. Also, the way in that Maestro Morricone has produced this album differs greatly from my others. My vocal weaves in and out of the orchestra, instead of the orchestra just providing an accompanying role and my vocal has been left quite untouched so that there's this rawness to the recordings. I love that.
When you do write, what is your songwriting process like? What was your inspiration and/or what are most of the songs about?
Well all the music is Morricone's. I wrote lyrics to three of the pieces. Much of Morricone's work is so iconic. It was a slightly daunting task, but the words flowed so I figured I was onto a good thing. I initially wrote lyrics to just the one piece, but Ennio encouraged me to write more, so I did! With "Whispers In A Dream" (Gabriel's Oboe) -- the theme from the movie The Mission -- I had the film in the back of my mind, but let the music guide me. It's a song of hope. Hope for a better world. There are songs of love -- lost and found; a tribute song to Sacco and Vanzetti -- "Here's To You" with lyrics by Joan Baez... But mainly songs of love.
Fave song on the album and why?
Amalia Por Amor. It's a passionate tribute song to the iconic Portuguese 'fado' singer Amalia Rodrigues. It brought out a different side to me, which was exciting. It's also my first time singing in Portuguese. It's such a beautiful language.
For people that don't necessarily listen to classical music, why do you think they should give it a try?
You've got nothing to lose! There's so much variety in the classical music world that there's bound to be something that appeals.
What comes to mind when you hear yourself described as one of the best vocalists in the world?
I can't take any of that seriously! I'm just happy people are buying my albums and coming to my shows.
You are involved in several non-profits. Tell us about your most recent charity project.
I'm a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and I have two fantastic projects running out in Ghana. The first one was really successful -- there are now a lot more girls attending school thanks to the bicycles we provided for them! The latest project: getting more safe, clean water into schools, which benefits the whole community.
Awesome! So what else do you like to do for fun?
Just normal stuff! Cinema, coffee with friends, trips to the beach, baking!
Favorite American musician?
Natalie Merchant.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Heading back home to the family nest and being looked after! I miss my home cooked meals when I'm away!
www.ology.com/music/interview-classical-singer-hayley-westenra-opens-about-new-album
Hayley Westenra's voice is like no other. The lovely and gorgeous 24-year-old classical singer found fame back in 2003 with her first international No. 1 album, Pure, after leaving home at only 14 years old for a record deal with Universal Records. Since then, she's released several successful albums and has sung for the likes of President Bush, Tony Blair, Princes William and Harry, and Queen Elizabeth. In between these high-profile perfomances, Hayley serves as an an ambassador for UNICEF and works with other non-profit organizations.
Below, Hayley talks with Ology about her musical inspirations, her brand new album -- Paradiso -- and why more people should listen to classical music. Read on!
When did you start singing and when did you start taking music seriously?
Well, my first solo was when I was six years old. My class teacher gave me the lead in my school play, which was called "The Littlest Star." I was pretty small, so it was fitting! I was really shy as a child and didn't tell my parents about my lead role so they got a bit of a shock seeing me up on stage. I started learning the violin and piano, which I enjoyed, but singing just came so naturally to me. I must have been about eight when I set my sights on a singing career!
Why classical music? What did your peers think of your career when you were younger? Any resistance?
I loved pop music, but classical music just clicked with my voice. I remember standing at a listening post in my local record store listening to Andrea Bocelli's "Romanza." His music fell between the genres of classical and pop. That was the first album I ever bought and it influenced me greatly. I was really lucky to have great friends at school who respected my musical choices. A bit later, when I found myself in the spotlight having just released my first album with Universal Music, aged 14, and having just started high school, I got hassled a little for not being particularly "cool," but I didn't really mind all that much. I was living the dream! Incredibly, a couple of years later, I was up on stage with my music idol, Andrea Bocelli. That was a "pinch yourself moment"!
Speaking of that... you've sung for the president as well as the queen. Is it fair to say you don't get nervous anymore? Who would make you nervous?
Oh no, I always get a little nervous! Whether it's performing for The Queen or my family and friends. I think a few nerves are ok as it shows you care about what you're doing. I guess the people that would make me the most nervous would be my musical idols -- and my family! The people whose opinions I care abou the most.
Definitely. Now, you've worked with a ton of people, but who is one person you're still dying to collaborate with?
I'd love to collaborate with Snow Patrol.
Biggest musical inspiration?
Tricky. I get inspired by many different artists from many different genres -- Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Maria Callas, Andrea Bocelli to name just a few!
Tell us about Paradiso. How is it different than your other albums?
It's different in many ways. First of all, it's a collaboration. I'm singing solely Ennio Morricone's music. His melodies, arrangements and the lyrics to go with them really forced me to dig deep in order to get to the core of every song. It's been four years since my last album and so I now have a lot more life experience to draw upon. It's great timing, this collaboration. I couldn't have made this album any earlier. Also, the way in that Maestro Morricone has produced this album differs greatly from my others. My vocal weaves in and out of the orchestra, instead of the orchestra just providing an accompanying role and my vocal has been left quite untouched so that there's this rawness to the recordings. I love that.
When you do write, what is your songwriting process like? What was your inspiration and/or what are most of the songs about?
Well all the music is Morricone's. I wrote lyrics to three of the pieces. Much of Morricone's work is so iconic. It was a slightly daunting task, but the words flowed so I figured I was onto a good thing. I initially wrote lyrics to just the one piece, but Ennio encouraged me to write more, so I did! With "Whispers In A Dream" (Gabriel's Oboe) -- the theme from the movie The Mission -- I had the film in the back of my mind, but let the music guide me. It's a song of hope. Hope for a better world. There are songs of love -- lost and found; a tribute song to Sacco and Vanzetti -- "Here's To You" with lyrics by Joan Baez... But mainly songs of love.
Fave song on the album and why?
Amalia Por Amor. It's a passionate tribute song to the iconic Portuguese 'fado' singer Amalia Rodrigues. It brought out a different side to me, which was exciting. It's also my first time singing in Portuguese. It's such a beautiful language.
For people that don't necessarily listen to classical music, why do you think they should give it a try?
You've got nothing to lose! There's so much variety in the classical music world that there's bound to be something that appeals.
What comes to mind when you hear yourself described as one of the best vocalists in the world?
I can't take any of that seriously! I'm just happy people are buying my albums and coming to my shows.
You are involved in several non-profits. Tell us about your most recent charity project.
I'm a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and I have two fantastic projects running out in Ghana. The first one was really successful -- there are now a lot more girls attending school thanks to the bicycles we provided for them! The latest project: getting more safe, clean water into schools, which benefits the whole community.
Awesome! So what else do you like to do for fun?
Just normal stuff! Cinema, coffee with friends, trips to the beach, baking!
Favorite American musician?
Natalie Merchant.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Heading back home to the family nest and being looked after! I miss my home cooked meals when I'm away!
