|
|
Post by Libby on Jul 30, 2015 6:57:40 GMT
Martin, I agree what you said about Rebecca and CR. They are new, not writing any of their own songs. So of course that means they're more likely to ask for suggestions, and all songs that every other classical soprano has done, no doubt... which is extremely boring these days. I think when she started on this album, she already had a pretty good idea of what she wanted the album to be like. Yes, this thread is full of speculations, and that's one of my favorite things to do on this forum.  However, I think we've speculated on this coming album so much that I'm getting tired of it, and just want to find out for real, and soon! I'm going to sound like another complainer, but I'm honestly tired of waiting for at least a hint! I hate sounding impatient and demanding, but for goodness' sake, how long?? It's at the point where I actually do worry a bit about what Jeff said earlier, about people forgetting who she is. I think most of them still remember her, but he may be right that some slightly more casual fans will forget her. That's why I worry about her not tweeting, by not staying on people's radar enough. The only thing really left to speculate on is the release date. Martin's reassurances help to keep up hope that it still could be this year, as well as Hayley's own statement that she hoped for late this year as well. However, I admit I'm starting to believe it will be next year, as well. But I get really worried about pushing it to next year, because then I worry about WHEN next year? Remember when they did that with Paradiso, we didn't get it till almost a year later! That would be horrible if they did that again!  Yes, we got the NZ version in April, but I doubt that will happen again. |
|
|
|
Post by John H on Jul 30, 2015 8:06:06 GMT
Martin, I agree what you said about Rebecca and CR. They are new, not writing any of their own songs. So of course that means they're more likely to ask for suggestions, and all songs that every other classical soprano has done, no doubt... Not quite true  Rebecca wrote two of the songs on her latest album - Dare to Dream, and Chris Broom wrote a new song for Classical Reflection. But yes, hopefully we will get more new music from Hayley  |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Jul 30, 2015 17:27:12 GMT
But Classical Reflection themselves didn't write anything. But, as Martin says, it's because they're new, so it's not really expected of them at this point. I knew I was risking error when I said Rebecca didn't, either. It's nice if she did, but I guess my point was basically that because they are newer, they're more likely to do cover songs, and take suggestions for them. I'm not saying Hayley wouldn't ever take suggestions... she has before, right? Except, many of us have expressed desire for more original songs by Hayley, so technically that counts. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif Though I think she would have done so anyway, but just knowing that her fans really love her originals has likely given her a lot more confidence to do so. Oh, and she took suggestions for her Union Chapel concert, didn't she? Didn't someone (Taylor?) request Talk To Me? |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Aug 31, 2015 2:21:38 GMT
With August coming to an end, and still not a single word breathed about the album, I'm despairing of a 2015 album.  |
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Aug 31, 2015 9:35:00 GMT
Do you know of anyone else who has already announced a new album in time for Christmas Libby? I don't, (except, I think, for a single by Rebecca) but I'm sure there will be some.
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Aug 31, 2015 22:07:57 GMT
Of course not, because I'm not waiting for an album by anyone else. Well, there was a small hint that Mario Frangoulis was making a Christmas album at one time (that's what the hashtags indicated), but I don't often see news from him. Usually an occasional instagram from Greece from some show. But that's because I don't browse twitter all that much, just not enough time. So, since that one post, I haven't given it much thought, mostly because I was expecting that Hayley's album would be getting all the attention. But that's becoming somewhat doubtful. The other albums I recall being released in November were Winter Magic and River of Dreams. WM I think we heard about in July (as well as the news she had a yet un-named boyfriend LOL). I don't remember when RoD was announced, but do remember that only a few new songs were recorded for it, and no writing was done for it (that we know of). Now, I assume all the writing and maybe even recording is done for her album. But in the past, even without announcing an album, she used to occasionally give interviews where she might briefly mention she's working on an album, and maybe even give a clue as to what it's like. But, we haven't heard a single hint about it since her last tweet on Twitter in April about making music, and that tells us exactly nothing. Now, I'm starting to feel silly about telling that one lady on the OF that I felt sure that something was going to be announced about Hayley's album soon. Now, I'm starting to feel like she does. Though, I check the forum and twitter every single day, and browse twitter for any mention of Hayley at all, instead of checking every 2 years. Wait, if I did wait 2 years to check back, I'd be guaranteed to find an album by then, right?  |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Aug 31, 2015 22:53:56 GMT
I've taken to occasionally checking to see whether Hayley's Universal Music website is still live so I can reassure myself that she still has a record deal. Umm, just to let you know, I can't find that, through searching. I might be looking in the wrong place, but I'm finding that artist/music websites are very frustrating to use, they're all slideshows, and all you can really find is social media icons. Oh wait, I found her name listed on umusic.co.uk, but when you click on it, it just goes to her website. So, she's still there. Whew! |
|
Jillian
Global Moderator
Posts: 3,050
|
Post by Jillian on Sept 1, 2015 9:43:38 GMT
I've taken to occasionally checking to see whether Hayley's Universal Music website is still live so I can reassure myself that she still has a record deal. Umm, just to let you know, I can't find that, through searching. I might be looking in the wrong place, but I'm finding that artist/music websites are very frustrating to use, they're all slideshows, and all you can really find is social media icons. Oh wait, I found her name listed on umusic.co.uk, but when you click on it, it just goes to her website. So, she's still there. Whew! Ha ha yes, Libby, the same thing actually happened to me a few weeks ago when I simply couldn't find Hayley anywhere on the Decca website. But I think that Decca have really parred back their website. Hayley's official YouTube station has also been deleted. But I find it reassuring that her official Universal Music website is still live. I'm sure that something will happen with all of this eventually. There'll have to be a new album or the like eventually. I'm sure that given Hayley's high profile in New Zealand, at the very least she would easily be able to continue releasing music there, doing concerts and be a part of public life. I can't help but wonder that if Hushabye wasn't released that we would have a new album by now. I know I am a bit of a broken record about that album (you all know I really really don't like it), but I never liked the way that it was rushed through with limited artistic direction, probably delayed the new album, then Decca failed to promote it, it flopped and then there's barely been any concerts or news about a new album since. I do wonder whether the delay is in part due to Decca holding back any release in order to financially recover after low Hushabye sales (although I am sure that the album didn't cost that much to make). |
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Sept 1, 2015 9:58:05 GMT
I can't help but wonder that if Hushabye wasn't released that we would have a new album by now. I think you might say the same about Paradiso too. That was another diversion, although it was an opportunity too good to pass up. Martin D |
|
Jillian
Global Moderator
Posts: 3,050
|
Post by Jillian on Sept 1, 2015 10:14:00 GMT
Yes, and Paradiso was an exquisite body of work. Not so much a diversion but seizing the unexpected opportunity of a career in my opinion. In my opinion, it is the best album Hayley has recorded.
I know this sounds very harsh (and there may be a lot of things that went on behind the scenes that we don't know about) but I am reserving my judgment about Hayley's aptitude for overseeing the creative process of an album after Hushabye. I do strongly suspect that Hayley was contractually obliged to record what was hurriedly put in front of her on a tight deadline. Hayley's beautiful voice can disguise somewhat average material. But that album wasn't exactly the stuff that inspirational songwriter masterpieces are made of and it slightly makes me doubt how determined Hayley was to be a songwriter or have independent artistic expression when she agreed to record it. It's entirely possible that none of this was in Hayley's control, but Hayley has never expressed any views on the topic, so we are none the wiser.
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 1, 2015 20:15:48 GMT
Yes, and Paradiso was an exquisite body of work. Not so much a diversion but seizing the unexpected opportunity of a career in my opinion. In my opinion, it is the best album Hayley has recorded. I know this sounds very harsh (and there may be a lot of things that went on behind the scenes that we don't know about) but I am reserving my judgment about Hayley's aptitude for overseeing the creative process of an album after Hushabye. I do strongly suspect that Hayley was contractually obliged to record what was hurriedly put in front of her on a tight deadline. Hayley's beautiful voice can disguise somewhat average material. But that album wasn't exactly the stuff that inspirational songwriter masterpieces are made of and it slightly makes me doubt how determined Hayley was to be a songwriter or have independent artistic expression when she agreed to record it. It's entirely possible that none of this was in Hayley's control, but Hayley has never expressed any views on the topic, so we are none the wiser. Jillian, Jillian, Jillian... Yes, you are being harsh and a bit unreasonable. As much as you and I agree on Hushabye as an album, I'm actually a bit horrified at what you're implying about Hayley. You're implying she has poor judgment and isn't assertive (remember the Wuthering Heights story?). You do recall that the album was supposed to be for the royal baby, right? At the time it was first announced it would indeed be a lullaby album (but not before Jon Cohen ridiculously misled us by saying it wasn't for babies), while I was very disappointed that it wasn't a "real" Hayley album, at the same time I thought this would be a good thing for Hayley. I imagined if Decca were making an album for such a momentous occasion in the UK, that they would actually help it be successful. Now, don't you think maybe that Hayley might have believed that at one time, too? It didn't seem as though it would be too much to expect for Decca to follow through on such a special album, for a royal birth that the whole world was waiting for. Decca failed miserably, and didn't just disappoint us, I'm sure their poor promotion disappointed Hayley as well. So, to blame Hayley for giving into that album idea is not a fair judgment. While Decca's intention for this album turned out to be quite questionable, the idea of the album was actually a good idea... IF they had followed through, which they most certainly did not. So, everything should be completely on Decca's shoulders, and NOT on Hayley. If I were a singer like Hayley, I would have agreed to it, too! And Hayley chose the songs she sang, did she not? She showed her artistic side by making Twinkle, Twinkle very unique. However, as for Paradiso, while it was another diversion to the "real" Hayley album we've waited for since Treasure, her work with Ennio Morricone was very crucial in her development as a vocalist and performer. I would agree with Jillian's assessment of the album has her best, but only in regards to vocals. Vocally, I would agree, Paradiso was an exceptional album. The songs are very beautiful, but there's not enough variety, and some music is too similar. For me, just being beautiful isn't always very exciting. I much prefer her first 3 albums as far as material over Paradiso. They all contain a variety of beautiful songs. Also, Jillian, it's too early to write Hayley off as only a New Zealand artist. I'm very impatient and anxious about the next album and it's success, too, but I'm betting it will do her good, not cause her career to collapse! |
|
|
|
Post by cloudbusting.heights on Sept 2, 2015 2:36:00 GMT
Libby, hasn't Decca proved a disappointment in the past on different occasions? I seem to recall another album or two that weren't properly managed or promoted. So, if they have a reputation, wouldn't it be fair to assume that Hayley could have easily turned down such a short notice album but didn't. On the other hand, maybe she didn't have the option to not do Hushabye? Contracts and such... I'm simply making points, it does not necessarily mean I agree or disagree, so don't jump down my throat  P.S.. Since Treasure?! It's been that long since a purely Hayley album? I never really thought about it...my time flies. |
|
|
|
Post by frenchie on Sept 2, 2015 3:09:45 GMT
My 2 cents worth... I will not write off Hayley as of yet. Are we antsy to get the nest album? Absolutely! Do I think Hayley's artistic direction and inspiration is fading? No! I agree that Paradiso was an once in a lifetime opportunity for Hayley, and she seized the moment. Paradiso is her best and most unified record to date in my opinion. I have looked at Hushabye, however, as an album that contractually Hayley had to fill or an album that if recorded would provide opportunities in the future relating to Decca. I mean that Hayley may have said (I'm guessing here) that if I record, promote, and postpone my "real" record for this baby project, then I have more say in my upcoming record or I get to put more of my songs on my next record. The third option, I hope this is not true, and you have eluded to it is that Hayley did Hushabye to fulfill her Decca contract, and get outta there to sign with someone else. Again, I think the personal investment has taken longer than usual on this record. I also think that Hayley wanted to take a moment to step back and calculate her next few moves. I believe Hayley is going to try and separate herself from the rest of the CC crowd like Josh Groban has done. But we have to wait and see...exciting times ahead!  |
|
Jillian
Global Moderator
Posts: 3,050
|
Post by Jillian on Sept 2, 2015 11:06:28 GMT
Yes, and Paradiso was an exquisite body of work. Not so much a diversion but seizing the unexpected opportunity of a career in my opinion. In my opinion, it is the best album Hayley has recorded. I know this sounds very harsh (and there may be a lot of things that went on behind the scenes that we don't know about) but I am reserving my judgment about Hayley's aptitude for overseeing the creative process of an album after Hushabye. I do strongly suspect that Hayley was contractually obliged to record what was hurriedly put in front of her on a tight deadline. Hayley's beautiful voice can disguise somewhat average material. But that album wasn't exactly the stuff that inspirational songwriter masterpieces are made of and it slightly makes me doubt how determined Hayley was to be a songwriter or have independent artistic expression when she agreed to record it. It's entirely possible that none of this was in Hayley's control, but Hayley has never expressed any views on the topic, so we are none the wiser. Jillian, Jillian, Jillian... Yes, you are being harsh and a bit unreasonable. As much as you and I agree on Hushabye as an album, I'm actually a bit horrified at what you're implying about Hayley. You're implying she has poor judgment and isn't assertive (remember the Wuthering Heights story?). You do recall that the album was supposed to be for the royal baby, right? At the time it was first announced it would indeed be a lullaby album (but not before Jon Cohen ridiculously misled us by saying it wasn't for babies), while I was very disappointed that it wasn't a "real" Hayley album, at the same time I thought this would be a good thing for Hayley. I imagined if Decca were making an album for such a momentous occasion in the UK, that they would actually help it be successful. Now, don't you think maybe that Hayley might have believed that at one time, too? It didn't seem as though it would be too much to expect for Decca to follow through on such a special album, for a royal birth that the whole world was waiting for. Decca failed miserably, and didn't just disappoint us, I'm sure their poor promotion disappointed Hayley as well. So, to blame Hayley for giving into that album idea is not a fair judgment. While Decca's intention for this album turned out to be quite questionable, the idea of the album was actually a good idea... IF they had followed through, which they most certainly did not. So, everything should be completely on Decca's shoulders, and NOT on Hayley. If I were a singer like Hayley, I would have agreed to it, too! And Hayley chose the songs she sang, did she not? She showed her artistic side by making Twinkle, Twinkle very unique. However, as for Paradiso, while it was another diversion to the "real" Hayley album we've waited for since Treasure, her work with Ennio Morricone was very crucial in her development as a vocalist and performer. I would agree with Jillian's assessment of the album has her best, but only in regards to vocals. Vocally, I would agree, Paradiso was an exceptional album. The songs are very beautiful, but there's not enough variety, and some music is too similar. For me, just being beautiful isn't always very exciting. I much prefer her first 3 albums as far as material over Paradiso. They all contain a variety of beautiful songs. Also, Jillian, it's too early to write Hayley off as only a New Zealand artist. I'm very impatient and anxious about the next album and it's success, too, but I'm betting it will do her good, not cause her career to collapse!  Hi Libby, Yes, you're right. As I eluded to, there most likely were other things going on that we don't know about. I think that Joh Cohen was being deliberately 'tricky' in his now infamous tweet. I do wonder whether Hayley was being sold the same untruth and spin and was promised something which didn't eventuate. Perhaps something like Laura Wright's 'Glorious' album of patriotic British songs which was released for the Olympics - although Laura had far far better source material to work with. Alternatively, Decca could have told Hayley that there wouldn't be an album until 2016 and she could either accept the advance on Hushabye or not get paid for 3 years. Who knows? But I certainly don't find any of this inspirational - which is what I tend to like from my artists. All of this would be old news if other things had started happening after the release. I originally thought it would, as I expected Hayley wouldn't want Hushabye to be the lasting impression everyone had of her, but instead everyone's been left to mull over the lullaby album for more than two years. But I suppose that in the end, regardless of what Decca may or may not have coerced Hayley into doing, unfortunately at the end of the day it is her name that goes on the album and her reputation that is harmed. It doesn't matter to Decca or Universal, they have a whole host of other artists and they will recoup their losses elsewhere. Clearly, it was also a let down by the people around Hayley - managers, advisers etc who weren't capable of absolutely making sure that her best interests were being looked after. Who knows, when the new album is released we could get an interview about how Decca sold Hayley down the river and all could be explained. Until then I think we wait... |
|
|
|
Post by comet on Sept 2, 2015 14:25:58 GMT
 It's just as well we are not all in a restaurant together, some of us would be wearing our drinks or dinners or just desserts on our faces
|
|
Yes, we got the NZ version in April, but I doubt that will happen again.
