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When you've got a voice
like an angel - and you've sold a whopping 1.5 million copies of an albwn
called Pure worldwide - the weeks leading up to Christmas are a time of
yuletide carols and bums on pews. "At this very minute, I'm on a tour bus
with the Boston Pops Orchestra, heading out to Manchester, New Hampshire,
for a show this evening," writes Hayley Westenra in an email. "It's the 10th
show of this tour." Seven more shows and she'll be home in Christchurch in
time for Christmas dinner. How does it look over there in the US? "It's
4.30pm and it's already dark outside, making it a bit dismal, but as we
drive through Boston, the city is filled with coloured lights, Christmas
trees and decorations ... a very pretty sight indeed."
Jolly good. What is your earliest memory
related to music?
In Timaru, Grandad would play the piano in the
living-room and I would dance around as he played. What was incredible was
that he had never had a piano lesson in his life, he would just hear a tune
and play by ear.
When did you first realise that you wanted to be a singer?
From the first musical I was involved in, which was
Annie, when I was about eight years old, I knew I wanted to be a singer. I
found the whole experience so much fun.
What was the first music you remember getting into and how old were you?
Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion - when I was around
11 years old.
What music has most influenced you?
There isn't one particular type of music that has
influenced me over another. I listen to classical, traditional, folk, pop -
the list is endless. Everything I listen to influences me and is reflected
in my music (and my varied selection of songs on my album!).
Do you have a favourite album that you keep going back to?
Andrea Bocelli's Romanza. I love the style
of the music he sings as it has both elements of classical and pop. I love
the luscious orchestral arrangements and the power of the songs he sings,
but most of all, I love his voice. It's a strong voice with a rich tone, but
it also has an element of fragility.
Is there any type of music you loathe?
Not that I can think of .. .
Have you ever had an epiphany after listening to a piece of music?
Not really.
Do you have a song that changed your life?
Well, actually, yes. "Pokarekare Ana" is the song
that helped me get to where I am today. Overseas, that song sold my album! "Pokarekare
Ana" changed my life.
Is there any music released in the last two years that you absolutely love?
I adore Alicia Keys's music. She is incredibly
talented.
What do you listen to when you relax or feel like
going out to party?
When I need to chill out, I put on Joni Mitchell's album Blue, but if
I want to hype myself up before a party or something, I put on Aretha
Franklin or Jill Scott - both fantastic singers. |