Anna Hawkins releases ‘Journey On’

Anna Hawkins releases ‘Journey On’ CD - in stores Friday 30 August

NEW ZEALAND singer ANNA HAWKINS has flown half way around the world to record her new album Journey On with the help of a superstar producer responsible for albums by Enya, Clannad, Moya Brennan and Tears for Fears.

Journey On -- to be released today Friday 30 August -- came about via a chance meeting with Polish producer Pawel Zarecki. He convinced Anna to fly to his homeland to record the instrumental component of the album with Polish musicians then travel on to London to record her vocals under the direction of mastermind producer Ross Cullum.

The release of Journey On, a classical crossover album, will be followed by concerts in New Zealand before Anna flies to Japan in December to perform the lead role of Christine in Ken Hills Phantom of the Opera.

“I’ve truly given it everything, I have put it all on the line to pursue my dream and do what makes me come alive inside, that is, touching the lives of others with music & song,” says Anna of her self-funded album. “Singing is who I am”

If you have visions of a professional singer flying first class and being chauffeur driven to beautiful hotels, wearing designer dresses and followed by fawning minions - think again. Anna’s album is self funded and she has managed this entire process including arranging every aspect of her trip and the recording/marketing herself. She flew solo to Poland and was joined by her husband, Simeon Clarke, a month later. They lived out of suitcases and stayed with friends for five months. Add the planning and rehearsal that precedes the recording of 14 tracks, five written by Anna herself, and it is a massive undertaking for one person.

From the age of seven Anna was winning talent quests all over the North Island. Her parents say she sang before she could speak.

Success for Anna has been in 2012 releasing her EP album ‘Credo’ recorded at York Street Studios in Auckland with producer Stephen Small and members of the Auckland Philharmonic and Opus Orchestras.

In the past two years she has performed at the Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, TSB Festival of Lights, Sunset Symphony, Auckland Domain ‘Kiwi Day Out’ Concert, Taupo Flying Proms, Katikati Twilight Concert, Corporate event at ‘The Cloud’ with Prime Minister John Key, Chinese Airlines Gala Dinner, Waipuna Hospice Fundraising Concert, Auckland Seafood Festival, Rugby World Cup REAL NZ Festival, Christmas At The Lake, Hamilton River Festival, Lord of The Ring Boxing Event and others culminating in her own unique Christmas Concert held at the historic St Andrews Church in 2011 & 2012.

This year Anna has already been busy with various Summer Festivals, most notably performing at Hagley Park for the ASB Classical Sparks concert with the Christchurch Symphony and NZ Army Band.

Anna’s album features her original songs and a beautiful selection of covers, drawing influences from classical, contemporary, Celtic and film music. From lush orchestral arrangements that reflect the drama and mystery of an epic film soundtrack to the more reflective and intimate numbers, Journey On, will indeed lead you cleverly through an emotive landscape thoroughly inspired.
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