Hayley has just added a new blog to hayleywestenra.com about her new album Prayer and touring Japan! Take a look!
"Konichiwa!
After a couple of hectic weeks back home in Christchurch (holiday, what holiday?) during which I launched my autobiography (just in New Zealand for now, UK is releasing in a month), I have just arrived in Japan. It's a country I always enjoy touring, with such friendly and appreciative audiences (and great food too). I have worked here a lot over the last few years and the Samon promoter team (Hiro, Michi, Shin and their boss, whom we have nicknamed "the Don") are almost like friends and Hiro, at Universal Music here, always has great new ideas for releases, the latest an album tying up the loose ends of the TV and film themes I have recorded, with a few other unreleased songs, entitled "Prayer ".
This tour takes me out to many regions of Japan, not just Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya (the only three cities I have visited on tours in the past, except for a guest appearance in Kochi) which is unusual for an international artist, but it gives me the chance to meet the people that have been kind enough to buy my CDs but usually would only get to see a live performance on a TV show.
After a couple of hectic weeks back home in Christchurch (holiday, what holiday?) during which I launched my autobiography (just in New Zealand for now, UK is releasing in a month), I have just arrived in Japan. It's a country I always enjoy touring, with such friendly and appreciative audiences (and great food too). I have worked here a lot over the last few years and the Samon promoter team (Hiro, Michi, Shin and their boss, whom we have nicknamed "the Don") are almost like friends and Hiro, at Universal Music here, always has great new ideas for releases, the latest an album tying up the loose ends of the TV and film themes I have recorded, with a few other unreleased songs, entitled "Prayer ".
This tour takes me out to many regions of Japan, not just Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya (the only three cities I have visited on tours in the past, except for a guest appearance in Kochi) which is unusual for an international artist, but it gives me the chance to meet the people that have been kind enough to buy my CDs but usually would only get to see a live performance on a TV show.
My first show was in Fukuoka in the beautiful Symphony Hall, and here are some photos from my sound check. I am lucky enough to be working with a wonderful Japanese violinist, Yukiko and pianist, Makato. I am here for three weeks, with a big Tourism NZ launch at the very end, then back to the UK to do some shows as well as check up on my new flat (plus maybe buy some furniture for it as I think beds, tables and seating are always a nice touch).
For those of you downunder, We are just confirming a NZ tour for February and then hopefully a record will be recorded in March...yikes, that's not far off, is it?!
Matane (see you soon)!
Hayley x"
Hayley x"
From hayleywestenra.com
