Bio

Known for her expressive tone and moving interpretations “with a voice that has the power to uplift - irrespective of the song being sung” (NZ Musician) Anna Hawkins’ music has been described as captivating and ethereal.

Anna’s fourth album, Dreamer is no exception. In a clever combination Dreamer captures an authentic folk style while showcasing Anna’s colourful classical range and haunting voice. Inspired by nature the albums musical landscape and lyrical content evoke feelings of exploration, playfulness and calm. In a culmination of where she’s been and where she is going, the emotive folk inspired album see’s Anna embrace her New Zealand upbringing and Irish heritage to serve up her most original work to date.

“With a voice range and expressive tone that could turn a nursery rhyme into something beautiful” (Sunday Star Times) Anna has been performing on stage since the age of seven. Starting out in country music she later moved into performing classical crossover repertoire alongside orchestras and at special events. Entering her twenties Anna started to write and release her own original material, her songs and voice reflecting her country / folk roots whilst drawing upon her classical technique and range.

Anna has toured New Zealand with her band and as a guest to famed Welsh tenor Paul Potts. She’s performed her original song for orchestra Journey On with the Christchurch Symphony, NZ Pops Orchestra and Trust Waikato Symphony. She’s also graced the musical theatre stage in various lead roles including Christine in Ken Hills Phantom of the Opera in Japan and recently reprising the role of Florence in the musical Chess. As a solo artist she’s performed at the likes of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, Rugby World Cup, and V8 Supercars with regular slots at various festivals and high profile events. Last year saw her perform a newly developed show honouring the female folk singer-songwriters of the 60's and 70's at the Hamilton Gardens Festival and Katikati Twilight Festival.

Anna’s latest album project Dreamer first began while she was living in London recording with longstanding producer Pawel Zarecki at his home studio in Warsaw, Poland. Six years previously, after a chance meeting, Anna first traveled across the globe to work alongside Pawel and other world class musicians in Poland, London and Israel. It was a daring move that brought her recording dreams to life with albums Journey On, Bold Brave & Beautiful and Divine, the latter of which earned five weeks in the NZ album charts with a song clocking over a million views via YouTube for its music video filmed in Israel.

After moving back to New Zealand Dreamer was completed with singer-songwriter Luke Thompson producing and Nic Mander’s mixing and recording vocals at Parachute Studios. In the making for four years, Dreamer features a talented and eclectic group of musicians from Poland, Israel and New Zealand.

“Dreamer is my small way of encouraging other dreamers on the journey. I want to uplift people through the power of music, story and connection. That has always been my driving force when it comes to creating and performing music.”

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• Youtube Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• Spotify Page
• Apple Music Page