ANNA HAWKINS ANNOUNCES BOLD NEW ALBUM & 12 DATE TOUR

New Zealand singer-songwriter Anna Hawkins announces the release of her colourful new album 'Bold, Brave & Beautiful.' Arriving in NZ stores on the 10th of March, Anna's third studio album sees the performer release her most energetic offering to date, with an added emphasis on a new phase of her career - songwriting.

Drawing from a variety of musical inspirations, the album maintains continuity with her iconic voice and inspirational song selection while experimenting with the style of her original material.

"As a whole the album is more upbeat than my previous work, exploringpersonal themes and crossing over genres a bit more."

The album also features the same lush instrumentation of previous works, teaming up again with talented Polish producer Pawel Zarecki, recording the album and orchestra in Warsaw. The diverse song-list combines Anna's original material with some brilliantly reimagined work from the likes of Michael Jackson, Simon & Garfunkel and Sarah McLachlan to find musical expression for the central themes of freedom, courage and vulnerability.

"Whats been really exciting about this album is exploring my own songs which have taken me into new territory musically. I’m drawn to songs that move me over and above a specific genre of music. This is reflected in what I’ve performed over the years and especially in what I've sought to create with this album."

To support the release Anna will be touring 12 venues throughout New Zealand in March and April.

12 Date ‘Bold, Brave & Beautiful Tour’

Returning home from the UK Anna will hit the ground running with a 12 date tour lined up around the country.

Performing a new show, the tour coincides with the release of her latest album 'Bold, Brave & Beautiful.’ On top of her brand new original material the tour will see Anna perform songs from musical giants and personal heroes such as Simon & Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Shirley Bassey, Leonard Cohen and more.

Led by Musical Director Stephen Small Anna will also be joined on stage by her band for parts of the tour and various special guests at each stop including her sister Lisa Grace Hawkins.

Details and ticketing for the tour can be found at www.eventfinda.co.nz

Palmerston North - Friday 17th March, Cafe Royale (Dinner & Show)

Napier - Saturday 18th March, Church Road Winery (Dinner & Show)

Rotorua - Sunday 19th March, Blue Baths (High Tea Matinee)

Hamilton - Friday 24th March, University of Waikato, Playhouse Theatre

Tauranga - Saturday 25th March, Holy Trinity Church                                         

Morrinsville - Sunday 26th March, Wallace Art Gallery (Matinee)

Queenstown - Saturday 1st April, Hilton Queenstown Hotel (Dinner & Show)

Ashburton - Sunday 2nd April, Ashburton Trust Events Centre

Whanganui - Wednesday 5th April, Prince Edward Auditorium Wanganui Collegiate

New Plymouth - Thursday 6th April, 4th Wall Theatre

Karapiro - Friday 7th April, The Hangar- Exclusive Event

Auckland - Saturday 8th April - The Vic Devonport (Presented by the ‘Devonport Arts Festival’)

Christchurch - Friday 31st March - Transitional Cathedral EXTRA SHOW - Will Martin ‘Encore’ (Joining as a guest artist)           

SISTER'S TEAM UP FOR SOUND OF SILENCE TRIBUTE

Anna Hawkins and her sister Lisa Grace Hawkins have today announced their release of Simon & Garfunkel's classic 'The Sound of Silence.' The pair are excited to join forces on the beautifully crafted single, releasing it with Southbound Records in tandem with a 60's-era themed music video which they had fun filming in Tauranga. Sound of Silence is one of many songs Anna's been busy recording in Europe this past year with Polish producer Pawel Zarecki. It is also the first to be heard from the yet-to-be-revealed new album coming out in 2017.

"We've performed the song live together a few times as a duet and it's been really popular so to finally have a music video and single available for people to enjoy is awesome," says Anna. "It's amazing to me to think that 50 years after its original release, the song still has the same depth and relevance.” Interestingly, it was this song that unexpectedly brought Simon & Garfunkel back together after their original music failed to gain traction and they were in the process of parting ways.

Growing up, Anna and Lisa always had a creative and musical bent. Both artists in their own right, Anna has two full albums and an EP to her name and her younger sister, emerging singer songwriter Lisa Grace is just entering into the world of professional music, opening for Mae Valley in Hamilton September 10th. "We're both really supportive of one another, so of course we love to collaborate. People often comment to us on the way our voices blend, especially in this song.. We put it down to the genes."

Anna promises her next project has some surprises in there. "As a whole, it's going to be more upbeat than my previous albums. I've explored some new themes and crossed over genres a little bit more, it's taken a slightly new direction, allowing me to experiment with my own songs which has been a whole lot of fun." The full album is due for release in early 2017. You can find out more on her website www.annahawkinsmusic.com or view the music video on her YouTube channel