Anna
A wise man once said from little things big things grow. Anna Weatherup proves that, impacting the scene like a welcome storm with her exhilarating new album Crossing The Sea.
To call Anna’s fascinating work a labour of love is an understatement, which is ironic because there’s nothing understated about this release – a collection of songs crafted over several years, which pull at both the heart and mind, drawing out strong memories while conjuring enduring new ones.
Anna Weatherup first came to the public’s attention via The Voice, Australia. For many artists, the effects of such an experience can be overwhelmingly positive, and for others, it leads them down that strange road of reflection and career recalibration, which can be equally positive, if not more so.
“While on The Voice, I realised my time on this musical journey would be much better spent creating music that is true to me, and not focusing on becoming top of the pop, for a moment in time.
“I graciously left The Voice stage once I was battle-rounded out and started writing my new album. I was extremely grateful to have found my way back onto that creative path again. And the twist for me was that I had a TV show to thank for that!” she says.
While it’s easy for many to throw off their time on reality contests as a way to reach the peak as soon as possible, Anna accepts the steep learning curve for all it had to offer, giving valuable experience and a vision. With the sound of contentment ringing in her voice, Anna adds, “After leaving the show, I was committed to the discovery of the real art that resides deep in me, and determined to not hold back in my creative process. It was at that time that I started down the path of my Crossing The Sea journey. Now that it is complete, I have a strong sense of pride, relief, and a little nervous energy about what is about to happen, to share my music after such an epic adventure.”
Indeed. subtle yet powerful, spacious yet concise, engaging and empowering, with eyes aware of the past but focused on the future, Anna Weatherup’s sublime new album Crossing The Sea presents a unique singer/songwriter, confident in her abilities. It also sums her up as a person and performer.
As her own mother attests, Anna has always been testing a voice strong enough to stop traffic, yet fragile enough to convey a range of emotions we all identify with.
“She always had a strong belief in herself,” says her mum. “She always said, as a young girl, she wanted to be a singer.
“I remember when she was a little girl she would sing along to the radio and everyone would stop and listen.”
Always looking at the bigger picture and comfortable in her unique talent, while embracing every chance to push her abilities, this album serves up a rare insight into an artist not willing to settle for easy industry gifts, but ready to make the most of what she can, leaving us all to enjoy the results. This is why Anna can already count accolades like being a winner in the International Songwriting Competition out of Nashville in 2010, while early singles from Crossing The Sea have already made an impact, with Little Bluebird debuting and sitting on the local Amrap Regional Charts, and Passenger entering the iTunes chart at #15 without early radio support.
To say Anna’s journey is just beginning is another understatement, as artists of her strength and belief are rare in this country, but the strength and belief that emanate from her should be enough to excite any serious music fan. Stay tuned for more, because there will definitely be more.
