The Rugby World Cup has certainly thrown up some great opportunities for singers. Last week, I was invited by the organisers of a function where John Key was entertaining the French ambassador and dignitaries at "The Cloud" on Queens Wharf after the French /All Blacks game.
I was asked only a few days before. It was pretty nerve-wracking at first as I had to learn the French anthem, which they'd asked me to sing. But on the night I really enjoyed it. John Key gave me a big smile during it. I also sang some other numbers during the evening, along with Frankie Stevens.
The Rugby World Cup organisers got in touch recently and asked me to preform a set at the concert which will conclude the Rugby World Cup final - it will be a Labour Day Farewell concert held at Auckland Domain.
I was also happy when asked to put together a concert for REAL Tauranga at the closing of the festival on October 15, from 4pm-8pm, open to the public on the Strand just in time for the rugby.
I have always wanted to sing and had a passion for music since I was 7, when I did my first public performance. I recorded my own CD at 14. During school I played Fantine in Les Miserables, Florence in Chess and Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde. Most recently I played Kim in Tauranga's Miss Saigon, at Baycourt.
My singing style has evolved over the years. I sing a fusion of classical and contemporary influences. I am drawn to emotive songs and music that is uplifting to people.
I own a lot of different gowns used for events that I have collected over the years. I recently teamed up with Repertoire Clothing, so I will be dressed by them for upcoming interviews and different events. I mostly love feminine clothes, lace, pinks, purples. At home I am really casual, then on the stage it is gowns and heels.
This year has been a busy one for me. I've sung at the TSB Festival of Lights in New Plymouth, the Katikati Twilight Concert, the Taupo Flying Proms, the Auckland Seafood Festival, the Sunset Symphony, the Chinese Airlines Dinner at the Auckland Museum, as well as at several fundraisers for Christchurch and at corporate events. In April/May I was finishing up my EP album in the studio. Then I sang at the Bay of Plenty Symphonia Concert, the Morrinsville Arts Festival and now I am busy with several events that are part of - or because of - the Rugby World Cup.
After the rugby, I will focus on my EP album release. It was recorded at York Street studios in Auckland, working with producer Stephen Small. We also had members of the Auckland Philharmonic and Opus Orchestra in for some sessions recording.
It was a really exciting and rewarding process. The songs on my EP are my favourite to sing at the moment as they have the most of me in them. Always popular with the audience are songs like Time to Say Goodbye, The Prayer, Hallelujah and Danny Boy.
Although I travel a lot, I love coming back to my home in Mount Maunganui.
I was married this year in May to my childhood sweetheart of six years. He is lovely and I am so happy - we love the overall atmosphere of the Bay.
The people are happy, positive and supportive. It's a feel-good place and, of course, it's a stunning environment with the ocean.
After the EP I am planning a Christmas concert.
I also have events lined up for 2012. I'm particularly excited about singing in Christchurch with the Symphony Orchestra at Hagley Park. It is always a thrill to sing with a full orchestra.
It's in my plans to head overseas in the next year to try my luck over there.
I have had some really good feedback from people overseas in the music industry. We'll just have to wait and see what happens with that and, in the meantime, continue to take things step by step.
Ria Hall
I was completely blown away to be chosen for the opening ceremony. It came about because during Matariki I was singing with Stan Walker (who is also from Tauranga) at the Aotea Centre in Auckland. I didn't know it, but I was spotted by someone. Afterwards, I was contacted by Victoria Kelly, musical director for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony. I was flown to Auckland to audition for the role and a couple of days later they offered it to me. It was a pretty special moment.
I was raised in Maungatapu, the youngest of four girls. I was brought up by my Dad, who is from Te Puna. I've always been a bit of an entertainer. I remember busking at Maungatapu Primary School and performing in our talent quests at Tauranga Intermediate. I have always felt at home on stage - although funnily enough I am shy.
Music was always playing in our house, with my older sisters pumping it through their respective stereos. I grew up on reggae, soul, hip-hop and R&B. My Mum played a bit of country and Dad just listened to whatever was playing on the radio in the garage.
I've got a lot of influences that come through in my music and singing. I guess it's a collision of genres - roots and hip-hop, through to soul and country.
All these musical influences are obvious on my EP, which I am releasing this month. I wrote all the songs myself. The music is modern, sophisticated and genuine. I am very lucky to have an awesome producer and mentor in Riki Gooch (Trinity Roots, Eru Dangerspiel). He taught me to open my eyes to what else I am capable of musically - and now that dream is being realised.
I can't wait for people to hear the EP. It's in English and Maori, which makes it even more special to us.
This solo EP and the Rugby World Cup opening ceremonies are the biggest projects I've done.
Although I've toured with Hollie Smith, Trinity Roots and was a part of Eru Dangerspiel, solo projects are now my main focus.
As well as my own songs, I love singing anything that moves me. Natural Mystic by Bob Marley is one of those songs. Get Here by Oleta Adams is another, as is The Scientist by Coldplay.
Being from New Zealand, naturally people mention Hayley Westenra and Elizabeth Marvelly, but I don't fit into the same category musically.
I really admire what they have achieved. We have much to be proud of as a nation.
Who knows where the wind will take me. I would love to perform at the Notting Hill Carnival in London one day and sing on the same stage as other roots/reggae lovers. Locally, I'd love to play at Vodafone Homegrown here in Wellington, as well as Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne. Raggamuffin could be quite epic, too.
I have moved to Wellington with my fiance, Kereama, but my extended family and best friends are in Tauranga and Te Puna.
My father is buried in Te Puna so I try to get home as often as possible. I go back home to reconnect, put my feet in the water and relax.
After the EP is released, we are planning a tour in November. First stop? Tauranga.
