Music has always had the power to spiritually rejuvenate and Tauranga-based singer Anna Hawkins says it was at the request of her fans that her new album, Divine, has a spiritual element.
It was released this week and the inspirational song choices resonate with her personally and will also resonate with listeners.
"As an artist that is what you want to do, move people to a deeper level, uplifting them through music," she says.
Her voice has been described as rich and captivating, with a soulfulness that can move people to tears: this in combination with song choices such as Amazing Grace, You Raise Me Up, O Holy Night and Hallelujah is a guarantee that it will be under a few Christmas trees next month.
She describes Polish producer Pawl Zarecki as a genius and their work in studios in Poland and Israel has added freshness to many of the tracks.