BIOGRAPHY..
Originally from the deep south of New Zealand (Invercargill and Dunedin), music and singing has been a huge part of Hannah's life.
Her performance career originated in her parents lounge as a three year-old and has moved onwards and upwards to number one hits on National Radio, new artist recording and music video grants from NZonAir, performing at the Parachute Music Festivals, singing the National Anthems at the New Zealand vs England netball test, and performing at the New Zealand vs Australia rugby league games, just to name a few.
In 1999 Hannah made the move to Auckland to attended EXCEL School of Performing Arts and graduated with a Certificate of Performance in Music Majoring in Vocals.
Hannah recorded her debut solo ablum "Unfinished Journey" in 2006 which was nominated for Best Gospel / Christian Album in the 2007 Vodafone New Zealand Tui Music Awards.
Unfinished Journey is available at all CD & DVD stores throughout New Zealand and is available on Itunes.
Hannah is currently working on her second album with her single "Less than Love" making number one on National Radio.
ALBUM REVIEWS - "UNFINISHED JOURNEY"
On October 13th, 2006, Hannah Donald releases her debut album Unfinished Journey. The album includes Hannah’s early singles “Eyes Wide Open” and “Thinking of You”; the rest of the album represents a step even further into a mature pop sensibility.
Enlisting the help of Evan Cooper (Detour180) and Nic Manders (Brooke Fraser, Juliagrace, Nathan King) Hannah has crafted a truly versatile and accessible sound in Unfinished Journey. The album strikes an exceptional mix of song and poetry, with brilliantly produced instrumentation from Cooper complemented by accomplished lyrics. From the melodic strength and emotional drive of opener “So Long” to the intricate closers “Beautiful Child” and “Porcelain”, Donald wears her heart and her faith on her sleeve.
Unfinished Journey is an album that creates the perfect pop equation; songs infectious enough to woo the radio, and deep enough to engage the listener’s heartstrings.
Enlisting the help of Evan Cooper (Detour180) and Nic Manders (Brooke Fraser, Juliagrace, Nathan King) Hannah has crafted a truly versatile and accessible sound in Unfinished Journey. The album strikes an exceptional mix of song and poetry, with brilliantly produced instrumentation from Cooper complemented by accomplished lyrics. From the melodic strength and emotional drive of opener “So Long” to the intricate closers “Beautiful Child” and “Porcelain”, Donald wears her heart and her faith on her sleeve.
Unfinished Journey is an album that creates the perfect pop equation; songs infectious enough to woo the radio, and deep enough to engage the listener’s heartstrings.
SOUL PURPOSE MAGAZINE:
Reading the credits of Hannah’s debut album, it’s very much a who’s who of NZ Christian music. Bands Detour 180, Mumsdollar, Wash, and Season Pass all have representatives offering their two cents in this heavily (but well) produced record. Even jazz sax maestro, Chris Mason-Battley, makes an appearance.
Hannah’s Excel-trained voice is nice and communicates her own heartfelt songs well. Throw in some covers and you’ve got a good chilled-out listen, reminiscent of the Brookes and Sixpence None the Richers of this world.
Reading the credits of Hannah’s debut album, it’s very much a who’s who of NZ Christian music. Bands Detour 180, Mumsdollar, Wash, and Season Pass all have representatives offering their two cents in this heavily (but well) produced record. Even jazz sax maestro, Chris Mason-Battley, makes an appearance.
Hannah’s Excel-trained voice is nice and communicates her own heartfelt songs well. Throw in some covers and you’ve got a good chilled-out listen, reminiscent of the Brookes and Sixpence None the Richers of this world.
AWARDS / ACHIEVEMENTS:
- LIFE FM NUMBER ONE HIT - Less Than Love 2010
- SUCCESSFUL NATIONWIDE ALBUM TOUR - 2010
- SUCCESSFUL NATIONWIDE ALBUM TOUR - 2007
- VODAPHONE NZ MUSIC AWARDS - Gospel Album Nominee 2007
- RADIO RHEMA TOP 5 - Symmetry 2007
- RADIO RHEMA TOP 5 - Thinking of You 2006
- RADIO RHEMA TOP 5 - Grace 2006
- LIFE FM NUMBER ONE HIT - Eyes Wide Open 2006
- GIVE AWAY MUSIC - $10,000 Album Funding Grant 2005
- CAPTIAL TEAM CONVENTION (CTC) - 1st Place Open Vocal Solo Section 2005
- CAPTIAL TEAM CONVENTION (CTC) - Top Five in Song Writing 2005
- YFC EXPRESSIONS (AUCKLAND) - 1st Place Open Vocal Solo Section 2005
- YFC EXPRESSIONS (AUCKLAND) - 2nd Place Song Writing Section 2005
- GOSPEL EISTEFFORD COMPETITION - 1st Place Music Video Section 2002
- LIFE FM NUMBER ONE HIT - Thinking of You 2002
- NEW ZEALAND ON AIR - $5,000 Music Video Grant 2002
- NEW ZEALAND ON AIR HIT DISK - Thinking of You 2001
- NEW ZEALAND ON AIR - $5,000 New Artist Recording Grant 2001
- LIFE FM NUMBER ONE HIT - Eyes Wide Open 2000
- LIFE FM SINGING COMPETITION - 1st Place 2000
- WAREHOUSE OTAGO SINGING COMPETITION - 1st Place 1998
- OTAGO STARS IN YOUR EYES COMPETITION - 2nd Place 1997
ENDORSEMENTS:
"Hannah Donald is definitely one of New Zealand's most promising up and coming singer/songwriters. Her debut album “Unfinished Journey’ is a collection of beautiful melodies and heartfelt emotion that any songwriter would be proud to call their own. No wonder she has just been nominated for a New Zealand Music Award!! A wonderful person to work with – dedicated and engaging – Hannah spent several months working with street children in Ethiopia and is passionate about serving the poor and disadvantaged. We are thrilled to be associated with Hannah and heartily recommend her." - Tear Fund Christian Action Website | New Zealand
"Hannah Donald is one of the most genuine, lovely, caring people I know, and her beautiful character is matched only by her beautiful voice". Hannah is an extremely talented young lady whose music has extremely broad appeal. Music from Hannah’s debut CD Unfinished Journey is currently in rotation on three of our radio stations; Life fm, NZ’s Rhema and Southern Star. Hannah has also performed live-to-air on Shine Television as part of our annual Shineathon appeal. Having been involved with Hannah’s live concerts, I have also found her to be a very professional and entertaining performer with a great heart and a great message. - Elmo - Programme Director | Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, Auckland, NZ
"Hannah Donald has a wonderful way with her songs. The ones we have played on New Zealand's Rhema and Southern Star have certainly been well received by our listeners. I have spoken to Hannah several times on-air and have always been impressed with her faith and sincerity". - Rob Holding | Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, Auckland, NZ
"On Sunday 7th May 2006, Elim Christian Centre in Howick was blessed to have Hannah Donald perform at our evening service. Hannah's performance was one of both originality and professionalism. There were many compliments given afterwards on her beautiful voice and amazing talent. We would love to have her back soon." Natasha Johnson - Events Co-Ordinator | Howick Elim Church, Auckland, NZ
“Recently I had the pleasure of hearing Hannah Donald, Calling Elijah and Season Pass perform in Christchurch as part of their combined South Island Album Tour. Their experience and talent was evident in the quality and professionalism of their performances and the positive messages incorporated into their music provided a great example for the younger audience. I would recommend any one of these artists as part of, or the sole performer for, any function or event as their common contemporary style would appeal to both young and older audiences. I wish them all the best for their future music careers and feel confident I will be seeing or hearing them again soon.” - Kerry Pearce - Member | Grace Vineyard Church, Christchurch, NZ
"Hi, my name is Geoff Brown and I am an Intermediate school teacher in Te Awamutu, as well as Youth coordinator at the local Baptist church. I also, alongside 3 other local youth workers in town, have established a youth service to provide assistance to youth culture in Te Awamutu. For many years I’ve been working in many aspects of youth ministry here in Te Awamutu and in Whangarei. Within this I have had many dealings with Christian Music in New Zealand. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside key musicians such as Drinkwater, Frenzy ( aaah the good old days !), Mark Laurent, Steve Apirana, The Lads, Form – Dean Rush, Spindlefish / Steriogram amongst others.
Recently we had the awesome responsibility to host the ‘Album Tour’ in Te Awamutu. Which helped showcase Season Pass, Calling Elijah and Hannah Donald. As a result of this, I have been given the wonderful request and task of preparing a reference for the these artists.
For me, as a youth worker, it is so important in sharing Christian music to the general public, that artists keep it real, are focused on who are they in Christ and share their music passionately. These three ministries in my opinion are very significant. They are honest and extremely powerful. The natural warmth and genuine display of faith that is expressed on stage, doesn’t change off it. Musically, these artists are sublime and very refreshing. There were many youth present at the concert and the acoustic nature of the music went down really well.
message of truth and of a love that comes from a living Jesus was also refreshing. These guys are sure and know that their purpose is in him, you weren’t able to leave without experiencing this and this is a credit to the maturity these musicians display musically and naturally. I am convinced that in spending the time we did in preparing for the concert and hosting them for the evening and morning, as well as having Hannah Donald give of her time at our youth camp earlier in February, that the message shared and lived by these artists is very valuable.
Beautiful Child, a song written and performed by Hannah Donald, on reflection and in discussion with friends and colleagues is one of the most important songs written for some time in New Zealand. This song needs to be heard.
In summary, it is very easy to recommend and give my support to these significant and important New Zealand musicians. Their concert performances are vibrant, entertaining and powerful. They are very polished and accomplished musicians, as well being genuine, fun and sincere in their approach to the follow up of their performances. Anybody who chooses to cater for them, will agree as well and in doing so will be rewarded and blessed richly." - Geoff Brown - Youth Pastor | Te Awamutu Baptist Church, Te Awamutu, NZ
"I am writting to express my support for Hannah Donald in her artistic endeavours. Hannah has been a committed member of Edge City Church for several years now, and has made a positive contribution to life here in a number of ways. She has been a long serving member of the worship team, and has, at various times, been one of the primary worship team leaders. She is a talented singer with a heart for worship and an 'ear' for great pop songs. I have enjoyed watching her develop in her craft over the past few years and she approaches what she does with a refreshing professionalism. i think that this demonstrates her artistic maturity, and clear sense of where she is heading with her music. - Mike Donovan - Pastor | Edge City Church, Auckland, NZ
"In April 2007, we had the pleasure of hosting the 'ALBUMTOUR07' team (Hannah Donald, Calling Elijah and Season Pass). We thoroughly enjoyed their concert and found their performance not only professional but they are all incrediblt talented and gifted musicians. We recommend Hannah Donald, Calling Elijah and Season Pass to any church or organisation. We wish then all the sucess with their album, music and ministry". - Mark Palalagi - Music Director | Christchurch City Elim Church, Christchurch, NZ
"It is one of the privileges of my job at Tear Fund to attend concerts featuring talented artists who selflessly give of their time and talents to advocate for the poor. Hannah Donald is such an artist/performer. Hannah combines these talents and strong organisational skills to stand in the gap and speak up for the poor. In May 2007 I had the pleasure of seeing Hannah Donald in concert with Calling Elijah and Season Pass during their 'Album Tour'. A tour inspired and organised by Hannah. Hannah is a natural performer who communicates easily and intelligently with her audience. She shares her heart and hole for the poor through her music which has a relaxed, melodic style. A power point played in the background as she sang the melancholic song "Beautiful Child". This depicts an aids orphan she personally knew and cared for whilst living in Ethiopia. Hannah's passion for her music and the poor are clearly communicated. Over the passed few years that we have been associate with Hannah she has been easy to work with and flexible when our needs have required it. We at Tear Fund would have no hesitation in recommending Hannah Donald to you." - Andrew Robinson - Events Manager | Tear Fund Christian Action, NZ
"I wish to congratulate you for the wonderful performace that you produced for our Special Olympics Athletes opening ceremony. You are very talented and it was a pleasure to see and hear you perform. I hope we may enjoy the pleasure of watching you perform again in the future." - David Page - Regional Director | Special Olympics Asia-Pacific
"On behalf of the Organising Committee, 1100 athletes and 350 support staff, I would like to sincerely thank you for contributing to the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics North Island Games. It was a wonderful spectacle and the success of the evening was due in no small part to your very inspiring performance." Best wishes for the future. - Jill Glazewski - Director of Ceremonies | Special Olympics, NZ
Hannah organised the Album Tour 07 featuring Calling Elijah, Season Pass and herself, and in which World Vision were involved. I was very impressed with Hannah’s motivation and skills to organise a tour of such high quality. I have received feedback about the evening from a range of sources and overall it has been extremely positive, and this is all credit to Hannah’s ability. Hannah not only has a beautiful voice, but her passion for her music is obvious, as is her heart for helping those less fortunate than herself through promoting child sponsorship. It is Hannah’s passion, integrity and heart that make her a wonderful role model to people of all ages. I wish her all the best in her endeavours, and hope to see her on stage very soon in the near future - Carly Thompson - Events Marketer | World Vision New Zealand
You guys were awesome, the youth loved the night. You were very professional in all you did and so easy to work with. All the best with your bands and careers. Blessings and thanks! - Sam Tolley - Youth Pastor | West City Christian Centre
It was my great pleasure to invite Hannah Donald & her husband Stephen James to play at "Summer In D'Vine Family Music Festival" on March 28th 2009 Hastings, New Zealand. Having never met Hannah Donald before and captivated by her tune "Symmetry" which I heard on Radio Rhema, her presence really gave a lift to the occasion and her musical offering drew the crowd that came. I can only describe Hannah's music as melodically rich, lyrically passionate and saturated with a sweetness that can only come from someone who spends time in the presence of God. Such was the feedback from the festival that although there were some 13 various acts that played that day, the highest percentage of enquiry that I took was about Hannah Donald & Stephen James. True worshippers shine and music is only 5% of what they do. This was the case for Hannah Donald & Stephen James. Hannah shared her heart, her music, her esscence, her story and she reached people that have known or never known Jesus. If you have never hosted or heard Hannah Donald sing, you are in for a treat of the heavenly kind. My wife Jennyne & I bless her & Stephen on their journey. We are honoured to call them new found friends. We look forward to many more meetings. - David Aupapa - Event Co-ordinator | Summer In D'Vine Family Music Festival
ARTICLES:
Page 6 - Competition winners score top artists
CHRISTCHURCH couple Catherine and Gideon Hoekendijk, six year old Ohope resident Hannah Everett and Manurewa's David Orpin won a prize they were able to share with their communities last month. All the winners had to do in New Zealand's Rhema's Live at Yours NZ Music Month competition was email Rhema or Southern Star and tell them why their community "would be the best place for your Kiwi Artist to play". Their efforts paid off and three top New Zealand musicians performed free concerts for their local communities over the weekend. Rhema Broadcasting group director of programmes, Terry Cobham, said the stations always played lots of Kiwi music but NZ Music Month really gave them a chance to celebrate New Zealand Christian artists. "The Live at Yours competition gave communities a chance to celebrate too and it was great to help get Kiwi music out to Whakatane, Christchurch and Acacia Cove in Manuwera," said Mr Cobham. "We had a real range of entries and the winners, from six to 60 plus, really reflected this. Our thanks go to everyone who took part and to New Zealand On Air for helping fund these events."
The Hoekendijks wrote to NZ's Rhema about their enthusiasm for the local community and won a concert featuring one-time southern girl Hannah Donald and her husband Stephen James on May 29 at Oaklands School Hall. Donald, who released her debut album Unfinished Journey in 2007, which had two number one hits on Christian radio, is currently working on a new album. When Miss Everett wrote to NZ's Rhema she hoped she might just win. Thanks to her, Whakatane residents got the chance to see break-through artist Luke Thompson, who has had radio success with his singles Morning Light and Perfect Drive, perform at Whakatane Baptist Church on May 30. David Orpin won after emailing Southern Star to tell them he hoped many of the 300 residents of the Acacia Cove Christian Fellowship would come along to a concert if he won. He did, and Rob Innes, who has been hailed as 'one of New Zealand's best male voices' and has released several albums, performed live at Acacia Cove Retirement Village on May 30. NZ's Rhema and Southern Star are part of the Rhema Broadcasting Group, the country's largest 100 per cent New Zealand owned private broadcaster. The Live at Yours competition was made possible thanks to funding from New Zealand On Air.
CHRISTCHURCH couple Catherine and Gideon Hoekendijk, six year old Ohope resident Hannah Everett and Manurewa's David Orpin won a prize they were able to share with their communities last month. All the winners had to do in New Zealand's Rhema's Live at Yours NZ Music Month competition was email Rhema or Southern Star and tell them why their community "would be the best place for your Kiwi Artist to play". Their efforts paid off and three top New Zealand musicians performed free concerts for their local communities over the weekend. Rhema Broadcasting group director of programmes, Terry Cobham, said the stations always played lots of Kiwi music but NZ Music Month really gave them a chance to celebrate New Zealand Christian artists. "The Live at Yours competition gave communities a chance to celebrate too and it was great to help get Kiwi music out to Whakatane, Christchurch and Acacia Cove in Manuwera," said Mr Cobham. "We had a real range of entries and the winners, from six to 60 plus, really reflected this. Our thanks go to everyone who took part and to New Zealand On Air for helping fund these events."
The Hoekendijks wrote to NZ's Rhema about their enthusiasm for the local community and won a concert featuring one-time southern girl Hannah Donald and her husband Stephen James on May 29 at Oaklands School Hall. Donald, who released her debut album Unfinished Journey in 2007, which had two number one hits on Christian radio, is currently working on a new album. When Miss Everett wrote to NZ's Rhema she hoped she might just win. Thanks to her, Whakatane residents got the chance to see break-through artist Luke Thompson, who has had radio success with his singles Morning Light and Perfect Drive, perform at Whakatane Baptist Church on May 30. David Orpin won after emailing Southern Star to tell them he hoped many of the 300 residents of the Acacia Cove Christian Fellowship would come along to a concert if he won. He did, and Rob Innes, who has been hailed as 'one of New Zealand's best male voices' and has released several albums, performed live at Acacia Cove Retirement Village on May 30. NZ's Rhema and Southern Star are part of the Rhema Broadcasting Group, the country's largest 100 per cent New Zealand owned private broadcaster. The Live at Yours competition was made possible thanks to funding from New Zealand On Air.
