Originally from the deep south (Invercargill and Dunedin - New Zealand), music and singing has been a huge part of HANNAH DONALD'S life. Her performance career originated in her parents lounge as a three year-old and has moved onwards and upwards to two number one hits on lifefm, new artist recording and music video grants from NZonAir, performing at the Parachute Music Festival, 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.
Hannah recently released her debut album “Unfinished Journey” and is already receiving positive feedback and airplay throughout new Zealand. As one reviewer wrote: “From the melodic strength and emotional drive of opener “So Long” to the intricate closers “Beautiful Child” and “Porcelain”, Hannah 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”.
Hannah recently finished a successful nationwide tour of New Zealand sponsored by Tearfund, World Vision and LifeFm with bands Calling Elijah and Season Pass.
ENDORSEMENTS
ALBUM REVIEW: 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.
"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, New Zealand
“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, New Zealand
“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 | Grace Vineyard Church, Christchurch, New Zealand
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 | Te Awamutu Baptist Church, Te Awamutu, New Zealand
Hannah supports the work of Tear fund.
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