Palmerston North Newspaper :: Fraser feels the force

October 2004

Just being herself has brought singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser rewards, Grant Miller reports. [/B]

Award-winning singer Brooke Fraser, due to perform in Palmerston North next month, is no instant success. The 20-year old recently won break-through artist of the year and best female solo artist awards at the New Zealand music industry's most prestigious night, the Tuis.

She described the event as strangely nerve-racking yet relaxing, and said she was tired afterward, but "really grateful". However, in discussing her success, which is not a concept she is comfortable with, she said she was merely being herself. It's just that more people are now taking notice.

Next year's Parachute Christian music Festival, which attracts more than 20,000 people, will be Fraser's sixth. "I've been doing this for a long time, but it has been a breakthrough in the past year and a half, with greater New Zealand exposed to me." The soulful pop singer-songwriter is set to perform at the Regent on Broadway on October 23 as part of her What To Do With Daylight tour. It is her first tour as the headline act. She has friends in Palmerston North, has performed in the city once before, but the day of the concert will be her first look at the Regent.

It has been a remarkable 18 months for the popular musician. Her debut CD, What To Do With Daylight, has gone four times platinum. She has had four singles in New Zealand's top ten. Better and Lifeline were also given extraordinary airplay on the nation's radio stations. Now Fraser is looking to crack the Australian market. She has been based in Sydney for three months. Lifeline hasbeen released in Australia while her CD will be launched there on Monday. Australians have yet to attempt to claim the daughter of former All Black Bernie Fraser as one of theirs. "They have no grounds. I have no Australian relatives," she said. Nor is she any closer to finding her future husband there, though she is apparently in no rush. "Australia is warm, but it will never be my home. My heart is in New Zealand. I'm not finished with New Zealand by any means."

She described "what to do with daylight" as a phrase that popped into her head... she didn't consciously decide to make it the theme of her album. Asked what she though we should do with daylight, Fraser replied: "use it wisely". The guitar and piano-playing songstress want to do more than to entertain people; she aims to give them hope. Earlier this year, she visited Cambodia and says she want to continue working with charities such as World Vision. "Once you've been to the Third World, you feel some responsibility. NOw that you know... I'll be doing what ever I can. Sponsoring a child makes a world of difference."

The public response to her lyrics has been overwhelming. "Songwriting for me is never premeditated. I can feel when a song is ready to be written." Fans will be hoping this feeling keeps occurring, as their interest shows no sign of waning.

Thanks Laura