From funeral singer to pop princess: Debbie Maples

From funeral singer to pop princess

MTV boss gives thumbs up!

Singer/songwriter Debbie Maples is set to release her debut album … with a thumbs up from MTV Europe boss Brent Hansen.

The self-titled album will be released tomorrow through Manuka Sounds.
Phone: 0800 50 50 55.

Music industry authorities -- locally and internationally -- are fizzing about the release, describing her look as a little Kate Bush and her sound a little Katie Melua but her songs are her own. Straight from the heart and praised by Hansen as melodic, catchy and very well written.

For the Christchurch music teacher, it’s a dream come true and the result or many years honing her skills as a musician and singer, having been in big demand as a wedding and funeral singer. Right from age four when she took up piano, she has impressed with her ability as a performer and musician and has since established serious cred among the music fraternity in Christchurch.

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“The material is very well written and very melodic and catchy. This kind of material has a lot of potential.” – Brent Hansen, president MTV Europe

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“If I were to give this CD a descriptive title then it would be ‘Thirteen Conversations’,” for I use song writing as a vehicle for communication,” explains the petite beauty.

“When I am lost for words music helps me find my tongue. This best explains why I am a prolific songwriter.

“Many people have asked me about my songs, ‘ What comes first — the melody or the lyrics?’ My answer is ‘neither — they occur simultaneously’. It is as if songs surround me, they float through the air like dandelion spores and all I have to do is tenderly reach up and take one, breathe upon it, then let it go again.”

Industry veteran Gray Bartlett says Debbie has all the makings of a pop star.

And he should know. He put Hayley Westenra and Yulia on the path to international stardom and sees Debbie Maples as in that same arena.

Debbie has studied piano from age four (and violin from age eleven), completing major teaching and performing qualifications in piano through both the Royal and Trinity Colleges London.

By 17 she obtained her ATCL (in performance) and has established a music teaching practise that caters for a wide spectrum of ages and abilities. In addition, from age 13 she competed in the Christchurch Music Competitions, consistently receiving first and second placings.

While studying music (including composition) at the University of Canterbury, she was hand-selected to become Australasia’s top piano teacher Maurice Till’s protégé.

ENDS

High res pics available at www.skip.co.nz

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