Tauranga singer Anna Hawkins has bought a one-way plane ticket and is heading to Europe to further pursue her career.
She is performing at the Tauranga Art Gallery tomorrow night for "a bit of a farewell" concert, but assures us she will be back - she just doesn't know when.
No stranger to the European music scene, Anna's second album was produced in Warsaw by Pawel Zarecki, and she says she will be finishing her third album with him. She has made many connections in London and Europe and says being based closer to those people will make it easier to grow her opportunities.
"It's a big world out there and there are a lot of opportunities. It just feels right. We decided we just have to give it a go," she says of her and her husband's decision to take flight. "I have met amazing people and you connect in a different way if you are there full time."
Her third album has seen Anna's music take a different direction and she says it has "a more pop/folk contemporary feel" than previous work. It also features her own original songs which "adds a new energy," to her material.
Writing her own music reflects a growing maturity and confidence, which she is excited to develop.
"I have been singing for a long time and never thought I would write my own music. You sort of just keep going along. It has opened new doors and a new dream, and I'm excited to see where I can take it."
The fine print
What: An Intimate Evening with Anna
Where: Tauranga Art Gallery
When: 20 May, 7.30pm
Tickets: $30 From TGA or online via eventfinda.