Songstress does it the right way

She's feminine, fierce, hard-working and passionate about making music. Now, Annabel Fay is back and stronger than ever with her new album, Show Me The Right Way.
The CD is her second and comes four years after the release of her self-titled, debut record.
It's been a long-time coming for eager fans but an even longer road for the songstress herself.
There have been countless songs crossed off her list, many hours in the studio and she's taken her fair share of criticism.
"I think in this industry you have to be really prepared to be let down quite a bit, but you just have to be ready to take the knocks. They often come when you think everything is going really well."
This time around, Fay was able to put some valuable lessons into practice, with her new songs a far better reflection of her personality and true voice.
"I was very concerned at the time [when I put out my debut album], I'm still proud of it, but there are only a couple of songs I still play.
"There were hints of me but I was yet to fathom who I am as a musician. I think this new album is a lot more emotional."
Fay focused on being involved in all aspects of Show Me The Right Way, down to the cover design.
"I have tried to put a bit of myself in every part of it."
The album tells a tale of life experiences, and has some very strong messages.
"I find it really hard to write about what I don't know. The album was a storybook of lessons I can relate to and, hopefully, others will be able to relate to them, too."
Show Me The Right Way was a collaborative process, with Fay a driving force behind all of the lyrics and themes that come through on the album.
"I have things written down and a basic idea of the tune and I just sat down with a guitarist. Some songs are painful to write, but other songs like River just come easy.
"A lot of it was me letting go and constantly putting ideas out there even if they get shot down. Now I throw myself out there, which has been a very hard lesson."
Her voice is the one thing that came easy from the start, with a unique sound which incorporates soul-pop and R&B fusion.
"I have been singing my whole life. There were a lot of my family and friends along the way that said I had the goods to be in the industry.
"I was going to study audio engineering and performance in Chicago but then a friend introduced me to a producer who asked why I was bothering with school when I already had the singing talent."
But Fay had no idea what she was walking into when she agreed to make an album the first time around.
"The debut album was a learning curve - I sort of did my apprenticeship in the spotlight."
"I have realised this industry is about what you know, I have tried to be active in all sides of the music - it's just persistence and practice.
Show Me The Right Way goes on sale around New Zealand on April 11.
Fay hopes to follow the release with a more extensive tour.
"As soon as I get the album out there, hopefully I will be touring in June, and then I will get to more places around the country."