Although she’s opened for big-name artists, Anna Weatherup still has her feet planted firmly on the ground, while her hands are reaching for the stars.
At just 12 years old, one performance at her local church was all it took for Anna Weatherup to realise that singing and songwriting was her future.
It didn’t take long for Anna to begin her creative journey as she started performing gigs throughout her home town.
“I’m proud to call myself a North Queenslander,” Anna says. “Townsville is, and always will be, my home.
I love to come back and visit family and friends and to reconnect with people who’ve supported me along the way.”
Anna has received many accolades for her songwriting and also went on to open shows for artists such as Marcia Hines, Daryl Braithwaite and, her personal favourite, Colin Hay.
“The only game plan I had was to keep singing and never give up chasing that dream,” Anna says.
“Entering The Voice was definitely not a part of my plan. I think at the time I felt like I needed to explore that avenue, but quickly realised it was not for me.
“I’ve been invited back a few times but it’s not something I would do again. It sounds harsh but I think these shows promote the idea that a meaningful career can be built on a TV show. Personally, I wanted to concentrate on creating music again and not get distracted by the lights.”
After her journey on The Voice came to an end, Anna really began to find her own voice.
“There were a lot of emotions happening for me straight after the show, so I got to work writing this new album. Making Crossing The Sea has been my creative journey home to what is important to me and that is to reconnect with the artist inside again,” Anna says.
“The first single is called Climb and I was inspired to write it for a friend of mine who lives in Townsville. He was going through a rough time but, no matter how dark it got, he was climbing up Castle Hill every day.”
To help finish raising money for the latest album Anna has started up a crowd-funding campaign to explore her other creative passions and ideas.
“I love the fashion of the 80s and 90s, so I’ve decided to make some cool denim jackets and handmade bolo ties,” she says.
Due to the high demand, Anna has begun taking orders for customised jackets through the campaign.
Townsville locals can expect to see Anna for two shows at the Centenary Hotel in Pimlico on Friday 17 August at 7.30pm and a child-friendly gig on Sunday 19 August at 1.30pm.
“Wayne McDonald, who was publican at the Metropole Hotel where I played my first gig back in the early days, now runs The Centenary Hotel. I will perform a mix of the old favourite cover songs as well as sharing my new original tracks with everyone.”
To check out the crowd-funding campaign and pre-order Anna’s new album visit www.annaweatherup.com