Blessed with a powerful, sultry thick-as-molasses voice she unseats her audience. Deep, delightful and a mirror reflection of life experiences – Auriol Hays is no mere musician. She is a musical storyteller, the village witch, a sonorous shaman, beckoning all. Multiple accolades aside, live is where this chanteuse captivates.
Auriol is also socially conscious and Ms Hays’ Dreaming Music album also includes a nod in support of Greenpeace, a song penned for the Arctic 30 titled Come Home to Me, intended to highlight the plight of Arctic drilling in Russia and the impact on the environment.
Auriol is the proud brand ambassador for two NGO’s – Help2read, dedicated to child literacy and Masikhule Child, who assists in educating and developing the needs of both women and children within marginalised communities.
I caught up with Ms Hays last week to find out what music means to her and more…
Happiness is?
Lying in the arms of some delicious passionate man, sipping whiskey afterwards, eating chocolate during…Uhm no. Happiness is expecting nothing and being okay with whatever's there, but I will take the whiskey, the man and chocolate if I must
What does music mean to you?
It means I am able to not only feel exceptionally good about myself, but also able to look after my daughter. So music means everything
Have you had any funny moments on stage?There was that one time my boobs almost popped out of my dress.
Which living person do you admire most and why?Right now I have deep admiration for Gilda Schamell who is one of the founding members of The Living Cornerstone Alzheimer's Residences. She has shown me what it means, every single day, to live and love selflessly. Also, she makes one mean omlette!
Pick five words to describe yourself?Impatient
Cautious
Passionate
Impatient
And well…impatient
Who do you love?Aside from my family, friends and Ben Harper?
What is your favorite word?
All swear words have a certain musicality.
What do you complain about most often?Bad food, bad men, bad music.
What is your fear?Being bored.
What do you tend to do on stage?Say and be very unpredictable. It's worries even me.
The best life lesson you have been taughtYour Mother is always right, about everything.
Where would you like to be right now?Wherever Ben Harper's performing.
Connect with Hays via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Soundcloud.
www.auriolhays.co.za
