Stan a fan of the Red Shield Appeal
Stan Walker has thrown his support behind The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. (Photo: Grant Turner)
Singer Stan Walker explains why he jumped at the chance to support The Salvation Army.
The promotional campaign for The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal will have a different accent this year ... literally!
New Zealand-born singer, Stan Walker, 2009 winner of national television singing competition Australian Idol, and star of the new hit New Zealand film, Mt Zion has shown how much of a fan he is of the Army's work by throwing his support behind the annual fundraising campaign.
Stan, who will feature in several TV commercials and other promotional material for the Red Shield Appeal, says he has always been a huge supporter of The Salvation Army.
“They’re about bringing hope to people," he says. "That’s what I love about the Salvos, they do everything for people in need of help.”
In particular, Stan says he has enjoyed getting to know some of the Salvos behind the scenes while filming the TV ads.
His new single, Take It Easy will feature in the Red Shield Appeal commercials. The lyric “you and me together” from Take It Easy has been adopted as the theme for this year’s appeal.
“It’s quite self-explanatory," says Stan. "You know, you have your good days and your bad days. It’s all about seeing life in a bigger light; just champion each other on, me and you together.”
Meteoric rise
Growing up in a family and culture where there was always singing, it’s no surprise that Stan's career has gone from strength to strength since winning Australian Idol. He has released a succession of top-selling singles including the double platinum Black Box, gold forUnbroken and a platinum-selling album, Introducing Stan Walker.
Having recorded with artists such as Australian pop singer Jessica Mauboy and New Zealand rapper Young Sid, Stan has an endless list of musical influences he draws inspiration from.
“There’s so many people, I couldn’t just say one person," he says of the people who have influenced his love of singing. "Just anything and anyone really, I like so many different artists and genres and styles. I just take little bits of everyone.”
At the moment, Stan describes his style as pop with a soulful influence. While he never saw himself producing this type of music, he has always been open to the opportunities presented to him.
“I’ve just gone on a journey as an artist," he says. "I’ve grown and explored different kinds of styles and it’s just an evolution of music.”
Along with his new single, Stan recently featured in a New Zealand film called Mt Zion. He played the role of Turei, a talented young musician who dreams of being the support act for Bob Marley’s 1979 concert in Auckland. The experience has left him eager to continue pursuing a career in acting.
“I loved it, it was fun," he says. "It was something different and a break from my normal day.”
God-given talent
Despite his meteoric rise to stardom, Stan remains grounded. He is quick to acknowledge that his talent and subsequent success, are both a gift from God.
“I’ve given it [his singing talent] all to God and he’s given it all back to me and more," says Stan. "To achieve what I’ve achieved in such a small amount of time, God’s been the orchestrator of everything that’s happened in my life.”
A faithful Christian, Stan says that he values his personal time with God and makes it a priority each day. His Christian beliefs are not only intrinsic to his personal life, but his career as well.
“I want to be used a vessel [for God], really," Stan says. "Even if I’m not talking about it [his faith] or saying it, just being an example. I’ve got a responsibility to people and as a role model I want to set the best example that God wants me to set.”
To see video of Stan Walker behind the scenes with Salvos promoting the Red Shield Appeal, go to youtube.com/salvosau
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