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Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
Shy-Anne Hovorka: Honesty. If you can’t be honest, how do I know the friendship or relationship is real?
W: What is it that really makes you mad?
S.H.: People who interrupt and don’t let you finish a sentence. Oh, and also being patted on the head. (I’m short, lol.)
W: When are you at your happiest?
S.H.: When I finally get some sleep! But, when I am awake… hmm, I would have to say when I’m in the middle of the secluded bush by a river, and no one knows where I am. I’m not talking about a park, either. I mean deep in the bush where there are no trails and no people. Just me and nature.
W: What one word best describes you when you are at your worst?
S.H.: Whiny
W: What one person do you most admire and why?
S.H.: Buffy St. Marie. She is my hero and always has been since I was a little girl. Her picture has been on my TV stand for over 10 years. She has shown what perseverance, determination, and standing up for yourself really means.
W: What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do?
S.H.: Quit my full time job – with full benefits and full pension – to pursue my music career.
W.: What is your greatest accomplishment?
S.H.: Confidence. I never had it until recently.
W: What one goal remains out of reach?
S.H.: Growing old with someone I love and having grandkids.
W: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing today, what would you be doing?
S.H.: I would still be teaching. I love the students.
W: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
S.H.: If you want something, ask for it, or go and get it. The worst that could happen is that you don’t get it. You still have everything else in life.
W: Did you take it?
S.H.: Yes, that is why I’m doing what I’m doing.
W: How do you hope to be remembered?
S.H.: As someone who followed their dreams while keeping the Creator and the Seven Grandfathers in plain view.
Shy-Anne Hovorka was named Aboriginal Female Entertainer of the Year, and given the award for best-produced album, at the 2010 Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards in Winnipeg this past November. From north-western Ontario, she has been singing since she was three and performing since the age of nine. Working in a wide variety of musical genres like blues, pop, contemporary and folk music, her first love is singing, but she also accompanies herself on piano. These days, Shy-Anne is also joined by guitarist Jordan Elcheson and percussionist Rob Benvegnu, who complete her live sound.
Shy-Anne was a spotlight performer for the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards in 2010 and in 2008 at the Winnipeg MTS Centre. As Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, she’s also delivered keynote speeches for a number of youth events. Selected as one of Lakehead University’s three most successful graduates in the last decade, Shy-Anne is part of the school’s nationwide branding campaign for her musical and educational accomplishments.
Shy-Anne’s release Pseudo, from the new album of the same name, placed number one on the Canadian myspace charts for three weeks, and held number 18 on Toronto’s DJFM Dance station in Toronto. Her band performed their song Can’t Change the World as the kick-off for the 2010 World Interfaith G-8 Summit, and they were also invited to be a headlining act for the 2010 Indigenous Festival with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Shy-Anne has performed as the featured soloist for the Thunder Bay Symphony under David Bowser, and has won numerous awards for her performances in Classical Music Festivals. However, given her eclectic musical interests, her performances have broadened to include numerous and varied venues and she’s appeared on television and radio stations across Canada. Her love of music and commitment to developing her talent—along with her desire to share her passion with the world – direct her path in life.
Shy-Anne’s debut album Black Thunderbird was highly successful and now Pseudo is eclipsing the popularity of her first offering.
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