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Stan Walker

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Stan Walker

Stan Walker (born 23 October 1990), is an Australian born New Zealand R&B/Soul recording artist. Walker rose to fame as the winner of season 7 of Australian Idol in 2009. In New Zealand his heritage tribe is Nga Potiki (a sub tribe of Maunga-Pohatu, and Ngāi Te Rangi in the city of Tauranga).

Walker's debut single, "Black Box" was available to download immediately following his win, on Sunday 22 November 2009. "Black Box" debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts, and #5 on the RIANZ Charts in New Zealand on 5 December 2009 and reached #1 the next week. His album Introducing... Stan Walker was released on Friday, 11 December 2009[1]. His debut album consists of songs he performed on Australian Idol, such as Prince's "Purple Rain", and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". It also includes a track produced by the original Australian Idol Guy Sebastian.

Australian Idol 2009

Stan Walker successfully auditioned in the seventh season of Australian Idol, singing "Ordinary People" by John Legend. He received praise from the judges with Marcia Hines applauding him and stating,

"You've got a beautifully house cat voice[...] it resonates [and] this whole room was captivated by your voice. You coulda heard a penny drop and that to me is what a great artist is."[2]

He progressed through to the theatre rounds receiving more recongnition from the judges with Kyle Sandilands saying, after his second round performance of Kings of Leon's song Use Somebody, "You're the only person after the auditions that I ever told anyone about; family, friends other people that I run into. I only told them about you."[3] In the third round (the concert round) he performed Let's Stay Together by Al Green.[4] He was the first to perform for the round in front of a live studio audience and received a huge round of applause by the judges and audience alike.[5] Part of the third rounds also included a surprise interview with Sony Music’s Ross Fraser and Jay Dee Springbett, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.[5] In the interview Fraser expressed some concerns of the judges that they believed Stan wasn't very focused and it would be hard to make a record with him.[6] Walker responded to these concerns stating,

"When I walk in I'm always laughing and blase about it but that's my approach for getting away from the nerves and getting away from the pressure."[6]

Future Idol judge Springbett also brought forward concern about the amount of money that would be spent on Walker if he were to win the competition.[6] He was concerned that he wouldn't be committed enough and wouldn't make the music company any money. Stan declared that he was there to win the competition and get into the back door [of the industry].[6] By the end of the round the judges got together to decide who would make the top twenty-four.[6] Stan was called into where the judges decided the fate of the rest of the top forty-six. Judges Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Sadnilands expressed communication problems from Stan, saying it wasn't enough to just be a great singer.[7] Dicko concluded the interview by stating,

"[...] you're already a great singer; an exceptional singer. I would put my neck out to say one of the best soul voices we've ever had, but you still need to find a voice. For this year... it's a big yes. You're through to the top twenty-four.[7]

In the top twenty-four semi-finals Stan was part of the first group of performers and sang "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.[8] The judges were impressed with his performance with all three judges praising his vocal skills but Marcia and Dicko told him not to get side-tracked while singing but letting it flow naturally.[9] The following evening they announced the first two contestants to be put through to the top twelve according to viewer votes.[10] The first contestant through was Walker who praised God for making it through along side fellow contestant Kate Cook. The judges were pleased with the result with Springbett telling them to get ready for the hard work.[11]

Throughout the season Walker was praised continually for his voice and for the daring choices he took with his song choices.[12][13][14] During the season the contestants were mentored by established artists including Suzi Quatro, Liza Minnelli, Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Michael Bublé and Pete Wentz. After his performance of Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" the judges including Joel and Benji Madden were left speechless. Joel stated that listening to Walker sing made him want to sing R&B music and Benji stating that he would watch him perform whether he won the competition or not.[15] After his R&B influenced performance of "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor guest judge Pete Wentz stated that he had heard about him from Joel Madden and that if he had no where to go after Idol to give him a call.[16] While being mentored by Michael Bublé, after being put through to the final 2, the singer compared his voice to Walker stating,

"When he sang to me I wanted to kick him a little bit! Really, I just thought why am I here[...] 'cause I'm gonna sound like crap singing next to Stan[...] that voice is like God kissed [his] throat[...] it's hard when you're a singer and you meet[...] a better singer than you and you have to come up and mentor them[...]"[17]

Additionally he told Walker that he would like to introduce him to his producers because his voice would blow them away.[17] That night he also performed his winner's single "Black Box" live for the first time.[18] One of his most highly praised performances was of the Prince song Purple Rain which received a standing ovation from the judging panel and the audience.[19] Marcia Hines praised him for his choice to sing accapella at the end of the song while Jay Dee Springbett said that "[...] it was a moment and you know, I didn't hear it, I felt it brother[...]"[20]

On November 22, 2009 Walker and fellow finalist Hayley Warner took to the stage at the Sydney Opera House for the Australian Idol grand final. During the night he performed with the top twelve singing Take Back the City by Snow Patrol, as well as a solo of It's a Man's Man's Man's World and did a special performance with Michael Bublé and Warner of Feeling Good.[21] After the viewer votes had been tallied it had been announced that the winner of Australian Idol 2009 was Stan Walker. A shocked and emotional Walker gave a speech saying,

"I just want to thank God, man. Hey, I want to thank my family for coming and supporting me. My family they came from New Zealand[...]"[22]

Only a day after winning the competition, Walker stated that he was ready to take the music industry by storm. Stan said that, "I'm ready to make music, and I'm ready to start my career and just give it everything I've got".[23]

Performances and results

Week Theme Song choice Original artist Result
Audition N/A Ordinary People John Legend Advanced
Theatre Week Accapella performance Jesus Loves Me Anna Bartlett Warner Advanced
Band performance Use Somebody Kings of Leon Advanced
Concert performance Let's Stay Together Al Green Advanced
Top 24 N/A "If I Ain't Got You" Alicia Keys Advanced
Top 12 Contestant's choice "Umbrella" Rihanna Safe
Top 11 Rock "Nothing Else Matters" Metallica Safe
Top 10 Top ten hits "Straight Lines" Silverchair Safe
Top 9 Eighties "Purple Rain" Prince Safe
Top 8 Pink "Dear Mr. President" Pink Safe
Top 7 Big Band night "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" Beyoncé Knowles Safe
Top 6 Stage and screen "Circle of Life" Elton John Bottom 2
Top 5 Contestant's choice "Hallelujah"
Ain't No Mountain High Enough 		Leonard Cohen
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell 		Safe
Top 4 Noughties "Let Me Love You"
"The Climb" 		Mario
Miley Cyrus 		Safe
Top 3 Contestant's choice "Eye of the Tiger"
"It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
"Amazing Grace" 		Survivor
James Brown
John Newton 		Safe
Top 2 Contestant's choice
Winner's single
Contestant's choice
Contestant's choice 		"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart"
"Black Box"
"Sweet Dreams"
"Superstar" 		Bee Gees
Stan Walker
Beyoncé Knowles
The Carpenters 		Safe
Grand Final New song
Group performance
Previous song
Winner's single 		"Feeling Good" 1
"Take Back the City"
"It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
"Black Box" 		Michael Bublé
Snow Patrol
James Brown
Stan Walker 		Winner

  • ^Note 1 : Performed along side Hayley Warner and Michael Bublé.

Music career

2009: Introducing... Stan Walker

Main article: Introducing... Stan Walker
"Black Box"
The chorus of Walker's hit winner's single, "Black Box"
Problems playing this file? See media help.

After coming out of Australian Idol as the winner he was signed to Sony Music as well as an artist's development fund worth AUD$200,000.[24] During this time he established his own company called Stan Walker Music Pty Ltd, which is run by his mother April.[25] The company was set up in order to negotiate his contract with Sony Music and not end up like past Idol contestants who didn't make any money from their "Winners Journey" releases.[25] Walker's debut album was recorded in just two days[25] and released on December 9, 2009 three days ahead of its original release date.[26] The album featured all the songs which he performed during Australian Idol as well as his winner's single "Black Box"[27] and a new song called "Think of Me" which was produced by Guy Sebastian.[28] The first single from the album, "Black Box", was officially released on 25 November 2009.[29] It debuted and peaked at #2 on the ARIA Charts[30], and peaked at #1 on the New Zealand Singles Chart[31] with double platinum certification in Australia and New Zealand.[32] "Introducing... Stan Walker" was received well so far peaking at number-three on the Australian albums chart[30] and number-two on the New Zealand albums chart for seven weeks[31], also achieving platinum status in Australia[33] and double platinum in New Zealand.[34]

2010 – present: From the Inside Out

"Unbroken"
The lead single from Walker's second studio album
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Walker is currently working on his second album.[35] He plans to release the album in July/August 2010 and will feature production by US hitmaker Ryan Tedder, Stuart Crichton and Audius Mtawarira.[35] The single "Unbroken" was written and produced by Ryan Tedder and was released in New Zealand on April 13, and released in Australia on April 20.[36] Walker performed the new single in Pukekohe, New Zealand.[37]. Stan has stated he hated his debut album because he felt it was rushed to be released, and that his new album will feature 3 singles: the already mention Unbroken, and 2 other written songs, Black Box Part II and Sliding Down 4th avenue. Black Box part II revolves around a man who finds the black box and reads the love letters encased inside, whilst Sliding Down 4th avenue revolves around a scarecrow who is a streetfighter, who is challenged to dance by the abominable snowman

Discography

Stan Walker discography
Studio albums2
Music videos2
EPs2
Singles2

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions Sales Certifications
(sales thresholds)
AUS
[30] 		NZ
[31]
2009 Introducing... Stan Walker 3 2

Singles

Year Single Chart positions Certifications Album
AUS
 NZ
2009 "Black Box" 2 1
  • AUS: 2× Platinum
  • NZ: 2× Platinum
 Introducing... Stan Walker
2010 "Unbroken" 27 12 From the Inside Out

Music videos

Year Song Director(s)
2009 "Black Box" Gemma Lee[38]
2010 "Unbroken" Matthew Chuang[39]

References

  1. ^ http://www.ozmusicscene.com/tag/introducing-stan-walker
  2. ^ Australian Idol audition. Stan Walker – Australian Idol Audition (2009) YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  3. ^ Australian Idol theatre rounds. Top 100 – Stan Walker – Use Somebody (Round 2) Snippet YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  4. ^ Australian Idol theatre performance. Stan Walker Let's Stay Together Top 100 Round 3 Australian Idol 2009 YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  5. ^ a b Australian Idol concert round. Concert round performance australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  6. ^ a b c d e Australian Idol Sony Music interview. Top 100 – Stan Walker – Meet The Record Company (Round 4) YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  7. ^ a b Australian Idol top 24 announcement. Top 100 – Stan Walker Gets Into Top 24! YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  8. ^ Australian Idol semi-finals group one. Episode 4: The Semi-Finals begin australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  9. ^ Australian Idol top 24 performance. Top 24 – Stan Walker – If I Ain't Got You YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  10. ^ Australian Idol top 12 announcement. Episode 5: Semi-Finals Group 2 australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  11. ^ Australian Idol top 12 results. Top 24 – Stan Walker Gets Into Top 12! YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  12. ^ Australian Idol top 12 The Climb performance. Stan Walker The Climb with Judges comments YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  13. ^ Australian Idol Single Ladies performance. Episode 14: Big band night australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  14. ^ Australian Idol top 12 Sweet Dreams performance. Stan Walker "Sweet Dreams" with Judges' Comments Top 2 Australian Idol 2009 YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  15. ^ Australian Idol the climb judges comments. Episode 17: Toby’s Big Decision australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  16. ^ Australian Idol top 12 Eye of the Tiger performance. Stan Walker Eye of the Tiger with judge Pete Wentz YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  17. ^ a b Australian Idol Michael Bublé praise. Stan and Michael Bublé australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  18. ^ Australian Idol top 12 Black Box performance. Stan Walker Black Box with Judges' Comments Top 2 Australian Idol 2009 YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  19. ^ Australian Idol Purple Rain performance. Episode 12: Back to the 80s australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  20. ^ Australian Idol top 12 Purple Rain performance appraisal. Stan Walker Purple Rain (COMPLETE VIDEO comments, Judges, etc) YouTube. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  21. ^ Australian Idol grand final performances. Episode 20: Stan's our Idol! australianidol.com.au. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  22. ^ Australian Idol winner announcement. Soul singer Stan Walker wins Idol Ninemsn. Accessed 2 January 2010.
  23. ^ Field, Katherine (23 November 2009). "Stan ready to conquer Aussie music scene". Australian Associated Press. Yahoo! News. Retrieved 11 December 2009.
  24. ^ Winner announcement article. Soul singer Stan Walker wins Idol Smh.com.au. Accessed 4 January 2010.
  25. ^ a b c Daily Telegraph money interview. Show me the money: Stan The Daily Telegraph. Accessed 8 January 2010.
  26. ^ Introducing... Stan Walker rush release article. Australian Idol winner Stan Walker album released early, Susan Boyle still at Number 1 Herald Sun. Accessed 4 January 2010.
  27. ^ Introducing... Stan Walker track list. Sony Releases Stan Walker Album in Time for Christmas ozmusicscene.com. Accessed 4 January 2010.
  28. ^ Herald Sun review. Review – Australian Idol's Stan Walker's debut Album, Introducing Stan Walker Herald Sun. Accessed 4 January 2010.
  29. ^ Williams, Patrick (3 December 2009). "Idol Stan Walker's single is No.2". Tweed Daily News. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  30. ^ a b c Australian chart peaks. ARIA chart peaks australian-charts.com. Accessed 1 January 2010.
  31. ^ a b c New Zealand chart peaks. RIANZ chart peaks charts.org.nz. Accessed 1 January 2010.
  32. ^ Black Box New Zealand certification. Latest Gold / Platinum Singles radioscope.net.nz. Accessed 7 January 2010.
  33. ^ a b Introducing... Stan Walker ARIA certification. ARIA Chart dated 21 December, 2009 lifemusicmedia.com. Accessed 1 January 2010.
  34. ^ a b Introducing... Stan Walker RIANZ certification. RIANZ Chart dated 28 December, 2009 Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Accessed 1 January 2010.
  35. ^ a b Gold Coast interview. Stan looks forward to some idle time GoldCoast.com.au. Accessed 8 January 2010. Cite error: The named reference "goldcoast" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  36. ^ "Unbroken – Single". iTunes Store. Retrieved 13 April 2010.
  37. ^ http://stanwalkermusic.com/fanforum/topic/stan-performing-at-pukekohe
  38. ^ Black Box music video. Stan Walker ‘Black Box’ Video popdirt.com. Accessed 1 January 2010.
  39. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEZ7j4PF11E
Preceded by Australian Idol
Winner
Season 7 (2009) 		Incumbent
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