About Simone

I was born on the 26th of October 1971 in Wormerveer, The Netherlands. I was the first child for my parents, Dirk and Jetty.
After a year and a half, my little brother John came along and the family was complete.

My father is a very talented trumpet player, so music was an integral part of daily life in my childhood. I used to fall asleep to his beautiful trumpet sound.

As a little girl of two, I would watch the opera Carmen intently and try to sing along. On my tenth birthday, an aunt gave me a tape of Elvis which I would listen to for hours, particularly the song "My Boy" which touched me very deeply. Since I was a very shy girl, I just sang along with the radio when nobody could hear me. At that time, horses were very important to me so, that was were I dedicated most of my time. At the age of seventeen I met a man, Nico and fell in love. Nico and I decided to move to New Zealand in 1993 to start a new life. We started a flower-growing business and I had an import/wholesale business with gifts and furniture.

Grief
After five wonderful years together in New Zealand, Nico died of a brain tumor in 1998. During his illness I would sing "You're My Everything" to him, by Rene Froger. His heartbeat slowed down and you could see him relax.

After his death, my world was shattered. I really didn't know how to go on and didn't know if I wanted to go on. It was in this difficult time that music and singing became very important to me. Through singing I was able to heal this life changing experience.

Back in the Netherlands
In April 2000, I moved back to the Netherlands and this is where my musical journey really started. Still feeling very shy and conscious about my voice, I had to overcome many fears to perform for an audience. But I also had this passion for singing so I took many steps to overcome this fear. I entered many talent competitions with success such as the Dutch Championships of Performing Arts in Hengelo. To my amazement, I was selected to represent my country at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood in 2001. In Hollywood, I won a gold and two bronze medals.

Album
After this wonderful experience, my first album, "Journey Through My Soul", was created together with talented songwriter/composer Jan Kisjes.

Since my debut, I have performed concerts & workshops worldwide.

Featured on TV & radio shows in the Netherlands and Unites States, I have had the privilege to perform with noted musicians Ken Fitzgerald (base player for Frank Sinatra), Dan Miller (trumpet virtuoso who toured with Harry Connick Jr. for 12 years), Nicky Parrott (base player of Les Pauls) and Paul Ventura (vocalist, who worked with Tony Bennett, Milton Berle, Jerry Lester and various celebrities. I have also performed at Rotary functions, corporate events and have given benefit concerts for organizations such as Hospice.
Many incredible people have come on my path. One of them is leading vocal coach Mr. William Riley whose clientele includes famous artists like Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Sarah Brightman. I feel very privileged that I am studying with him and am excited about the change and growth this has brought to my voice.

Healing with Sound
In 2002 I came in contact with sound healing, and did some workshops with sound healers Chris James from Australia and Tom Kenyon from America. I was amazed to discover the healing effects of music and tones and started to experiment with this myself.

I started to receive many testimonials from people who came to my concerts and workshops. They explained that my voice had touched them and created a healing effect.

I had already noticed that a lot of people began to cry during my concerts, and that a beautiful release had taken place. However, realizing that my voice could take away pains and blockages was something new for me. Since then, I have learned more and more about the healing effects of sound, and I am so excited to know that my concerts are not just enjoyable to listen to, but my audience also benefits from them on a deeper level. I have received many testimonials from people telling me how my voice has affected them so deeply, and I have also received many requests to put my special sounds on a CD. Because of these requests I have recorded my new healing album “Transformation”. You can find this in my online store.

New Album
Right now I am also working on a new album “Born to fly”.  This album will be about joy, creating your own life, and manifesting your dreams. This new CD will be released in June of 2007..

World Championships of Performing Arts 2006
In August of last year, I represented The Netherlands at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, California. To my great surprise and delight I came home with three medals: a Bronze for the category Broadway with the song "I Am What I Am", a Silver in Contemporary for "I'll Forget You" and Gold for Song & Dance with "Unusual Way". Winning a Gold medal with “Unusual Way” was particularly meaningful to me as I sang this song at my brother’s wedding in June.

My Team
Something that I have learned is that I could not achieve my dream and my goal on my own and I have been so blessed that many special people have come on my path. Each and every one supports me in their own special way.

My father through sharing his beautiful music with me. I love it when we play together. My mother as my coach when things are a bit tough and I need a shoulder to cry on and the love and unconditional support that both give to me. My dear brother John and his wife Maaike, who are always ready to help me with anything I ask of them.

Then there are some other special people like Georgia and Gholi, my American parents and support team. Hugh and Jane from Canada. Hugh is a physicist and helps my body to be in perfect condition to perform. During the Academy Awards in Sedona, I met Bill Lyons. Bill used to work for CBS and worked with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel and many many others. Bill has become a dear friend and mentor and he has taken me under his wings and is guiding me in the right direction. I have many special friends, who each in their own way support me and help me in various ways.

Of course I do not want to forget the very talented musicians and sound technician I work with. Sharing my music with your gift makes performing extra special. How thankful I am that these and many more wonderful

My goal
I would like to be an inspiration for others and to show that no matter how difficult and painful your situation may be, you can always choose the positive side and feel happiness again. When we experience a time of sadness or pain, it awakens us to more important things in life. It gives us the opportunity to grow, to change, to live life to the fullest and to make our dreams come true. Music can touch every soul…. I would like to show through my music, that every end is a new beginning.

Wishing you joy, gratitude and passion,

Simone Awhina