Music made for a good cause

Musician Peter Woolston has come a long way since growing up in Tawa.

The former Tawa College musician is about to release his second album and intends donating some of the profits to a floating hospital.

Woolston has performed in many parts of the world, including the United States, China, Bulgaria, Romania and Russia – a far cry from singing to his Tawa neighbours.

‘‘When I was around 10, I would sing songs off the radio for neighbours on the back steps, and was drafted into school choirs and concerts,’’ he said.

Though well known in Wellington, Woolston now lives in Auckland.

He is donating half of the sales of the title track of his album, Hope On My Horizon, to a floating hospital called Mercy Ships.

Woolston is a musical ambassador for the organisation.

‘‘When I was a young musician, I enjoyed national success, but I always knew the real stuff of life was more than prancing about on stage,’’ he said.

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has performed more than one billion dollars’ worth of life changing medical services on hundreds of thousands of the world’s poorest people – all for free.

The floating hospital is powered by voluntary medical professionals from more than 40 countries, including New Zealand.

Woolston said he realised making a real difference to people’s lives didn’t come cheap, which is why he’s donating much of his work.

He said he was blown away by the selflessness of the Mercy Ships’ medical staff, who give up so much of their time, money and energy to provide life-changing help to the people of Africa.

‘‘Then it got me thinking. What could I give that could make a difference too?

‘‘Everyone has a skill they can donate to worthy organisations like Mercy Ships.

‘‘ Mine just happens music.’’

The album, recorded in Sydney and due for release on July 1, is characterised by Woolston’s melodic and guitar powered alternative rock.

Each track draws on his penchant for deep thought and is consistently introspective and serious minded – and memorable.

The music video for the album’s second single, I Believe In You, was released on May 30.

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