She’s just 12 months old, but tiny Florence Porter, daughter of Kiwi actress Sally Stockwell, has already had a taste of the entertainment world. Her TV debut came while she was still in her mother’s tummy, as Sally’s pregnancy was written into her role in Agent Anna, which saw her star alongside Robyn Malcolm. And Florence was also one of her mother’s inspirations when Sally recorded her debut album while pregnant, finishing it a week before she was born. So it’s no surprise the tiny rising star loves to sing and entertain – just like her mother.
“She’s a dreamy child,” Sally says, holding her gorgeous daughter in her arms. “She’s the light of my life. I didn’t realise how much your heart can expand, just by becoming a mother. I’ve focused on my acting career for the last 20 years and I wondered If I would ever become a parent. When I did, it made me complete.”
Becoming both a mother and a recording artist are two life-changing developments in Sally’s life. Growing up in Christchurch in a musical family, Sally (41) forged a successful acting and voiceover career, scoring lead roles on Shortland Street, Nothing Trivial and Agent Anna, as well as being the voice of Farmers’ TV commercials. But nowadays, it’s music that is Sally’s passion.
“As a female actor, when you reach 30, commercial work can change and that’s why I’ve shifted my focus to music. I’ve always wanted to record my own album.”
Sally, who now lives in Auckland, started writing songs for her new album, ‘Weightless’, six years ago, soon after breaking up with a boyfriend. Since then, Sally has experienced exciting milestones – marrying her husband Mike Porter, getting pregnant and experiencing the joys of motherhood. But she’s also experienced sorrow, with her eldest brother and musical mentor Ben passing away unexpectedly three years ago at the age of 42. From the highest joys to the deepest lows, Sally had a wealth of emotions to inspire her songwriting.
Sally’s daughter Florence has helped her through her grief.
“Ben was not only a musician but a producer, and we were going to work on the album together. Dealing with his death catapulted me into a dark place. Grief is a difficult journey to navigate through. I felt a huge love for my brother and the writing process helped me honour that, while overcoming his loss.”
Although Ben, who was a loving father to five-year-old Juliet, died just two months before Sally’s wedding, she and Mike still went through with their special day in Auckland.
“It was a bittersweet occasion, but we had to keep moving on with our lives, and the wedding was part of that process.”
Sally met Mike through family six years ago, around the time of the Auckland International Film Festival, and their early courtship involved seeing 10 movies together in one month. She says he has been her rock throughout her pain and sorrow.
“Mike is an advertising executive, so we’re from totally different worlds. I find it funny that he can never remember the lyrics to my songs, but he’s a wonderful support and a great father,” she says with a smile.
In fact, Sally wrote a love song for her husband called ‘Snowfall’, which she performed at their wedding. It’s one of many personal songs that features on her album. Released in May, the album is Sally’s pride and joy and features poignant and earthy songs dealing with a range of emotions that reflect her recent journey. Family played a vital role in the release. Her older brother, musician Matt, picked up the drumsticks, while her stepsister, printmaker Jane Barry, provided artwork for the album. Sally says the process of recording was a very spiritual time in her life, especially because she was pregnant throughout.
“The studio time for the album matched my pregnancy. Little Florence was immersed in the sounds of our recording during her development. She started moving when I was behind the mic and there was a lot of kicking at particular times. So in a way, I gave birth to two labours of love!”
Sally has dedicated the album to her big brother, who she says would be extremely proud of her. “Ben was a great musical influence in my life. He would connect me to people. Despite his death, he continues to be a very good big brother,” she tells. “This album has seen me through heartbreak, new love, death, marriage and the birth of a new baby. It’s been a rollercoaster ride.”
