On this special episode of 97 South “Storytellers” podcast, host Paul McGuire is joined by Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter, Neill Blomkamp. Neill is the creative force behind iconic films like "District 9," "Elysium," "Chappie," and the recent hit "Gran Turismo." Known for his unique fusion of socio-political commentary against tech- forward backgrounds, Neill’s stories often focus on underdogs fighting for their place in a challenging world and the triumph of the human will and spirit against great odds. While “Storytellers typically the art, craft and career of songwriting, Neill’s approach to filmmaking offers a fascinating perspective on storytelling in a different but equally powerful medium. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this conversation and explore the mind behind some of the most thought-provoking films of our time.

On this special episode of 97 South “Storytellers” podcast, host Paul McGuire is joined by Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter, Neill Blomkamp. Neill is the creative force behind iconic films like "District 9," "Elysium," "Chappie," and the recent hit "Gran Turismo." Known for his unique fusion of socio-political commentary against tech- forward backgrounds, Neill’s stories often focus on underdogs fighting for their place in a challenging world and the triumph of the human will and spirit against great odds. While “Storytellers typically the art, craft and career of songwriting, Neill’s approach to filmmaking offers a fascinating perspective on storytelling in a different but equally powerful medium. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this conversation and explore the mind behind some of the most thought-provoking films of our time.

Storytellers - Neill Blomkamp

On this episode of 97 South’s “Storytellers” podcast host Paul McGuire site down with Country recording artist, songwriter, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Gord Bamford. Born in Australia and moving to Canada at age five, Gord was inspired by his father, a music artist, to pursue a career in country music. His 26 CCMA awards make him the most awarded male Country artist in Canadian history. Beyond his music industry success, Gord's philanthropic efforts have raised nearly $6 million for over 63 children’s charities across Canada, earning him the CCMA Humanitarian of the Year and the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award. With his unique blend of traditional and modern country, Gord's artistry and revival-like live performances inspire fans and communities alike. Join us as we celebrate a quarter century of Gord Bamford’s remarkable contributions to music and life and talk about his upcoming “Just Getting Started” tour on the occasion of 25 years as a recording artist.

On this episode of 97 South’s “Storytellers” podcast host Paul McGuire site down with Country recording artist, songwriter, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Gord Bamford. Born in Australia and moving to Canada at age five, Gord was inspired by his father, a music artist, to pursue a career in country music. His 26 CCMA awards make him the most awarded male Country artist in Canadian history. Beyond his music industry success, Gord's philanthropic efforts have raised nearly $6 million for over 63 children’s charities across Canada, earning him the CCMA Humanitarian of the Year and the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award. With his unique blend of traditional and modern country, Gord's artistry and revival-like live performances inspire fans and communities alike. Join us as we celebrate a quarter century of Gord Bamford’s remarkable contributions to music and life and talk about his upcoming “Just Getting Started” tour on the occasion of 25 years as a recording artist.

Storytellers - Gord Bamford

Scottish-born songwriter, recording artist and playwright, Johnny Reid, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of his illustrious career.  Since his move to Canada at age 16, Reid has become a true household name with 11 studio albums including chart-toppers like Born To Roll and Fire It Up, 26 CMA Awards and 6 JUNO Awards.  More recently, Johnny has ventured into musical theatre co-writing the musical Maggie titled after his Grandmother which premiered in 2023.

Scottish-born songwriter, recording artist and playwright, Johnny Reid, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of his illustrious career.  Since his move to Canada at age 16, Reid has become a true household name with 11 studio albums including chart-toppers like Born To Roll and Fire It Up, 26 CMA Awards and 6 JUNO Awards.  More recently, Johnny has ventured into musical theatre co-writing the musical Maggie titled after his Grandmother which premiered in 2023.

Storytellers - Johnny Reid

Canada’s Queen of Rock, Sass Jordan, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of her career in the music industry. A true renaissance woman whose career is filled with many highlights. Sass Jordan is a songwriter, Juno Award-winning Platinum artist and live performer. She has also worked as an actor and national TV personality. Sass Jordan continues to write and release new music.

Canada’s Queen of Rock, Sass Jordan, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of her career in the music industry. A true renaissance woman whose career is filled with many highlights. Sass Jordan is a songwriter, Juno Award-winning Platinum artist and live performer. She has also worked as an actor and national TV personality. Sass Jordan continues to write and release new music.

Storytellers - Sass Jordan

Scarborough, Canada born, Steven Page, one of the foremost singer, songwriter and recording artists that Canada has ever produced joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of his career in the music industry.  In 1988 Steven Page co-founded the band Barenaked Ladies which gained international fame with witty, often humorous lyrics.  Page embarked on a solo career in 2001 and continues to create music including his most recent work, Excelsior released in 2022.

Scarborough, Canada born, Steven Page, one of the foremost singer, songwriter and recording artists that Canada has ever produced joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing stories of his career in the music industry.  In 1988 Steven Page co-founded the band Barenaked Ladies which gained international fame with witty, often humorous lyrics.  Page embarked on a solo career in 2001 and continues to create music including his most recent work, Excelsior released in 2022.

Storytellers - Steven Page

Make room for the next generation. The songwriters that are inspired by the legends that have graced the Storytellers series. Join host Paul McGuire as he speaks with rising Canadian artists Teigen Gayse, Dan Davidson, Sykamore and Cole Bradley who share the stories behind their love of music and journey in the industry. Catch these artists on the Discovery Series stage at the 5th Annual 97 South Song Sessions music event in Penticton, BC.

Make room for the next generation. The songwriters that are inspired by the legends that have graced the Storytellers series. Join host Paul McGuire as he speaks with rising Canadian artists Teigen Gayse, Dan Davidson, Sykamore and Cole Bradley who share the stories behind their love of music and journey in the industry. Catch these artists on the Discovery Series stage at the 5th Annual 97 South Song Sessions music event in Penticton, BC.

Storytellers - Discovery Series

Renowned Nashville-based songwriter, originally from Kentucky, Lee Thomas Miller has written 7 #1 Hits with multiple Grammy nominations and Song Of The Year awards from the CMA and ACMs.  Hits include “You’re Gonna Miss This“ (Trace Adkins) and “Whiskey & You” (Chris Stapleton).  Lee also served as President of The Board for the Nashville Songwriter’s Association.

Renowned Nashville-based songwriter, originally from Kentucky, Lee Thomas Miller has written 7 #1 Hits with multiple Grammy nominations and Song Of The Year awards from the CMA and ACMs.  Hits include “You’re Gonna Miss This“ (Trace Adkins) and “Whiskey &amp; You” (Chris Stapleton).  Lee also served as President of The Board for the Nashville Songwriter’s Association.

Storytellers - Lee Thomas Miller

Australian-born, Nashville-based, songwriter/recording artist Jamie O'Neal has captivated audiences with her emotive storytelling and powerful vocals. Her chart-topping hits include "There Is No Arizona," "When I Think About Angels," "Somebody's Hero," and "Trying to Find Atlantis." O'Neal's accolades include a 2001 ACM Award for Top New Female Vocalist and a Grammy nomination.

Australian-born, Nashville-based, songwriter/recording artist Jamie O'Neal has captivated audiences with her emotive storytelling and powerful vocals. Her chart-topping hits include "There Is No Arizona," "When I Think About Angels," "Somebody's Hero," and "Trying to Find Atlantis." O'Neal's accolades include a 2001 ACM Award for Top New Female Vocalist and a Grammy nomination.

Storytellers - Jamie O'Neal

Glass Tiger’s, Alan Frew, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing the stories behind his career in the music industry. Frew, the Scottish Canadian, has penned chart topping hits including Don’t Forget Me and Someday and is responsible for a catalogue of multi-platinum hits, Grammy Award Nominations and multiple Juno Awards. 

Glass Tiger’s, Alan Frew, joins host, Paul McGuire, sharing the stories behind his career in the music industry. Frew, the Scottish Canadian, has penned chart topping hits including Don’t Forget Me and Someday and is responsible for a catalogue of multi-platinum hits, Grammy Award Nominations and multiple Juno Awards.

Storytellers - Alan Frew

Toronto born producer, songwriter and philanthropist, Bob Ezrin, joins host Paul McGuire to share stories of his career in the music industry.  Bob’s work is some of the most artistically influential of the modern era including The Wall by Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss and Peter Gabriel (to name but a few).  Bob is also a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. 

Toronto born producer, songwriter and philanthropist, Bob Ezrin, joins host Paul McGuire to share stories of his career in the music industry.  Bob’s work is some of the most artistically influential of the modern era including The Wall by Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss and Peter Gabriel (to name but a few).  Bob is also a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Storytellers - Bob Ezrin (Part 2)

Storytellers by 97 South Song Sessions features well-known media host, Paul McGuire, in conversations with top songwriters about the creation of their hit songs and the art, craft and career of songwriting. This year’s guests include Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams), Kim Mitchell, Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow), Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Marc Jordan (Rod Stewart) and Corb Lund.
 
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Storytellers by 97 South Song Sessions

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