Today we're excited to throw it back to Episode 62 of the Rock Your Voice podcast from Rockit Vocal Studios, hosted by Emma Harding, featuring her captivating conversation with Robert Ott. This special rebroadcast celebrates the upcoming 97 South Song Sessions: Hits With Heart event happening on April 12th at the stunning O'Rourke Family Estate in Lake Country, BC. This year's intimate, Bluebird Cafe-style event showcases acclaimed songwriters and performers:

• Kim Mitchell ("Patio Lanterns," "Go For Soda")
• Marc Jordan ("Rhythm of My Heart" – Rod Stewart)
• Lee Thomas Miller ("Whiskey and You" – Chris Stapleton)
• Wendell Mobley ("How Forever Feels" – Kenny Chesney)

In this fascinating episode, Robert Ott, co-founder of 97 South Song Sessions and Founder, former CEO & Chairman of ole, one of the world's leading independent music companies, shares his deep insights and personal journey within the music industry. From the intricacies of music publishing to how a passion for songs can resonate globally, Robert offers invaluable perspective into the world behind the hits.

Founded by Robert and his wife Robin Ott, the 97 South Song Sessions beautifully combine storytelling, songwriting, and philanthropy in the picturesque, internationally renowned wine region of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Attendees experience anevening where hit songwriters perform their iconic songs in-the-round, sharing intimate tales of the creative journey behind their music.

Don't miss this unique musical experience on April 12th, 2025, at the O'Rourke Family Estate, supporting MusiCounts, Canada's national music education charity. Limited tickets available now! https://97southsongsessions.com/

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guitar virtuoso and Hall of Famer, Rik Emmett, joins host Paul McGuire, sharing stories of his journey in the music industry. Principle songwriter, vocalist and guitarist for the iconic rock group, Triumph, Rik contributed to the groups impressive legacy of songs and gold and platinum album recordings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi award-winning Canadian country artist, Paul Brandt, joins host Paul McGuire, to discuss his career in the industry.  Calgary native, Paul Brandt, is the most awarded male country artist in history.  His 1996 debut album, Calm Before the Storm, sold over 1 million copies internationally, propelled by US wedding-classic ‘I Do’ and #5 hit ‘My Heart Has a History’.  Paul was one of the few Canadian artists to crack the US Billboard Top 20 and is a CCM Hall of Fame Inductee and recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning songwriter and recording artist, Marc Jordan, joins host, Paul McGuire to share stories of his journey in the industry.  Marc has written many memorable songs for artists as diverse as Diana Ross, Chicago, Joe Cocker, Josh Groban and wrote the #1 hit, Rhythm of my Heart by Rod Stewart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 9 critically acclaimed albums to his credit, Albertan, Corb Lund joins host Paul McGuire sharing the stories of his career in the industry.  Corb has been delivering his singular brand of storytelling that brings together cowboy poetry, rockabilly and county to eclectic audiences around the world with his band The Hurtin’ Albertans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy award-winning, Country Music Hall of Famer, Tim Nichols, joins host Paul McGuire for a conversation about his career as a songwriter in the industry. Tim has written numerous #1 hits for Terri Clark, Jo Dee Messina, Alan Jackson and changed Tim McGraw’s career with his iconic song Live Like You Were Dying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awarded songwriter, musician and producer, Jeff Trott, joins host Paul McGuire, for a discussion about his career in the industry.  Jeff is a long-time collaborator of Sheryl Crow and has penned hits such as Everyday is a Winding Road, Soak Up The Sun and My Favourite Mistake. He has also toured with hit bands including Tears for Fears and World Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Member of the Order of Canada and one of the worlds most successful songwriters, Jim Vallance, joins host Paul McGuire, as he shares the stories of his artistic career writing for global stars including Bryan Adams (Summer of 69, Heaven and Cuts Like a Knife), Heart,  Aerosmith and many more.  Jim’s accolades, too numerous to mention, describe the highest level of artistic and commercial achievement and will culminate this Fall in his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Member of the Order of Canada and one of the worlds most successful songwriters, Jim Vallance, joins host Paul McGuire, as he shares the stories of his artistic career writing for global stars including Bryan Adams (Summer of 69, Heaven and Cuts Like a Knife), Heart,  Aerosmith and many more.  Jim’s accolades, too numerous to mention, describe the highest level of artistic and commercial achievement and will culminate this Fall in his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.