Storytellers by 97 South Song Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.