Tuesday 11 August 2020
Support for Zoe
Rangers ride winning wave
Page 5
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The sound of music Paula Hulburt Editor
paula@marlboroughmedia.co.nz
From Cyndi Lauper to Sarah McLachlan, he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music. Former Sony Music executive, New Zealand Idol and NZ Got Talent judge Paul Ellis is back home in Marlborough. And he has his sights set on bringing more top music talent to the township of Linkwater - with two summer special concerts. While Paul says he can’t divulge any artist names yet, he can reveal one of the acts has had four number 1 albums. “It’s all under contract,” he says. Swapping the big city of Auckland for the small rural township, the former Queen Charlotte Sounds man is excited to be back, organising the Summer Sounds gigs. Supporting long-time friends and Queen Charlotte Tavern owners Mary-Ann Surridge and Jane Tito, Paul has been hitting up his music contacts. He’s also on the lookout for some local music talent to support on the day. “I have been away from Marlborough on and off for a long period, but I am keen to hear of any top of the south acts, let me know,” he says.
“...I am keen to hear of any top of the south acts, let me know.” Former Sony Music Executive Paul Ellis has returned to Marlborough to set the stage for an annual music festival. Photo: Paula Hulburt. Paul’s signings include Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn, Shona Laing and The Strawpeople. “The location lends itself to a great place to enjoy a day of music. “There’s tons of off-street parking and the opportunity to camp overnight. “It’s not too big, it’s intimate and you have the incredible vista of the sounds hills as a backdrop,”
locally owned and operated
he says. Kicking off on Saturday 19 December, the first festival which will herald a mixture of New Zealand music royalty – with names to be revealed soon. On 16 January 2021, the debut South Island performance of one of the hottest and exciting acts to emerge in NZ in the last 18 months will take to the stage, Paul says.
“As well as the music there will food and beverage stalls. If you want to camp overnight, it’s included in the ticket price.” As Vice President of A&R for Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Paul runs his own PR and music consultancy firm and last year bought OpShop Lead Singer Jason Kerrison to Linkwater. “I want people to be able to relax, have fun and enjoy this beautiful
slice of paradise,” Paul says. Tickets for the R18 events are $55 plus booking fee on Eventfinda. co.nz “It was important that the tickets weren’t too expensive, we want this to be within reach,” Paul says. Email Paul Ellis at paulbrianellis@gmail.com if you know of any local music talent. Tickets on sale today. Go to Eventfinda.co.nz
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