London, UK. (Top40 Charts/
Aaron Short) -
Simon Ellis is widely regarded in the music industry as the best tour musical director in the UK and one of the most creative in the world. His work on the 2008
Spice Girls world tour was described as 'Genius' by
Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol and Pop Idol who was the musical director for the Spice Girl's reunion tour last year and is now the musical director for Britney Spear's current world tour.
Ellis penned UK No. 1 smash hits 'Don't stop Moving' and 'Never Had A Dream Come True' for S Club 7 for which he earned a Brit and Ivor Novello award.
Simon has written and produced songs for many top artists including John Farnham, Randy Crawford, Emma Bunton, Steps, Hearsay, D Side, Javine, Maria Lawson, S Club 7 and now he's turned his attention to 18 year old Leigh on Sea songstress, Sheila Lord.
After their first songwriting session which produced the super catchy track 'Shoulda Known Better', Ellis said he was 'very impressed' and described Sheila as an, 'extremely talented young writer.'
Sheila described the experience in her recent Channel 4 blog. 'I was very nervous - Simon Ellis is a serious and very well respected musician in the industry. I couldn't believe he wanted to work with ME! The songwriting sessions have taught me so much about song structure and the art form of constructing a viable, sellable song. At first I was worried that being commercial meant selling out but working with Simon has really taught me that a marketable song can still have artistic integrity and authenticity. He was an amazing man and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to write with him.'
Bullet Bar Wednesday Showcase - 4th February 2009, 7.30pm - featuring Sheila and the Shy; Fynan; Dirty Chimes; Lights Go Blue
Presented by Aaron Short
147 Kentish Town Road
Camden NW1 8PB