Artist Profiles: Simon Ellis

“The Nord Lead 2 is my favorite keyboard in my rig...I use the Nord stage in my studio and I really, really love it!” - Simon Ellis, producer, keyboardist, and musical director Britney Spears

Gear: Nord Lead 2x

Bio:
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. Currently he is the musical director for Britney Spears' 2009 Circus world tour.

He began his music career as a member of the band Ellis Beggs and Howard, which led him to being the musical director of various bands in the United Kingdom and world tours such as Belinda Carlisle, D:Ream, East 17, Jamelia and the Spice Girls. Simon began songwriting in 1999 and his first hit was the S Club 7 song "Two In A Million". He continued to have success with S Club 7 and was nominated for an Ivor Novello award for best song for "Never Had A Dream Come True". He also wrote the UK No. 1 smash hit "Don't Stop Moving". The song went on to win a BRIT Award for Best Song and ITV Record of the Year 2001. 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 others.

Simon plays the Nord Lead 2x on the Britney Spears Tour 2009. The analog emulated sounds are perfect for that Britney Spears pop sound!